Wise Up
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Wise Up
1. Real Wisdom Works
James asks, "Who is wise and understanding among you?" Many of us might raise our hands quickly, assuming we are wise. But true wisdom isn't simply knowing the right things; it's applying that knowledge in daily life. Wisdom is knowledge applied.
Scripture teaches us that wisdom begins with reverence for God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we recognize God's authority and humble ourselves before Him, we are in a position to receive true wisdom.
Another foundation is salvation through Christ. When we place our trust in Him, He becomes our wisdom. Without this connection, we cannot access the source of true wisdom.
Scripture itself is a gift of wisdom from God. When we let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, we grow in wisdom. Neglecting Scripture is like claiming we have all the wisdom we need.
Prayer is yet another pathway. When we align our hearts with God through prayer, He generously gives wisdom without reproach.
James makes it clear: wisdom must be shown by good conduct, in the meekness of wisdom. We may know verses about patience or self-control, but if we don't live them out, we lack true wisdom. Real wisdom works—it acts, it serves, it lives out God's truth.
2. False Wisdom Destroys
James warns against false wisdom rooted in bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. This type of wisdom might seem clever or successful by the world’s standards, but it is Earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic.
False wisdom focuses on self and seeks to elevate personal desires above God’s ways. It promotes a life driven by immediate desires rather than eternal purposes. Instead of humility and service, it fosters arrogance and division.
When jealousy and selfish ambition are present, disorder and every vile practice follow. This is because man's wisdom is self-centered and temporary. It may feel good in the moment, but it leads to destruction.
True self-examination is needed to discern whether we are following God’s wisdom or false wisdom. Often, others can see more clearly than we can. Trusted, godly friends can help us identify where we need to change and grow.
3. Godly Wisdom Produces
James contrasts false wisdom with the wisdom from above. This Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.
Such wisdom stands out in our world. When we live out these attributes, they serve as bright lights in the darkness. They capture attention and invite others to consider the source of our peace and righteousness.
In a world filled with harsh rhetoric and divisiveness, responding with peace and gentleness diffuses hostility and opens the door for real change. Godly wisdom creates an environment where truth can be heard and lives can be transformed.
Godly wisdom is not about winning arguments or asserting superiority. It is about producing a harvest of righteousness sown in peace by those who make peace.
We are called to measure our lives not by cultural standards but by God’s Word. Living by Heavenly principles is the only path to true wisdom. As we apply Godly wisdom, we will see its impact not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.
May we be people who live in such a way that our wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere, bringing honor and glory to God.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: Wise Up
Date: Nov 3, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 3:13–18
Psalm 111:10
1 Corinthians 1:30
Colossians 3:16
James 1:5
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