Living Out Our Faith Skillfully - James 3:17
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Introduction
Introduction
Well, here we are on another Sunday evening ready to study God’s Word once again. We back in James 3. So, please take out your Bibles and turn to that chapter. We will read the paragraph we are working through and then come back to highlight our verse for study this evening.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Not look again at verse 17 which says:
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
As you may have noticed already, we are only one verse away from being finished with this paragraph. Once we are done, we will come back and look at the entire paragraph. We will then follow that by giving a summary of the entire chapter. However, for now, we have a lot to know and study from verse 17. So, let’s get right into our grammar study.
GRAMMAR STUDY
GRAMMAR STUDY
You will note that there is only one verb. It is the word “is” which is a state of being verb. Thus, the subject exists as stated in the sentence.
Will also note that we have two nouns. The first noun is our subject. It is the word “wisdom.” We have already stated the meaning of this word several times since it is also the subject of the entire paragraph. However, so that we might refresh our memory we will give it once again. “Wisdom” is understood as the quality of having knowledge, skill, and experience in the sense of mastery over a particular subject or trade through practice and learning. The other two nouns are the objects of two prepositional phrases. Both phrases describe the subject which is wisdom. Wisdom is FULL OF (preposition) mercy and good fruits. Mercy is a great word. Take note that it means an outward demonstration of pity. Furthermore, mercy assumes there is a need on the part of him who receives it, and, on the part of him who shows it, there are adequate resources to meet that need. We know and understand for example that God is rich in mercy. There is no doubt that we are in need of God’s resources. We need forgiveness and God definitely has an abundant resource. The word “fruits” simply means the product or consequence of some effort or action. We often relate fruit to trees and plants. They produce fruit relative to their particular kind. For example, an apple tree produces apples. However, we must also note that an apple tree can produce bad fruit or good fruit. If a tree is genetically sound and good, it will produce good fruit. The opposite is also true. If that tree is genetically flawed, it will produce rotten or bad fruit. In our verse, it is specifically stated that the wisdom from above is full of GOOD fruits. We must conclude then that this wisdom is fundamental good. In fact, we know that the wisdom from above is pure.
This leads us then to our adverbs and adjectives. Adverbs answer the questions when, where, how, and to what extent (how much or how long). We have three in our verse this evening. They are:
That is from above [from above; at or originating from a location above oneself] - it answers the question where.
First [firstly; before anything else] - it answers the question when.
Then [then; subsequently or soon afterward] - it also answers the question when.
Thus, we learn where this wisdom comes from. It comes from above. A stark distinction from the wisdom of verse 15.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
The word “first” and “then” gives us a sense of numerical order. The wisdom that is from above is first and foremost pure. Then, soon afterwards, it is peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy, full of good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
All of these attributes we just listed describe then the wisdom from above. They are our adjectives.
The first adjective listed is the word “pure.” It means completely pure from defilement and contamination. We will definitely be coming back to this description in a few moments. The second adjective is the word “peaceable.” This word has the idea of peace attributed to a harmonious relationship. The next adjective is “gentle.” The meaning in the Greek here is a little different than our current English understanding. We often understand “gentle” as having an tender disposition and thus docile or soft. However, in the Greek, the idea is someone or something that is equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law. I believe that second understanding listed in your notes is quite adequate. Note that it says, “it expresses that considerateness that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case.” Thus, gentle means to be humane and reasonable in every situation that arises. Our next adjective is the phrase “easy to be intreated.” You can sum that one up by simply saying “ready to obey.”
Now, the next four adjectives are actually prepositional phrases. The first two start with the word “full” which means have the full measure, extent or degree of the stated item. The first item is, as we already noted, mercy. The second is (good) fruits. The word “good” modifies the word “fruits.” Adjectives answer the questions what kind, how many, which ones, and whose. Thus, the word “good” tells what kind of fruit. It is good versus bad fruit. Thus, the wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits. It possesses the full extent of mercy and good fruits.
The other two prepositional phrase start with the preposition “without.” “Without” denotes possession. Thus, the wisdom from above does not possess two qualities. It does not possess partiality and hypocrisy. Partiality means uncertainty or indecision. Hypocrisy is an interesting word. It literally means to answer. However, the connotation is that of play-acting as an actor or actress gives dialogue. In others word, the actor is not really who he is portraying. He is simply filling a role on stage. Therefore, we know that the wisdom from above does not posses any uncertainty and does not deceive people into thinking something different than what it really is.
Okay, that was a lot of grammar. Now, let’s move to the spiritual understanding and application of this verse.
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION
What is the Holy Spirit talking about?
What is the Holy Spirit talking about?
We already established that wisdom is the topic. The Holy Spirit started the topic in verse 13 which says:
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
From there, the Holy Spirit gave us description of man’s wisdom as well as warning about using it as the foundation of our teaching.
What is the Holy Spirit saying about wisdom?
What is the Holy Spirit saying about wisdom?
We have arrived at the moment when the Holy Spirit gives us description of His (God’s) wisdom. It is quite different and far better than earthly wisdom. Note two significant things He teaches us about His wisdom.
It is FROM ABOVE aka from God Himself.
It is FROM ABOVE aka from God Himself.
This first point is fairly easy to comprehend. The world’s wisdom (man’s wisdom) is not from above according to verse 13. However, in contrast, true wisdom only comes from above. It comes from God and not from the princes, scholars, professors, scientist, and geniuses of this world. No true wisdom can be found by seeking the knowledge and wisdom of men. It only comes from seeking God and His knowledge.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Our search for wisdom must always start with God and His Word.
