Friday, January 10, 2014

Discerning True Wisdom (part 4)

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  James 3:15-18

We need to be able to discern between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom so that we follow the right people and learn the right principles.  It is God’s will that every person here become wise according to His standards.  How can we discern godly wisdom and distinguish it from the counterfeit?
1.    Lifestyle   2.Motives   Origin:

4.    Fruit:
The results of wisdom in operation will also tell us its nature.  James identifies the fruit of ungodly wisdom in verse 15 as confusion and every evil thing.  God is not the author of confusion. Contention and harsh feelings and all those things are a strong indication that somebody is operating in the wrong spirit and is probably motivated by some pride or selfishness or even bitterness. 

Hebrews 12:14 -15 says, Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.  Bitterness has a tendency to spread if it is not dealt with.  We usually know when we’re speaking out of past hurts; when we’re being defensive; when we’re manipulating or attacking.  The deception comes if we justify it rather than confess it and turn from it.

The fruit of godly wisdom is peace and righteousness. James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  There is a powerful connection in the Bible between peace and righteousness. Isaiah 32:16 promises, The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.  When we’re living right with God we feel the confidence to trust Him to defend us when we’re opposed by others.  We do not rise up in our own defense because we know God will take care of it.  The Lord may have us answer the accusation.  But we won’t be doing it out of fear or anger but simply out of obedience and dependence upon Him.
James 3:18 out of The Message reads, You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy the results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.  That’s what God wants for every church—a community of believers who treat each other with dignity and honor—a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and each other.

How do we get this godly wisdom James is talking about in our text?  We get it by asking God to give it to us and pursuing it with a life-long diligence.  Remember James 1:5-6  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting....”  God is faithful to answer that kind of prayer.  When you’re on the job or when your family has a problem, ask God to give you a solution. You have not because you ask not.

Scripture to Claim:

I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.  Proverbs 4:11-13

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