Returning to Holiness: Embracing Godly Wisdom
Summary
Today, the Lord is calling us to a deeper place of surrender, purity, and authentic wisdom. We began by considering the needs of others, specifically the children on the Montana Indian reservation, and how God invites us to be a blessing in practical ways. But the heart of our time together was a call to lay our burdens, our fears, and our chaos before the Lord, just as Hezekiah did when he spread the threatening letter before God in the temple. When we bring our deepest needs and anxieties to God, He is faithful to intervene, to bring peace, and to move on our behalf.
We are living in a time when the fear of the Lord has been replaced by convenience and preference. Many have lost their first love, trading the pursuit of holiness for comfort and cultural acceptance. The Spirit is warning us: it is time to return to the altar, to come broken before God, and to allow Him to purify our hearts. Church is not a social club or a place for entertainment; it is the house of God, where we come to be transformed, convicted, and made holy.
James 3:13-18 draws a sharp contrast between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom. Earthly wisdom is rooted in selfishness, pride, and envy, leading to chaos and disorder. It is demonic in nature, promising fulfillment but delivering only confusion and destruction. Godly wisdom, on the other hand, is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. It is not about how much we know, but about how we live—our conduct, not just our conversation.
We must examine our lives for “side chicks”—those compromises, those small allowances of impurity that spoil the whole. God is calling us to wholehearted devotion, to rid ourselves of anything that contaminates our hearts and homes. True wisdom is seen in humility, in serving others, in being peacemakers and bridge-builders. When we sow in peace, we reap a harvest of righteousness—not just for ourselves, but for the salvation of many.
The invitation is clear: abandon the wisdom of the world, ask God for His wisdom, and let Him transform you from the inside out. The time is urgent. What we do now will echo in eternity. Let us return to our first love, pursue holiness, and walk in the wisdom that comes from above.
Key Takeaways
- Lay Your Burdens Before the Lord
Hezekiah’s example teaches us to bring our most threatening and overwhelming situations directly to God, laying them out honestly and leaving them in His hands. When we do this, we invite God’s intervention and demonstrate trust in His sovereignty. The act of surrender is not weakness, but the beginning of divine breakthrough and peace. [37:34]
- Earthly Wisdom Breeds Chaos; Godly Wisdom Brings Peace
Worldly wisdom is rooted in selfish ambition, pride, and envy, and it inevitably leads to disorder, confusion, and spiritual decay. This kind of wisdom is not neutral—it is unspiritual and even demonic, drawing us away from God and into chaos. In contrast, godly wisdom is marked by purity, humility, and peace, and it produces a harvest of righteousness in our lives and relationships. [01:18:47]
- Holiness Is Not Optional—It’s Essential
God calls His people to be holy, not just happy. Holiness is not about perfection, but about a heart that is continually surrendered and being purified by God. Allowing even small compromises—“side chicks”—into our lives contaminates our devotion and distances us from God’s presence. The pursuit of holiness is the pursuit of God Himself, and without it, we cannot see the Lord. [01:27:09]
- Authentic Wisdom Is Seen in Conduct, Not Just Words
True wisdom is not measured by eloquence or knowledge, but by the fruit of our lives—humility, mercy, consideration, and authenticity. The wise are peacemakers, bridge-builders, and servants, not manipulators or hypocrites. Godly wisdom transforms us so deeply that our actions, attitudes, and relationships reflect the character of Christ, even when no one is watching. [01:41:41]
- The Harvest of Righteousness Comes Through Peacemaking
When we sow in peace—living out godly wisdom in our homes, churches, and communities—we reap a harvest of righteousness. This is not just personal blessing, but the salvation and transformation of others as well. The call is to be peacemakers, healers, and authentic witnesses, knowing that our faithfulness will result in lives reconciled to God and a legacy that endures. [01:43:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opportunity to Bless Montana Reservation Children
[04:45] - The Crisis on the Reservation and Call to Action
[08:30] - Laying Our Burdens Before the Lord
[13:20] - Prayer and Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness
[18:00] - The Call to Return to Our First Love
[22:30] - The Danger of Losing the Fear of the Lord
[27:00] - The Urgency of Repentance and Holiness
[31:40] - Wisdom: Conduct Over Conversation
[36:00] - Earthly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom
[41:00] - The Fruit of Godly Wisdom
[46:00] - The Dangers of Compromise and “Side Chicks”
[51:00] - The Call to Authenticity and Sincerity
[56:00] - The Harvest of Righteousness for Peacemakers
[01:01:00] - Final Invitation and Prayer for Godly Wisdom
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Wisdom from Above
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### Bible Reading
James 3:13-18 (NIV)
13 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.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 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.
18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3:13, how does true wisdom show itself in a person’s life?
