The Epistle of James
Practical Christian Living
James 3:13-18
Christ Baptist Church
Fall 2014
© 2009 IBM Corporation
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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?
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The Epistle of James 3:13-18
Wisdom that Matters
James 3:13-18
1. According to Dr. Wiersbe, in what 3 aspects does
James contrast true wisdom and false wisdom?
2. What are some of the biblical examples of the
folly of man’s wisdom?
3. What is the difference between the world’s
knowledge and the world’s wisdom?
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The Epistle of James 3:13-18
Wisdom that Matters
4. 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
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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?
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The Epistle of James 3:13-18
Wisdom that Matters
8. 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?
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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?
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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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