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Introduction
READ James 3:13-18
Let me begin this lesson with a question: What is the cause of our conflicts with other people?
One of the many reasons why some members of the church leave the church is due to conflicts.
It could be conflicts with other Christians or conflicts with the church leaders and pastors.
Conflicts usually arise because of severe disagreements on the interpretation of the Bible, the structure of the church leadership, or the sins committed by other Christians.
Unfortunately, many Christian churches and homes are sometimes marked by conflicts.
I am sure that all of us want to have a harmonious relationships.
Perhaps at this moment, you may have a conflict with your parents, friends at school, siblings, church leaders or Christians in general.
So, what is really the cause of conflicts?
is probably a good illustration.
For those of you who do not know the story of Genesis, we are told that Jacob had two wives: Leah and Rachel.
Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac.
In the context of the passage, Rachel and Leah were sisters.
Leah would be the older sister.
Jacob wanted to marry Rachel because she was beautiful and attractive, but Jacob got tricked into marrying Leah because it was the custom for the eldest daughter to be married first.
Subsequently, Jacob married Rachel, and he loved Rachel more than Leah.
Rachel was unfortunately barren and she could not conceive a child.
Leah on the other hand was able to have children.
Genesis 30:1-
Notice the cause of this conflict.
Rachel ENVIED her sister.
She did not have what her sister has and gets to enjoy.
She desired the same possession, but she cannot.
So, Rachel and Jacob were having a marital strife.
Notice the cause of this marital strife.
Rachel ENVIED her sister.
She did not have what her sister has and gets to enjoy.
She desired the same possession, but she cannot.
So, Rachel and Jacob were in conflict, and Rachel plans other schemes
Perhaps at this moment, you may have conflict with your parents, friends at school, siblings, church leaders or Christians in general.
The churches that James wrote to were experiencing a lot of conflict.
This gives reasons why James told the Christians that not many of them should become teachers because of the danger of their tongues.
Some were using their tongues in a sinful manner.
In the next passage, we will see clearly:
The cause of conflict is probably summarized by what James says in
To address the conflict happening at the church, James will rebuke some of the Christians for having a kind of wisdom that is not from God, but it is the type of “wisdom” that comes from the world.
At the same time, desiring harmonious relationships does not mean that we compromise the truth of the Bible.
Although there is room for Christians to defend the truth, they must do
The challenge for this lesson is found in in the “big idea.”
Big Idea: Seek divine wisdom, not worldly wisdom.
What is wisdom?
I talked about wisdom back in the 1st chapter when addressing prayer.
There may be a lot of different ideas on what wisdom is.
Some think it’s like words of wisdom, such as “with great power comes great responsibility,” “patience is a virtue,” or “what does not kill you makes you stronger.”
Some think it is believing in a certain philosophy or religion of this world, such as Confucius.
1. Wisdom in the Bible means to live skillfully with the fear and knowledge of God.
The book of Proverbs clearly teaches us that:
To fear the LORD means to have a deep respect for God.
It implies that you know this God who is to be revered and worshipped and obeyed.
When you come to know God personally, you would love Him and desire Him above all things.
And when you fear the LORD, that is the beginning of wisdom because you would want to obey His commandments and know what He requires you to do.
But, the Christians that James wrote to did not have wisdom as described in the Bible.
READ verses 13-14.
James begins with a question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” James likes to ask questions, especially rhetorical questions, as a way to challenge the sinful behaviour of the Christians.
This is a good question for all of us to reflect on.
Are we really wise?
Do we really have understanding?
I think this question that James asks is not meant to be answered because by responding “Me! I’m wise” we are demonstrating pride.
But, why does James ask this kind of question?
James may then be challenging the Christians with a question because they think they are wise when in fact they are not since their sinful behaviour does not align with true wisdom from above.
If you are truly a wise and understanding person, you don’t need to say anything.
James says, “By his good conduct / behaviour, let him show or demonstrate HIS works in the meekness of wisdom.”
Words are cheap.
Actions speak louder than words.
More than just actions, your attitude must also speak louder than words.
James talks about the “meekness of wisdom.”
Meekness - An attitude of humble, submissive and trust in God, and a loving, patient and gentle attitude towards others.
Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
In James’ culture (and I think even in our culture), meekness, humility or humbleness was not prized as a high virtue.
The reason is usually because humility demonstrates a weak and unworthy character.
The Greek and Roman culture emphasized boasting, pride and strength.
However, Christianity is always counter-cultural.
James commands them to show their works by their good behaviour.
He’s talking about the humble, gentle and courteous behaviour, as opposed to prideful, boastful and arrogant behaviour.
When you truly know wisdom as taught in the Bible, it should produce an attitude of humility or meekness.
Why? True Wisdom comes from God, not from us.
God is the Creator, we are His creation.
God is infinitely big, we are infinitely small compared to Him.
God is all-powerful, we are not.
God is in complete control over the present and the future, we are not.
God is infinitely good and holy, we are wretched and sinful.
What happens when we are not pursuing meekness in our Christian life?
What happens when we are not seeking divine wisdom?
If we are not seeking divine wisdom, we are seeking worldly wisdom.
James will explain that:
2. Worldly “Wisdom” Is Destructive.
(3:14-16)
a.
The Root Of Worldly “Wisdom”: Jealousy and Selfishness.
Jealousy is a negative feeling over someone else’s achievements.
You may understand that feeling at school.
Selfish ambition.
Selfish Ambition is a feeling of resentment, anger, or hatred towards someone based on upon jealousy.
This word usually implies that rivalry or competition.
You have the feeling of wanting to be better than someone else and wanting to make others think that you are better.
Another word for selfish ambition is self-seeking.
You behave in a certain to make yourself look bigger than others and all you do is just for your own glory and reputation and popularity.
This person would use divisiveness in order to promote his/her personal agendas.
It boils down to keeping your personal views and be so unwilling to listen to other people’s views.
Only your opinions matter while you exclude other people’s opinions even thought it seems reasonable.
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