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The Epistle of James Practical Christian Living. James 3:13-18. Christ Baptist Church Fall 2014. The Epistle of James 3:13-18. Wisdom that Matters. Review – James 3:1-12 The tongue is the focal point and indicator of man’s sinful heart
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The Epistle of JamesPractical Christian Living James 3:13-18 Christ Baptist Church Fall 2014
The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters Review – James 3:1-12 • The tongue is the focal point and indicator of man’s sinful heart • Under God’s Spirit, the tongue can be a fountain of truth • Who is the wisest person you know? • What do you see in that person’s life that shows wisdom? • What, in your opinion, is the secret to gaining wisdom?
The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters James 3:13-18 • According to Dr. Wiersbe, in what 3 aspects does James contrast true wisdom and false wisdom? • What are some of the biblical examples of the folly of man’s wisdom? • What is the difference between the world’s knowledge and the world’s wisdom?
The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters • How can you tell when God is at work? • James 3:17 • James 1:17 • Phil 3:20 • Matt 6:9 • Matt 6:19 • John 14:1-4 • John 3:1-7 • Col 3:1-4 • “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then • peaceable, gentle, open to reason, • full of mercy • good fruits, • impartial & • sincere.” • “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” • “But our citizenship is in heaven” • “Our Father in heaven,” • “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth” • Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you” • “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ” • “Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Be Mature p 114, Dr. Wiersbe
The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters 5. What are the evidences of false wisdom and true wisdom? False Wisdom • Envy, strife, boasting, deceit (WW) • Bitterness, jealousy, selfish ambition (v14) • Boasting, telling false truth (v14) • Earthly, unspiritual &demonic (v 15) • Disorder and vile practice (v16) True Wisdom • Meekness (v13) • Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (v17) • Harvest of righteousness sown in peace (v18) 6. Personal Question: Which of the evidences of: a)worldly wisdom would you like to see less of in your life? b)True Wisdom - more of in your life?
The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters • What results does worldly wisdom produce? • What does godly wisdom produce? 9. What is the most important way to measure which wisdom is prevailing in ourselves, our ministries and our churches? • What does vs 13 tell us about how to know who is wise? 10. In what way is the Christian life a life of sowing and reaping?
The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters Going Deeper • Proverbs 2:1-7 -- List all the synonyms used for wisdom. What do these terms reveal about the nature of wisdom? • What is the source of true wisdom? How do we get it? • Colossians 2:2-3 – What does this passage say about Christ and wisdom?
The Epistle of James 2:14- 18 Taming the Tongue Challenges: • Take time to reflect. To what degree does the world’s wisdom hold sway over your thoughts, opinions and values? Why? • What are some ways you, as a Christian, can acquire God’s wisdom? Try to list 10 and circle the ones you regularly practice. • Put a check mark by the activities that need to become part of your daily experience.
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