Sermon Tone Analysis

Subject: Wisdom                                                                                                 Preaching Portion: James 3:13-18

Theme: The Fruits of Wisdom                                                                          Sermonic Process: Exposition

!! *Wise Enough to Show*

Intro.:

1.

In the book of Proverbs we are encouraged to seek after wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-18 ; Proverbs 4:7-9

2. In the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15-17

3.

In James we learn that there is more than one kind of wisdom.

4. We are going to look at the difference between what James refers to as Wisdom from Heaven and Earthly wisdom.

Explanation:

1.

We have to understand what real wisdom is before we can be truly wise.

2. Understanding the Jewish meaning of wisdom

3. Timely in a world with so much information and so little wisdom.

Prop.:

As Christian we need heavenly wisdom.

T.S.:        James asserts that as Christians we must understand God’s directives to experience true wisdom and not wallow in earthly worldly ‘false’ wisdom..

 

1.

*Wisdom Filled Life* – v 13

U       A challenge?

U       Wise person demonstrates wisdom in ‘works & humility’

U       | Deeds |

Works – is like real faith – it is practical

·         It needs to be demonstrated – real through practice

·         It needs to be exercised – strengthened like a muscle

U       Humility – is a healthy understanding of our own unworthiness

·         *Matthew 11:29* – Christ’s humble attitude

·         *Matthew 5:5* – Christ extols the value of the meek.

U       A humble life is clear evidence of wisdom.

One who has a great deal of knowledge is tempted to become proud, but true wisdom is not compatible with an arrogant, know-it-all attitude.

Demonstrating wisdom in ‘works & humility’

 

2.

*Wisdomless** Strife* v. 14

U       Opposite to meekness is bitter jealousy~/selfish ambition which promotes competition and partisanship amongst students (Great Sin vs. Love thy Neighbour) – in competition there are winners and losers – in sharing wisdom we all win

U       Be careful zealous can be good (used to describe Christ *John 2:17*), but we can’t go overboard and become fanatics, harsh, violent

U       Convey the message – through the style (lifestyle)

U       Not just false teachers, good teachers with bad attitudes

U       Paul exhorts us to teach in love (*Ephesians 4:15*)

A Wisdomless Life Causes Real Strife

 

3.

*Wisdom  Deceiving* v.15-16

U       Characterized as the world, the flesh and the devil – from imperfect to evil – opposite of heavenly attributes

U       Of the World                 - Worldly

- Wisdom according to the world’s standards

- This wisdom is foolishness to God *1Corinthians 1:20*

U       Of the Flesh                  - Sensual

- appealing to emotions, feelings and passions

- Wisdom according to what feels (doesn’t make it right)                                          

U       It is Demonic                                - the kind of wisdom possessed by the devils and his angels

- A wisdom that finds its origins in the influences of Satan

U       Strife ~*~* Saul and David (see: commentary)

U       Pride and jealousy destroy churches – no wonder Christ prayed for the unity of believers (*John 17:20-21*)

U       Selfishness leads to disorder & vile practices

-          Confusion, disorder weaken as opposed to edify the church

-          Our God is ‘not a God of confusion’ – *1Corinthians 14:33*

Wisdom of that is not from heaven is wisdom that is deceiving

 

4.

*Wisdom Divine   *v.17-18

      1.

It is first PURE         - Above all else, it is true to God's Will         - Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace      2.

Then it is peace-loving         - Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at  peace - cf. *Romans 12:18*         - For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love -*Ephesians 4:15*      3.

considerate         - That is, kind in one's dealings with others         - Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ *2 Timothy 2:24-25*      4.

submissive         - Not in matters of truth         - But in matters of opinion - *Romans 14:1*         -.

In matters of liberty - *Romans 14:19-21*      5.

FULL OF MERCY         - Quick to forgive the offenses of others         - Wisely understanding one's own need of mercy - cf. *James 2:13*      6.

Producing GOOD FRUITS         - Notice *verse 13*, where it says we are to show by our            conduct our true wisdom and understanding         - This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER - *James 1:22*         -.

Understanding that *"faith without works is dead"* - *James 2:26*      7.

impartial         - Showing no respect of persons - cf. *James 2:1-13 ~*~* Car Dealership*         - Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis      8.

sincere         - Indicating that all of the above is not an "act", a "show"         - But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not manv.18                  1.

Produces PEACE, instead of confusion                          2.

Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing *Conclusion:   *U  What kind of wisdom do we have?-

Those who have "EARTHLY WISDOM" boast of theirs (v.*14*)-

While those who have "HEAVENLY WISDOM" show theirs by their    good conduct done in meekness (v.*13*) U  What kind of wisdom do we want?

- If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary      1) Just do what the world tells you      2) Just do what feels right  - But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent      1) To seek such wisdom from God      2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct 1.

We must be the embodiment of what we teach!2.

Actions speaks louder than words!3.

True wisdom is realized 24~/74.

In this age of exploding knowledge no one can comprehend  all knowledge.

(need to discern with wisdom)  -   HEAVENLY WISDOM receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and      obediently - cf. *Mark 16:15-16*

\\ \\ * *! Proverbs 3:13-18

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*/13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,/*

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*/the man who gains understanding, /*

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*14 for she is more profitable than silver *

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*and yields better returns than gold.

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*15 She is more precious than rubies;*

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*nothing you desire can compare with her.

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*16 Long life is in her right hand;*

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*in her left hand are riches and honour.

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*17 Her ways are pleasant ways,*

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*and all her paths are peace.

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*18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;*

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*those who lay hold of her will be blessed.*

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! Proverbs 4:7-9

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*/7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom./*

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*/Though it cost all you have, get understanding./**

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*8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;*

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*embrace her, and she will honour you.

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*9 She will set a garland of grace on your head *

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*and present you with a crown of splendour."*

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! Ephesians 5:15-17

15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

! Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

! Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.