Choosing Between Earthly and Heavenly Wisdom
Summary
In our journey through the series "Taming the Tongue," we have explored the profound impact our words can have on our lives and the lives of others. Today, as we conclude this series, we delve into the wisdom that undergirds our speech and actions. We find ourselves in James chapter 3, verses 13 through 18, where the Apostle James contrasts two types of wisdom: earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.
Earthly wisdom is characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. It is the wisdom of this world, which is limited to our temporal existence and often leads to disorder and vile practices. This wisdom is not from God but is earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. It is the advice that prioritizes self and disregards the eternal perspective.
In stark contrast, heavenly wisdom, which comes from above, is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. This wisdom leads to a harvest of righteousness and peace. It is the wisdom that views life from God's perspective, aligning our decisions with His will rather than our own desires.
As we reflect on the transformative power of God's wisdom, we recognize that it is not enough to merely possess knowledge. True wisdom calls us to action. It is about living out God's word in our daily lives, making decisions that reflect His character and purposes. This wisdom is not self-serving but benefits others, leading to good deeds and a fruitful life.
We also understand that wisdom requires humility—a recognition of our limitations and a dependence on God. It is about asking God for guidance in every situation, seeking His will, and having the courage to follow through with what He reveals to us.
Today, as we witness the celebration of baptism, we see a tangible expression of this wisdom. Those being baptized have heard from God and are responding in obedience. They are making a public declaration of their faith, symbolizing their death to sin and new life in Christ. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of the wisdom that comes from above.
As we move forward, let us seek God's wisdom in every aspect of our lives. Let us be people who not only know God's word but live it out, impacting the world around us with the peace, gentleness, and mercy that come from heavenly wisdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Heavenly wisdom is not a mere accumulation of knowledge; it is the application of God's truth in our lives. It requires us to view life from God's perspective, making decisions that align with His will and lead to actions that benefit others. This wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. [21:59]
- Earthly wisdom, which focuses on self and this temporal life, leads to chaos and destruction. In contrast, Godly wisdom, which places Christ at the center, leads to a life of fruitfulness and righteousness. Our decisions should be made with eternity in view, echoing into forever. [26:09]
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When faced with decisions, we must seek Godly wisdom over worldly advice. This wisdom leads to a life that honors God and benefits others, rather than a life filled with complications and chaos. [25:29]
- Wisdom requires humility and the acknowledgment that we do not have all the answers. It is about asking God for guidance and being open to His direction, even when it requires us to admit our limitations and depend on Him. [29:22]
- Baptism is a public declaration of faith and obedience to God's word. It is an outward symbol of an inward transformation, representing our death to sin and new life in Christ. As we celebrate baptism, we celebrate the wisdom and courage of those who have chosen to follow Jesus. [51:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 3:13-18
2. Proverbs 9:10
3. Matthew 7:7
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3:13-18, what are the characteristics of heavenly wisdom? How do they contrast with earthly wisdom?
2. What does Proverbs 9:10 say is the beginning of wisdom? How does this align with the message in James 3?
3. In Matthew 7:7, what does Jesus promise to those who ask, seek, and knock? How does this relate to seeking wisdom from God?
4. How did the sermon describe the impact of earthly wisdom on our lives and relationships? ([23:29])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize the importance of "meekness of wisdom" in James 3:13? How does this concept challenge our usual understanding of wisdom?
2. How does the fear of the Lord as described in Proverbs 9:10 influence our decision-making process? What does it mean to have "eternity in view" when making decisions? ([25:29])
3. In what ways does Jesus' promise in Matthew 7:7 encourage us to seek God's wisdom over worldly advice? How can this promise be applied in practical situations?
4. The sermon mentioned that wisdom requires humility and the acknowledgment of our limitations. How does this humility manifest in our daily lives and decisions? ([29:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you rely more on earthly wisdom or heavenly wisdom? How did the outcome reflect this choice? ([21:59])
2. Proverbs 9:10 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life to enhance your decision-making process?
3. Jesus promises in Matthew 7:7 that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive, find, and have doors opened to them. What specific area of your life do you need to seek God's wisdom in right now? How will you go about asking for it?
