Week 5: WISDOM FROM ABOVE
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:13-18)
EARTH’S WISDOM
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
- IT IS WORLDLY.
“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20)
- IT IS SENSUAL.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.” (Titus 3:3-5)
- IT IS DEMONIC.
“You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.” (John 8:44 Amplified)
WISDOM FROM ABOVE
“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
1. IT SPRINGS UP FROM GODLY PRINCIPLES.
“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
2. IT ACTS WITH GODLY MOTIVES.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:1-5)
3. IT IS INTENT ON SERVING GODLY PURPOSES.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
GETTING WISDOM
“How can men be wise? The only way to begin is by reverence for God.” (Psalm 111:10 TLB)
1. KNOWLEDGE COMES FROM EDUCATION.
2. WISDOM COMES FROM GOD.
“I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”(Colossians 2:2-3)
