James: Hands-On Christianity….

James 3:13,17-18

For divine wisdom to take root in our lives, something very unnatural to our hearts

must be piped in by faith – the living water of the Savior.

(John 7:38)

We learned that the testsof true wisdom are….

“good life” (behavior)

“humility” (gentleness)

“Good life” (behavior)means “CHANGE” –

“an inner willingnessto obey God’s Word.”

“Humility”(gentleness) refers to

strength under control… seen in a

high-spirited horse that has

been well trained.

When these 2 divinelyencoded “seeds”

– “good life” (behavior) & “humility” (gentleness) –are sown, they produce a totally unnatural, even supernatural crop.

James 3:17….

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all

pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive,full of mercy and good

fruit, impartial and sincere.”

[TNIV]

“But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure ….”

[TNIV]

James 3:17a….

The word “first” not onlymeans first in a list, but also

first in importance.

“freedom from defilement, without contamination,

clean.”

The primary harvestof divine wisdom is

“purity”means

It suggests not onlymoral cleanliness,

but alsopurity of motive.

1 Peter 3:1-2 …. “1 Wives, in the same way

submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of

them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their

wives, 2 when they see the purity

and reverence of your lives.” [TNIV]

clears our vision to see Him at work in everything we do.

“…. thenpeace-loving

….” [TNIV]

James 3:17b….

Clearly, we are prone by nature to quarrel. But wisdom from

above fills our hearts,a peaceable nature

blossoms, one that helps heal relationships rather than tear

them apart.

“…. considerate ….” [TNIV]

James 3:17c….

Greek term for “consideration” here is “epieikes.”

William Barclay captured the meaning best when he said….

“The man who is epieikes isthe man who knows when it

is actually wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. He

knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him a ….

…. perfect right to condemn. He knows how to make allowances, when not to

stand upon his rights, how to temper justice with mercy,

always remembers that there are greater things in the

world than rules and regulations ….

…. Matthew Arnold called it ‘sweet reasonableness’

and it is the ability toextend to others the

kindly consideration we would wish to receive

ourselves.”

“…. submissive

….” [TNIV]

James 3:17d….

is written for those in places of authority over others.

… for those who areunder

someone’s authority.

means “easily persuaded.”

the opposite ofbeing stubbornand obstinate.

Genesis 13:2, 5-6….

“2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in

silver and gold…. 5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and

herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they

stayed ….

…. together, for their possessions were so greatthat they were not able to

stay together.” [TNIV]

Genesis 13:8-9….

“8 So Abram said to Lot,‘Let's not have any quarreling

between you and me, or between your herders and

mine, for we are close relatives. 9 Is not the whole

landbefore you? ….

…. Let's part company.If you go to the left, I'll go to

the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left.’ ”

[TNIV]

“…. full of mercy and good

fruit ….” [TNIV]

James 3:17e….

The natural wisdom we inherited from our flesh

infuses us with cynicism and harshness, especially toward

the sufferings of others.

The wisdom that comes down from above, however,

reacts to suffering with “mercy” and “good fruits.”

“Mercy” is a compassionate attitude.

“Good fruits” are actions that naturally flow from mercy.

In the New Testament, the word “mercy” is used to

describe the attitudea believer should have

toward those who sufferdue to problems they have

caused themselves.

William Barclay wrote….

“We can never say that we have truly pitied

anyone until we have helped him.”

“…. impartial ….” [TNIV]

James 3:17f….

The original term for“impartial” (unwavering) means“a person of fixed principles.”

“Impartial” (unwavering)believers faithfully adhere to the

principles in God’s Wordregardless of the circumstances.

Decisive… one who is not afraid to make decisions

based on Scripture.

“…. and sincere….”

[TNIV]

James 3:17g….

“without hypocrisy”

(Greek hupokrites) The word “hypocrite” means anyone who wears masks –

who pretends to besomeone he or she is not.

James 3:18….

“And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make

peace.” [TNIV]

“being rightly relatedto one another.”

It is not a vertical peace between God and man;it is a horizontal peacebetween human beings.

Therefore, those who disturb this “peace”

between themselvesand others will

not enjoy a righteous lifestyle before God.

Those who maintain peaceful relationships without violating God’s

standards are producing the fruit of

righteousness.

“Lord, make me aninstrument of Your peace!Where there is hatred,let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;Where there is doubt, faith;Where there is despair, hope;Where there is darkness, light;Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant thatI may not so much seekTo be consoled, as to console;To be understood,as to understand;To be loved as to love.

For it is in givingthat we receive;It is in pardoningthat we are pardoned;It is in dying thatwe are born to eternal life.