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of humility in seeking wisdom. Can you identify a situation where you need to admit your limitations and seek God's guidance? How will you approach this situation differently moving forward? ([29:22])
5. Baptism was described as a public declaration of faith and obedience. If you have been baptized, how has this act influenced your commitment to living out God's wisdom? If you haven't, what steps can you take to publicly declare your faith? ([51:23])
6. The sermon mentioned that Godly wisdom leads to actions that benefit others. Identify one area in your life where you can apply heavenly wisdom to serve and bless those around you. ([21:59])
7. Reflect on the concept of having "eternity in view" when making decisions. How can this perspective change the way you approach your daily choices and long-term plans? ([26:09])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Godly Wisdom in Action
Godly wisdom is not just about knowing what is right; it is about actively applying that knowledge in everyday life. This wisdom is pure and peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
Bible passage: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:17-18)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate heavenly wisdom in a difficult relationship or conversation today?
Day 2: The Folly of Earthly Wisdom
Earthly wisdom is driven by selfish desires and envy, leading to disorder and every vile practice. It is shortsighted, focusing on immediate gratification rather than eternal significance. This kind of wisdom is not from God but is earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. It prioritizes the self over others and disregards the eternal perspective that should guide our lives.
Bible passage: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:16-17)
Reflection: What decision are you facing where you need to reject earthly wisdom and seek God's guidance instead?
Day 3: The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom's Foundation
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is insight. This reverential awe and respect for God is the foundation upon which godly wisdom is built. It is through this fear that we are drawn to seek God's will over our own and to live in a way that honors Him and benefits others.
Bible passage: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord to gain wisdom for your current life circumstances?
Day 4: Humility as the Pathway to Wisdom
True wisdom requires humility—a recognition of our limitations and a dependence on God. It is about asking God for guidance in every situation, seeking His will, and having the courage to follow through with what He reveals to us. Humility allows us to admit that we do not have all the answers and that we need God's direction to live wisely.
Bible passage: "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." (James 3:13)
Reflection: How can you practice humility today to show your dependence on God for wisdom?
Day 5: Baptism as a Declaration of Wisdom and Faith
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ. Those who are baptized are making a public declaration of their faith and obedience to God's word. It is a powerful testimony of the wisdom that comes from above and the courage of those who have chosen to follow Jesus.
Bible passage: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your life reflect the wisdom and transformation symbolized in your baptism? If not, what is holding you back from this step of obedience?
Quotes
1) "God doesn't just want you to be smarter; he wants you to implement what you know. Live out God's word, not just know God's word. Knowledge does not lead to transformation; knowledge that's acted upon leads to transformation." [45:53] (Download)
2) "Wisdom creates a buffer between freedom and regret. Godly wisdom creates a buffer between freedom and regret, and worldly wisdom will say it's all about science, facts, and getting your numbers right." [31:21] (Download)
3) "Godly wisdom in reverse is a life characterized by placing Christ at the center, a Jesus-centered life where I ask myself what does God want me to do based on this situation." [24:07] (Download)
4) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When you're faced with a decision to make, you have a lot of information, there's a lot of people telling you what to do and how to think." [25:29] (Download)
5) "Godly wisdom leads to fruit in your life, ultimately leads to righteousness, and also fruit a life of fruit for others. Others will benefit from you following Jesus and taking biblical wisdom." [24:52] (Download)
6) "In order to receive wisdom from God, it requires the humility to say I don't know what I'm doing. I'm acting like a child here, as if I have no idea what I'm doing. God, I need your wisdom." [29:22] (Download)
7) "God's word was not written to you; it was not written to your specific situation, but yet it was written for you. It was written for me. So if I want to be wise, it begins with knowing God's word." [35:50] (Download)
8) "When you listen to worldly advice, it will not end well for you. It will make your life more complicated. But the wisdom that James talks about that is heavenly leads to good deeds for the benefit of other people." [37:08] (Download)
9) "Knowledge and understanding is not just for you. Knowledge is not just so that you can be smarter. As we study God's word, we study God's word not just so I can know more, the goal of knowing scripture is to actually do scripture." [38:22] (Download)
10) "God doesn't reveal himself to you just for you and you alone. The second half is the courage. What is he asking me to do? Wisdom leads to something. It leads to peace, gentleness, open to reason, full of mercy, good fruits, sincerity." [43:20] (Download)
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