More About Wisdom in James 3:13-18

James 3:13 - 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.

"Meekness is the right use of power, and wisdom is the right use of knowledge.  They go together." - W.W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary.

"It is remarkable that the truly wise man is characterized by a calm spirit, a mild and placid demeanour, and by a gentle, though firm, enunciation of his sentiments.  A noisy, boisterous, and stormy declaimer we never select as a safe counsellor.  He may accomplish much in his way by his bold eloquence of manner, but we do not put him in places where we need far-reaching thought, or where we expect the exercise of profound philosophical views." - Albert Barnes, Barnes' Notes on the New Testament.

"Wisdom is not a matter of acquiring truth, but of applying truth." - Walvoord & Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, paraphrased.

James 3:15  - This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

"Earthly, sensual, devilish.  All three of our enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil, conspire in agreement against us with counterfeit wisdom to strife and envy." - VM

"Whatever does not come from God is destined to fail, no matter how successful it may seem at the time." - W.W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary.

Cross references for James 3:13 - Proverbs 26:12, 16; Isaiah 5:21; Romans 12:16.

Cross references for James 3:14-15 - I Corinthians 3:3, 18.

Cross references for James 3:18 - Isaiah 32:17.

See the prior post on James 3:13.

Wise man notes at James 3:13

James 3:13 - 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.

("Conversation" means conduct, lifestyle).

If modern Christians wrote this verse, it would be apt to say instead, "Who is wise...?  Let him tell...." - VM

"Only wise ways make one's wise words worthwhile." - VM

James has an annoying (to our flesh) habit of challenging our thinking:  "You think you...?  Let me show you what that really looks like!"  On trials, 1:2-4; on the Scripture, 1:21-25; on religion, 1:26-27; on saving faith, 2:14-26; on wisdom, 3:13.  Ironically, being willing to have our notions challenged is a step to wisdom, Proverbs 3:5, 23:4, 26:12; Isaiah 5:21; Romans 12:16; I Corinthians 3:18.

VM - 3/10/18

Deity of Christ in James 1:1

James 1:1 - James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

a) James is the servant of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same exact way he is the servant of God.  This would be blasphemy and idolatry if Jesus were not God.  Also, no man can serve two masters (Matt. 6:24), so Jesus and God are one.

b) No mention of being half-brother of Jesus.  This relationship of flesh is no longer important, II Cor. 5:16-17.

Notes partially influenced from David W. Cloud, "James (Advanced Bible Study Series)."

Today's Trial

Note / Quote / Quip at James 1:2-4: "Today's trial is tomorrow's testimony!"

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

VM

First Pure Then Peaceable

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable....

"First pure, then peaceable; if only one is attainable, choose the former." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Notice it is FIRST pure, the priority. To maintain peaceable fellowship with others cannot cost your purity. First pure. When purity is at stake, peaceable is not always an option. This is the error of New Evangelicalism or a non-militant "fundamentalism." - VM

Be Not Many Masters

James 3:1 - My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

"Masters" = teachers, specifically teachers of the word of God in the church, such as pastors, preachers.  Important cross refs for the Greek word: I Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11.

A man must not go into the pulpit ministry unless he is absolutely convinced that God has chosen him out for it, I Corinthians 9:16.  Spurgeon would tell his ministry students that if they could be satisfied being anything other than a preacher, then leave right now and go do that thing, for the glory of God.

VM

If A Man Say, I Have Faith

James 2:14 - What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

"For a man to have faith, and to say he has faith, are two different things; the apostle does not say, If a man have faith without works, for that is not a supposable case; the drift of this place of scripture is plainly to show that an opinion, or speculation, or assent, without works, is not faith; but the case is put thus, If a man say he hath faith, etc. Men may boast of that to others, and be conceited of that in themselves, of which they are really destitute." - Matthew Henry's Commentary

Note in 24th Psalm

Psalm 24:3-4 - Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart....

Entire verse is a perfect parallel to James 4:8 - Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

VM

Cross References for James 1:26

James 1:26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Cross References to add:

II Timothy 3:5 - Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Matthew 23:28 - Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

I Timothy 5:8 - But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Titus 1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Isaiah 1:13 - Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Matthew 15:9 - But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  (Or Mark 7:7).

VM

The Mirror of God's Word (Sermon Outline)

The following sermon outline is suitable for a devotional setting such as a campout, retreat or some such.  It is not an expository sermon.  Rather it uses an illustration in the text as a jumping-off point, to expand the illustration.

Text: James 1:23-24

"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."

The plain illustration James gives is the word of God as a mirror.  The outline carries that illustration forward in various ways.  Each sub-point could / should be supplemented with relevant scripture.

The Mirror of God’s Word

Like a Mirror, God’s Word Shows Us:

• Our dirt and mess to cleanse
• The needed corrections
• Those areas that do in fact meet the standard

Like a Mirror, God’s Word Can Be Misused:

• The flattering mirror – the preacher who will tell you only what makes you feel good
• The corrupting mirror – the church that will mislead you
• The broken mirror – the Bible that is never used

Like a Mirror, God’s Word Must Be Looked At:

• Every time there is uncertainty
• Whenever assurance or reminders are needed
• As often as we need to know the truth
• Every day!

