The Wisdom Test

Sermon Scripture:  James 3:13-18

1.  Wisdom Defined:

• Gift of God to those who fear Him and humble themselves! Pro 1:7  
• Gift received through prayer. Jas 1:5
• Result of the experience we have In Christ. Col 2:2-3
• Restraint and action based In Christ not in legalistic adherence to the rules of men.  Col 2:21-23

2.  The proof is in the pudding! Verse 13

• Wisdom and Understanding may start in the heart and mind but they are not known until they are expressed through the hands and feet!
• Wisdom and Understanding are shown through the “good life”
• Work that proceeds from gentle meekness of wisdom!
• The Royal Law, law that gives freedom

3.  False Wisdom: verses 14-16

• Not from above: Not from Christ
• Comes from earth: Proceeds from human desire! It is animal and unspiritual. The principal of animal life, which men have in common with the brutes
• Characterized by
• Bitter jealousy 
• Selfish ambition
• Boasting 
• Denial of the truth
• Produces a wild and wooly world of the ungoverned will!
• instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion:
• All kinds of evil

4.  True Wisdom: verses 17-18

• Comes from above: From Christ
• Characterized by
• Purity
• Peace
• considerate 
• submissive 
• full of mercy 
• full of good fruit: Galatians 5:22-23
• impartial 
• sincere    
• Peacemakers: Sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

SO WHAT?

• Evaluate your condition through the lenses of Scripture and your life experience.
• Decide to employ your hands and feet in your faith!
• Fall in love with Christ instead of just learning about religious things!
• Ask God for wisdom with humility.