James 3:13-18, Heavenly Wisdom vs. Earthly Wisdom - Outline & Audio

Biblical references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible. Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James version of the Bible.

James 3:13-18

Introduction.

1. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom - Proverbs 3:13-18; 4:7-9

2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom - Ephesians 5:15-17

3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom.

Body.

I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR ORIGIN:

A. Earthly wisdom is not from above... (15)

1. It is earthly.

a. Worldly.

b. Wisdom that is according to the world’s standards.

c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God - 1 Corinthians 1:20

2. It is sensual.

a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions.

b. Wisdom according to what feels right (but that doesn’t make it right).

3. It is demonic.

a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels.

b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!

B. Heavenly wisdom is from above... (17)

1. It comes from God - James 1:17

2. It comes via prayer - James 1:5-8

II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR NATURE:

A. Earthly wisdom... (14-16)

1. Full of bitter envy.

2. Possessing self-seeking in the heart.

3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as:

a. Power.

b. Position.

c. Privilege.

d. Prestige.

4. It was this kind of wisdom...

a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God.

b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom.

B. Heavenly wisdom... (17)

1. It is first pure.

a. Above all else, it is true to God’s Will.

b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace.

2. Then it is peaceable.

a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace - Romans 12:18

b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love - Ephesians 4:15

3. Gentle.

a. That is, kind in one’s dealings with others.

b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ - 2 Timothy 2:24-25

4. Willing to yield.

a. Not in matters of truth.

b. But in matters of opinion - Romans 14:1

c. In matters of liberty - Romans 14:19-21

5. Full of mercy.

a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others.

b. Wisely understanding one’s own need of mercy - James 2:13

6. Producing good fruits.

a. Notice vs. 13, where it says we are to show by our conduct our true wisdom and understanding.

b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a hearer to being a doer - James 1:22

c. Understanding that “faith without works is dead” - James 2:26

7. Without partiality.

a. Showing no respect of persons - James 2:1-13

b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis.

8. Without hypocrisy.

a. Indicating that all of the above is not an “act”, a “show”.

b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man.

III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR FRUITS:

A. Earthly wisdom... (16)

1. Causes confusion.

2. And every evil thing.

3. Makes you wonder what kind of wisdom...

a. Is behind denominationalism.

b. Is often manifested in some congregational meetings.

B. Heavenly wisdom... (18)

1. Produces peace, instead of confusion.

2. Bears the fruit of righteousness, instead of every evil thing.

Conclusion.

1. Certainly when we compare their origin, nature, and fruits, the wisdom to be preferred is heavenly.

2. What kind of wisdom do we have...?

a. Those who have earthly wisdom boast of theirs - James 3:14

b. Those who have heavenly wisdom show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness - James 3:13

3. What kind of wisdom do we want...?

a. If earthly, then no effort is necessary.

1) Just do what the world tells you.

2) Just do what feels right.

b. But if heavenly, then we must be diligent.

1) To seek such wisdom from God.

2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct.

4. What kind of wisdom do you have in regards to the gospel of Christ...?

a. Earthly wisdom makes no response to the gospel, or if any, only that which is convenient.

b. Heavenly wisdom receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently - Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38

5. Have you demonstrated heavenly wisdom?

Don Treadway, 05/16/2004

New Site at TheGJCOC.com!

James 3:13-18

Introduction.

1. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom - Proverbs 3:13-18; 4:7-9

2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom - Ephesians 5:15-17

3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom.

Body.

I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR ORIGIN:

A. Earthly wisdom is not from above... (15)

1. It is earthly.

a. Worldly.

b. Wisdom that is according to the world’s standards.

c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God - 1 Corinthians 1:20

2. It is sensual.

a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions.

b. Wisdom according to what feels right (but that doesn’t make it right).

3. It is demonic.

a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels.

b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!

B. Heavenly wisdom is from above... (17)

1. It comes from God - James 1:17

2. It comes via prayer - James 1:5-8

II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR NATURE:

A. Earthly wisdom... (14-16)

1. Full of bitter envy.

2. Possessing self-seeking in the heart.

3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as:

a. Power.

b. Position.

c. Privilege.

d. Prestige.

4. It was this kind of wisdom...

a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God.

b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom.

B. Heavenly wisdom... (17)

1. It is first pure.

a. Above all else, it is true to God’s Will.

b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace.

2. Then it is peaceable.

a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace - Romans 12:18

b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love - Ephesians 4:15

3. Gentle.

a. That is, kind in one’s dealings with others.

b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ - 2 Timothy 2:24-25

4. Willing to yield.

a. Not in matters of truth.

b. But in matters of opinion - Romans 14:1

c. In matters of liberty - Romans 14:19-21

5. Full of mercy.

a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others.

b. Wisely understanding one’s own need of mercy - James 2:13

6. Producing good fruits.

a. Notice vs. 13, where it says we are to show by our conduct our true wisdom and understanding.

b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a hearer to being a doer - James 1:22

c. Understanding that “faith without works is dead” - James 2:26

7. Without partiality.

a. Showing no respect of persons - James 2:1-13

b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis.

8. Without hypocrisy.

a. Indicating that all of the above is not an “act”, a “show”.

b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man.

III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR FRUITS:

A. Earthly wisdom... (16)

1. Causes confusion.

2. And every evil thing.

3. Makes you wonder what kind of wisdom...

a. Is behind denominationalism.

b. Is often manifested in some congregational meetings.

B. Heavenly wisdom... (18)

1. Produces peace, instead of confusion.

2. Bears the fruit of righteousness, instead of every evil thing.

Conclusion.

1. Certainly when we compare their origin, nature, and fruits, the wisdom to be preferred is heavenly.

2. What kind of wisdom do we have...?

a. Those who have earthly wisdom boast of theirs - James 3:14

b. Those who have heavenly wisdom show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness - James 3:13

3. What kind of wisdom do we want...?

a. If earthly, then no effort is necessary.

1) Just do what the world tells you.

2) Just do what feels right.