Hello Friends!
Welcome back to our Monday morning Daily Devotions
summer series titled
“The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!”
The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!
This
week we will continue our reading of verses
13-18 in completion of chapter 3 as we consider Two
Wisdoms…
As
we examine this next powerful section of James' wonderful epistle, he continues
outlining a series of tests
proving true “faith” in Jesus
Christ. Here we'll be considering the concept of the “two wisdoms” available. One is heavenly
the other is earthly. One is godly
the other is demonic. One is true the
other is false. One is good and the
other is evil – A very
important distinction!
When
considering this very important portion of Scripture, we
will learn that what James is saying through the New Testament is exactly
what the Old Testament has already said! Wisdom
is divided into two kinds… One represents the “wisdom” of man and
the other represents the “wisdom”
of God. In other words, this subject matter is not
a foreign concept throughout the Biblical narrative – Words of Wisdom!
Two Wisdoms: Which One?
Many
people might claim they possess “wisdom”
but the question to ask and discern is this: Is it the “wisdom” of men or the
“wisdom” of God?
Again, there is a distinctive difference! Therefore, James
begins this portion of his excellent epistle by asking a simple question in
calling true “believers” to a
solemn self-examination and then follows it up with an
equally simple answer of action:
Who is
wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works
are done in the meekness of wisdom – James
3:13
If
we claim to be “wise”
among the “brethren” and our “wisdom” is indeed from the Lord, the
burden of proof is with us to verify
that we possess His “wise”
attributes. How do we
verify this? James says it is “shown”
by our “works” done in “meekness” and by the “wisdom” of God expressed through
our lives. In other words, it is “him”
who proves this “wisdom” from
God to be true by another test of his “good conduct” through specific “works” performed with an attitude
of “meekness”
– For God’s glory!
THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: It is interesting to
note that this is the only time in the entire New
Testament where the two words “wise”
and “understanding”
appear together. The word "understanding" in the Greek refers to
a specialist or a highly skilled professional. The word for
"wisdom" in the
Greek refers to speculative knowledge, theory or philosophy.
However, the Hebrew infuses "wisdom"
with a much deeper meaning with the ability to apply
our “knowledge” to the matter
of “living” out life.
Therefore, in the Greek culture
"wisdom" was sheer speculation
and in the Hebrew culture "wisdom" was a matter of practical
living. The simple distinction here is that “understanding” relates to the knowledge
of life principles whereas “wisdom”
relates to the application of those life principles. In
other words, we can't really be “wise”
if we don't “understand” and
we can't really “understand”
if we’re not “wise” – Makes perfect sense!
False Wisdom
First,
James continues by analyzing the false worldly “wisdom” that is not of
God, has no “obedience” to
God and has no true “knowledge”
from God. And James now goes on to “teach” us several points concerning this wicked
“wisdom” that is from below:
But if
you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie
against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly,
sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every
evil thing are there – James
3:14-16
Here
we're introduced to the man-centered motivation for all false
human “wisdom” of which is
found within the “heart” of “sinful” and “fallen” man-kind. There are two
attributes that motivate this human “wisdom”
of which are “bitter envy” and
“self-seeking” ambition. And
these “fleshly” attributes
manifest attitudes of which “boasts” and “lies”
against the “truth” of God and
His Word. James goes on to say that this “wisdom”
is “earthly,”
“sensual,”
and “demonic”
in nature – From Satan himself!
This
is similar to what the Apostle Paul said in writing to the young pastor Timothy
in describing the “false teachers”
of whom were teaching “doctrines of demons”
generated by the “seducing spirits”
of Satan’s invention:
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1
In
other words, this wicked “wisdom”
is not of true “faith” but is
from – The pit of hell!
The
dilemma of “unbelievers” who think
themselves to be “wise” is
that the reality is they are actually fools!
The worldly, finite system of “unregenerate”
men are “living” in stark “confusion”
filled chaos and do not know God. They are demanding a
humanistic “wisdom” along with
every “evil thing”
and nothing else. Everything they seek to accomplish is
limited to the corruption of “fallen”
man's “fleshly” and sinister
system of thought. It pervades their “worldly”
philosophy, education and every other dimension of his life – Everything is evil foolishness!