VM

King Josiah an Example of James 1:21-25

RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE ENGRAFTED WORD

II Chronicles 34:14-19 - And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses.  And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD.  And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.  And Shaphan carried the book to the king [Josiah, about 26 years old, around 624 B.C.], and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it.  And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.  Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book.  And Shaphan read it before the king.  And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.

II Chronicles 34:27 - Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY

II Chronicles 34:29-33 - Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.  And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.  And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.  And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it.  And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.  And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God.  And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

A DOER OF THE WORK, THIS MAN SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIS DEED

II Chronicles 34:28 - Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same.  So they brought the king word again.

II Kings 23:25 - And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

VM

Sermon Outline for James 1:21-25

James 1:21-25 skeletal sermon outline.  No title yet.  To be preached (Lord willing) on Sunday morning October 9, 2011 at Providence Independent Baptist Church.  Possibly split into two parts, for 10/9 and 10/16.

Message thrust: These verses detail what we are to do about hearing the word of God.  They are instructions for BEFORE, DURING and AFTER hearing the word.  This applies when we come to church, or read the Bible in private devotion, or any time the word of God is received.

BEFORE HEARING THE WORD - v. 21a - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.

This is preparation for hearing the word of God.  This is to put is in the right attitude for receiving the word.

Explain and illustrate words and phrases: "lay apart", "filthiness" and "superfluity of naughtiness."

Compare I Peter 2:1-3 for the same ideas - put these things aside in order to be ready for the word of God.

Reword Matthew Henry quote about laying them apart versus simply restraining them.  Give examples or illustrations to show the difference.

DURING HEARING THE WORD - v. 21b - and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Word study: Receive.  Emphasize the necessity of actively participating in taking in the word of God.

By the way, when we speak of the word of God, we are talking about the Bible.  Very brief reminder of inspiration, etc.

The attitude during receiving the word: meekness.  Expand on how such attitude is absolutely necessary.

How the word works in our lives: explanation of "engrafted" and brief illustration to explain the word.

The power of the word: "able" equals Greek "dunamis" / English Dynamite.  If the word has the power to save your soul, then it has the power to continue working in your soul after you are saved.  Expand.

AFTER HEARING THE WORD - vv. 22-25.  But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only....

What to do after you have heard the word.

VM
10/04/2011

Great Matthew Henry Quotes on James 1:21

James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

On LAY APART - "It is not enough to restrain evil affections, but they must be cast from us, or laid apart. Isa. 30:22, Thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say, Get you hence."

On RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS - "We must therefore yield ourselves to the word of God, with most submissive, humble, and tractable tempers: this is to receive it with meekness. Being willing to hear of our faults, and taking it not only patiently, but thankfully, desiring also to be molded and formed by the doctrines and precepts of the gospel."

- Matthew Henry's Commentary

James 1:17 Word Study - Every Good Gift

James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above....

GIFT - Two different Greek words translated "gift" in this verse.  The first, DOSIS, is the act of giving.  The second, DOREMA, is the actual thing that is given.

An expanded translation: All good giving and every perfect gift is from above.

Pulpit quip: "Whatever God gives us is perfect and even the WAY He gives it to us is perfect."

Cross references: As for God, His way is perfect - II Samuel 22:31;  Psalm 18:30.

VM

James 1:9-11 Cross References

I noticed that my reference Bibles have absolutely no cross references for James 1:9-10a, when there are several that should be made.  Additionally, I have some explanatory notes from word studies done.

James 1:9 - Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

Word study: "Low degree" - low circumstances; meager situation; lowly condition.  Obviously a financially poor brother, in contrast to "the rich" in verse 10.

Cross references - The poor is exalted as a believer; the poor believer rejoices in his place in Christ: Luke 10:20; II Corinthians 6:10; Revelation 2:9; Revelation 5:9-10.

James 1:10a - But the rich [brother], [let him rejoice] in that he is made low.

"The rich" - Rich in verse 10 is an ADJECTIVE not a NOUN.  An adjective must be paired with a noun, so we go back to "BROTHER" in verse 9.  The rich man in verse 10 is a rich BROTHER, a Christian; not just any rich man.

Explanation: By trials (James 1:2-4), by lack of wisdom and reliance on God instead of self (James 1:5-8), and by other means, the rich Christian is continually shown his human frailty, his inability, and his true riches in Christ.  In this he is to rejoice.

Note: The verb for "rejoice" is elsewhere translated "glory" and "boast", giving us a complete picture of the word.  Therefore, these causes for rejoicing (the poor being exalted; the rich being humbled) are causes for pride ("glory") - not an improper pride, but an inner satisfaction.  This inner satisfaction is expressed outwardly ("boast") as we give testimony and praise for what God has done with our lives.  Our boast here is in God.

James 1:10a Cross references - the right rejoicing of the rich: Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:10-12; II Corinthians 11:30; II Corinthians 12:7-10; I Peter 4:13.

James 1:10b-11 - Because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.  For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Cross references: Possibly an allusion to Isaiah 40:6-8 and similar passages comparing human life to wilting flowers.  Also see Matthew 6:25-34.  See other passages on the brevity of life, such as James 4:14.

VM