From our text, we also learn that God’s wisdom:
It is FAR SUPERIOR in quality than anything the world offers.
It is FAR SUPERIOR in quality than anything the world offers.
It superior than man’s wisdom because it is:
It is PURE.
It is PURE.
Pure in that it is completely free from any defilement or contamination. God’s wisdom, like God, is moral purity. In other words, it completely separated from impurity or wrong-doing. There is absolutely no amount of bad or defilement contained in God’s wisdom. There is not such as half good or half bad. It is totally pure and clean.
What does this mean for a believer? A believer who commits to living according to God’s wisdom understands that it is pure. Thus they in turn will seek:
To keep their mind and body pure using His wisdom as the basis for their daily living. Things such as consuming alcoholic beverages, taking drugs, smoking, overeating as well as not taking care of their physical health will be a priority. A true believer disciplines himself in all things and desires to keep himself fit so that he might effectively serve the Lord and live a life witnessing for Him.
To keep their relationships pure. As each believer makes God’s wisdom the foundation of their life, they understand the importance of living a moral and just life. And, thus, each relationship for them becomes an avenue to share Christ and testify of His glory. Their marriage, their children, their extended family, their co-workers, and their neighbors become very important.
Here is the application! A truly wise person is the person who establishes their entire life based upon God and His Word. In doing so, they see their relationship with Him as their number one priority in life. For that reason, they seek everyday to keep that relationship pure and clean as they live in obedience to His Word.
Note one other thing about purity of God’s wisdom from our text. Look again at our verse - James 3:17.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Note the word “first.” Remember that is an adverb that answers the question when. What is the very first characteristic of God’s wisdom? It is pure. Before anything else, purity comes first. Is the first thing that God places in a person’s life when they truly seek His wisdom. He places a desire to live a pure life before Him.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
First, God’s wisdom is superior because it is pure.
Here is the next adjective describing God’s wisdom.
It is PEACEABLE
It is PEACEABLE
Peace is achieved through harmonious relationships. When a relationship is clicking, there is joy, happiness, and peace. Essentially, such relationships come when hearts are joined together. God’s wisdom is peaceable and produces peace within those who have a personal relationship with Him. A relationship, by the way, that only comes by accepting Christ.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Christ’s death reconciled our relationship with God. Those who accept all that Christ has done are once again reunited with God in relationship full of peace. We are no longer at war with Him. Instead, we are now part of His family. He accepts as His sons and daughters.
For this reason, we now are able to live according to God’s wisdom. In doing so, our desire becomes the same. We now seek to keep the peace and make peace where it has been broken. A true child of God is no fan of broken relationships. Instead, true believers always desire to see people reconciled to God and each other.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Already we see how different God’s wisdom is from man’s. Men enjoy the murk and mire of sin. Their hearts are tainted by it. Thus, they enjoy wallering in the mud of wickedness. However, in contrast, God’s and His wisdom is pure. There is not one iota of sin, evilness, or wickedness associated with Him or His wisdom. Men are always warring with each other. We see that happening even today with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, it goes even deeper and closer to home than that. Even within our own small community, we constantly hear reports of fights in families, neighbors, and even with strangers passing through. However, in contrast, God desires peace. It is the whole reason that He sent His Son to Calvary. God desired to make peace with us even while were His enemy.
Here is the next adjective and we will have to stop for the evening.
God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, and:
It is GENTLE
It is GENTLE
We often use the word “gentle” to mean soft. However, that is not the understanding of this word in the Greek. Yes, it has the idea of forbearance, patience, and softness, but it goes deeper than that. It has the idea of someone or something that is equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law. I really like the description that I gave earlier. Gentle expresses that considerateness that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case. In fact, as you think about it, does not this word describe God’s view of us and our sin? He is gentle in that He looked upon us humanely and reasonably. Had God not done so none of us would be here this evening! Our sin deserved a much harsher sentence. It was well within God’s right to completely wipe out sinful humanity and start again. However, instead, with love and a gentle heart, God had mercy on us providing the perfect plan for our redemption and salvation.
Thus, if we make God and His wisdom the foundation of our lives, we too must be gentle and forbearing in our relationships as well. Criticism, condemnation, and neglect of those around us has no place in a believer’s life. Instead, we must reach to the world around us with the gospel treating others with the same loving gentleness God demonstrated to us. Too many times we treat people harshly. Doing so reflects the world’s wisdom. Instead, God calls us to live according to His wisdom. His wisdom is gentle. Therefore, we, as believers, must be gentle with those that we meet each day.
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
Now, we are going to stop there for this evening. I know that we didn’t finish our verse, but I already knew that would be the case. It is okay. We learned a lot already about God’s wisdom and how it applies to our lives. Next Sunday evening, we will come back and pick up where we left off. We will continue looking at each of these wonderful characteristics of God’s wisdom. Remember God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, and gentle. We who seek to live our lives according to His wisdom must then be pure, peaceable, and gentle as well. Here are the ones left to study next week.
It is EASY TO BE ENTREATED
It is EASY TO BE ENTREATED
It is FULL OF MERCY
It is FULL OF MERCY
It is FULL OF GOOD FRUITS
It is FULL OF GOOD FRUITS
It is WITHOUT PARTIALITY
It is WITHOUT PARTIALITY
It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY
It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY