Good morning! I hope that this study in James
has been encouraging for you. What has
God has taught you so far? How has His Word changed you from the inside
out? Remember, you are meeting with God Himself and He is meeting with
you! As you treasure your time with God
today, don't forget to share what you are learning with others. It may be
just what they needed to hear!
As you read today's passage, look for these words or
phrases: jealousy, selfish ambition, wisdom, gentleness,
mercy, and fruit.
Passage for the day: James 3:16-18 (NASB)
16 For where jealousy and
selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
17 But
the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full
of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
18 And
the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What does jealousy and selfish ambition lead to according to verse 16?
What
does true wisdom from above look like according to verse 17?
How is
the wisdom in verse 17 contrasted with the wisdom of verse 15? You can
notice a progression in this verse. Meditate on each characteristic and
evaluate whether your life demonstrates this kind of wisdom (pure, peaceable,
gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without
hypocrisy).
Explain
the picture given in verse 18. How is the seed planted? Who are the
ones who plant it?
MEDITATE
ON THIS:
James
picks up right where he left off in this passage. Envy and selfish
ambition are seen as the “secret agents” behind evil and disorder in the
church. It is no wonder since this kind of attitude comes from a wisdom
that finds its source in hell itself! But is this situation any
wonder? Envy and selfish ambition will destroy our church if we do not take
action. The way we do this is to live out the wisdom of God! James
shows us in this passage exactly what wisdom from above will look like:
pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering,
without hypocrisy. This wisdom is, first of all, pure. The pure
religion of James 1:27 has this wisdom as the source of its purity. This pure,
divine wisdom leads to the second dimension as peaceable or
“peace-loving.” This fruit of wisdom which counteracts the disorder
caused by envy— reminds us of the blessing of those who are the peacemakers,
which Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:9. Those who make peace are committed
to the unity of the body of Christ, and not seeking to divide or break up the
fellowship we have with one another. In other words, peacemakers are
unity-protectors! In this progression, the next fruit of God’s wisdom
is quality of gentleness or the act of being “considerate.” This
wisdom, when applied, is seen in Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away
wrath.” We also see this same exhortation in Titus 3:2. The gentleness of
Jesus Christ is the greatest example, especially as He hung from the cross,
forgiving those who sought to kill Him. Along with gentleness comes
reasonableness, or a willingness to yield or submit. This reveals a
teachable and humble spirit. Beyond that, James tells us that this divine
wisdom is linked to the virtue of fruit-bearing faith. When we are living this
way, our lives will produce a harvest of mercy and good fruit. Mercy forgives
others and does not hold sins against them – when it is not deserved.
Mercy is also to act generously to others – especially those in need.
James then builds upon this good fruit by telling us that divine wisdom will
result in a life that is unwavering and genuine. This means that we are
people of integrity whose actions match our words.
James
ends this chapter by telling us that the ones who have this kind of wisdom from
God are called “peacemakers.” Peacemakers act like a sower who sows the
seed of peace. Like God, who sows the seed of the living Word (see also Matt 13:19),
believers are to sow peaceable deeds that will produce a harvest of
righteousness. These acts that make for peace are the deeds of mercy, as we
show genuine love for one another.
How
will you live out these truths this week? Will you be someone who is
filled with the wisdom of God? If you are, then it will be evidenced in
your genuine actions of peace, gentleness, and mercy toward others!
Praying for that you would Love Christ
PASSIONATELY, Know Christ DEEPLY, and Enjoy Christ FULLY!!!
Pastor Stephen
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