True Wisdom
Conversely,
James describes for “us” the true
godly “wisdom” from heaven of
which is “imputed” to the true
“believer” in ever-increasing
measure as they “grow up” in
the “sanctifying” power of the
Holy Spirit, baring much “good fruit”
for God:
But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to
yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace – James 3:17-18
This
“wisdom” is first “pure” and implies a sincere, moral
spiritual “character” that is
free from bitter jealousy, selfish ambition and arrogant self-promotion. This “wisdom” is also “peaceable,” very “gentle,” and is “willing to yield” in all humility.
It is also “full” of much “mercy” and many godly “good fruits” of which does not show
personal “partiality”
or “hypocrisy”
of a self-serving fake or phony nature. True “righteousness”
is equated with God’s “wisdom”
because it is “sown”
in “peace”
that produces a “righteous”
life. As we sow the “fruit
of righteousness” it produces even more “righteousness” in our lives. Therefore,
James says this kind of “believer”
has a “pure heart” and motives
with a deep desire to “obey”
God's “will,” to “serve” God and to “love” God with his life. This is the
Biblical law of – Sowing and Reaping!
In
fact, many of these Holy Spirit inspired “fruits”
can also be found in the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the “brethren” throughout the region of
Galatia:
But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law – Galatians
5:22-23
By
the way, that's also the condition of a true “believer”
as indicated in the Beatitudes
taught by James’ big brother Jesus Christ:
Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God – Matthew 5:8
The
word "see" here
means to “understand” more
fully. In other words, it is the “pure”
hearted who really “understand”
God! To “understand” God more
and more is true “wisdom”
and those who have it in an increasing measure are those “believers” who possess a “pure heart”
for the Lord. This “wisdom”
from God does not create confusion, disorder or
self-promotion. It is “peace”
loving and will never attempt to compromise
God’s “truth” but makes “peace” with Him! Therefore, James is
building on our familiarity with Jesus’ very own – Sermon on the Mount!
REAL REFLECTIONS: We know that “wisdom” began for the true “believer” at the point when one was
ushered into a personal relationship with God by His
reverential “salvation”
through “faith” in Jesus
Christ alone. In fact, it is of Him through Whom our true “wisdom” is found, as He is the embodiment
of all these wonderful characteristics! And when He takes up residence in our “lives” through the Holy Spirit, His nature
becomes yours and mine in an increasing
and “sanctifying” measure. And
although it is a test of a
“believer” to manifest the “wisdom” of God, none of
us will arrive to the fullest possible capacity this side of Heaven – We are a work of God in progress!
In closing:
According
to philosophers throughout the centuries, “wisdom”
is that for which man should most singly strive for in life. In fact, Cicero
in 52 B.C. had this to say concerning “wisdom”:
"Wisdom is the best gift of the
gods, it is the mother of all good things. The best and that which generates
all of the best."
That
sums up what most “unbelieving”
philosophers throughout the ages have felt about “wisdom” itself. Why? Because if one had
true “wisdom” he could get
just about anything else – The
chief pursuit of sinful man!
Summarizing the Scriptures: Among many places
throughout the five books of “wisdom”
literature found in the Bible (Job, Psalms, Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon) we find similar promises
pertaining to the “acquiring’
of “wisdom” and “understanding” such as this one example:
Acquire wisdom and with all
your acquiring get understanding – Proverbs 4:7
And
let’s not forget the story of the wisest man in the world Solomon found in the Old Testament book of 1 Kings when the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and inquired:
“Ask!
What shall I give you?” – 1 Kings 3:5b
Solomon’s answer pleased the Lord! Here is God’s response pertaining to Solomon’s
answer and great plea for the true “wisdom” of which is only
from “heaven” above:
The
speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to
him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for
yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your
enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold,
I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and
understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor
shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not
asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among
the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My
commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” – 1 Kings
3:10-14
This is God’s great grace! Whether approaching
“wisdom” from the viewpoint of
a philosopher or the viewpoint of a writer of Scripture. A premium
is set on the acquisition of “wisdom”
of sorts… Beloved, “we” too as
“believers” can have God’s
“wisdom” in our lives today! How?
We must sincerely and unselfishly inquire
of “God” – Ask, seek and knock!
QUIZZING QUESTIONS: Do you have the “wisdom” of God? The answer is found in the
“character” of your life by
the specific “deeds” you do
with a godly “attitude” to match.
God's “wisdom” identifies
those “believers” who belong
to Jesus Christ – Is your life one of worldly
wisdom or Divine wisdom?
Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued study of The
Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!…
May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect
love, mercy and grace!
Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah
and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!
Blessings!
Shane <><