2. What are the characteristics of earthly wisdom versus godly wisdom, as listed in James 3:14-17?
3. In the sermon, what example from the Old Testament was given to illustrate laying our burdens before the Lord? ([37:34])
4. What does James say is the result of being a peacemaker who sows in peace? (James 3:18)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James describe earthly wisdom as “demonic” and what does that mean for how we view the wisdom of the world? ([01:18:47])
2. The sermon talked about “side chicks”—small compromises that contaminate our devotion. Why are even small allowances of impurity so dangerous to our spiritual lives? ([01:27:09])
3. How does the pursuit of holiness differ from simply seeking happiness or comfort, according to the sermon? ([43:57])
4. Why is it important that wisdom is seen in our conduct and not just in our words? ([01:41:41])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to lay our burdens before the Lord, just as Hezekiah did. Is there a specific burden, fear, or chaotic situation in your life that you need to lay before God this week? What would it look like to do that honestly and completely? ([37:34])
2. The pastor warned about “side chicks”—small compromises or impurities that spoil our devotion. Are there any “side chicks” in your life right now—habits, media, relationships, or attitudes—that you sense are contaminating your heart or home? What step could you take to remove or address them? ([01:27:09])
3. The sermon said, “Church is not a social club or a place for entertainment; it is the house of God, where we come to be transformed, convicted, and made holy.” How do you approach church? Is there a change you feel called to make in your attitude or expectations about gathering with God’s people? ([43:57])
4. James says that godly wisdom is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to live out? Why? ([01:25:32])
5. The sermon emphasized that true wisdom is seen in humility and serving others. Can you think of a practical way to serve someone in your life this week—maybe even someone you find difficult to love? ([01:41:41])
6. The pastor said, “When we sow in peace, we reap a harvest of righteousness—not just for ourselves, but for the salvation of many.” Is there a relationship or situation where you need to be a peacemaker or bridge-builder? What’s one step you could take toward peace? ([01:43:35])
7. The message called us to return to our first love and pursue holiness. What is one specific way you can intentionally pursue your relationship with God this week—through prayer, repentance, worship, or another spiritual practice? ([45:13])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s wisdom, for purity of heart, and for the courage to surrender any burdens or compromises. Ask God to help each person become a peacemaker and to walk in the wisdom that comes from above.
Devotional
Day 1: Laying Your Burdens Before the Lord
When faced with overwhelming challenges, we are invited to do as King Hezekiah did: bring our burdens, fears, and impossible situations before God, laying them out honestly and surrendering them at His feet. No matter what the world or any report says, God has the final word over our lives. He sees what is written on our hearts, even if we cannot put it into words, and He is faithful to answer when we trust Him with our deepest needs. Today, come before the Lord with whatever weighs on you, and leave it in His hands, believing that He will move on your behalf. [37:34]
2 Kings 19:14-19 (NIV)
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. 17 “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 19 Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.”
Reflection: What is one specific burden or fear you need to lay before God today, trusting Him to handle it rather than carrying it yourself?
Day 2: True Wisdom Is Shown in Humble Living
Wisdom is not measured by how much we know or say, but by the humility and gentleness with which we live and serve others. Godly wisdom is visible in our actions, especially in how we treat those around us, putting others before ourselves and letting our deeds reflect the heart of Christ. In a world that values self-promotion and pride, true wisdom is found in humble service and a willingness to be broken before God, seeking His will above our own. [01:13:00]
James 3:13 (NIV)
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.
Reflection: In what area of your life can you choose humility and serve someone else today, letting your actions speak louder than your words?
Day 3: Rejecting Earthly Wisdom and Embracing God’s Wisdom
Earthly wisdom, rooted in selfishness, envy, and pride, leads only to chaos, disorder, and destruction. God calls us to renounce the wisdom of the world—which is unspiritual and even demonic—and instead seek the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure and peace-loving. When we try to mix worldly and godly wisdom, we end up with confusion and compromise. Instead, we are to die to ourselves, check our motives, and ask God for His wisdom, which He gives generously to those who seek it. [01:21:40]
James 3:14-16 (NIV)
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Reflection: Where do you see signs of chaos or selfish ambition in your life, and how can you intentionally turn from worldly wisdom to seek God’s wisdom today?
Day 4: The Marks of Heavenly Wisdom—Pursuing Purity and Peace
The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. God desires a pure heart, not perfection, but a heart surrendered and being perfected by Him. We are called to examine our lives for anything that contaminates our hearts, to pursue holiness, and to be peacemakers who build bridges rather than cause division. Heavenly wisdom transforms us from the inside out, making us authentic, merciful, and agents of peace in a broken world. [01:25:32]
James 3:17-18 (NIV)
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Reflection: What is one “small thing” you’ve allowed into your heart or home that may be contaminating your pursuit of purity and peace, and how can you surrender it to God today?
Day 5: Returning to Your First Love and Living Authentically
God is calling His people to return to their first love, to lay aside every distraction, excuse, and compromise, and to live with authentic devotion to Him. It is not enough to simply attend church or go through the motions; God desires a sincere, wholehearted relationship with us. He wants us to be real about our struggles, to come to Him in brokenness, and to let Him transform us so that our lives reflect His holiness and love every day of the week. When we live authentically, sowing peace and righteousness, we become peacemakers who draw others to Christ and reap a harvest for His kingdom. [01:45:32]
Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to return to your first love for Jesus and live more authentically for Him, both in private and in public?
Quotes
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