James 3:16-18

March 31, 2008

Good morning! I hope that this study in James has been encouraging for you. Instead of moving ahead, I believe that it would be very profitable to go back over chapters 1-3 this week. I don't want us to lose sight of the entire message that God is communicating to us. So, go through the last 3 chapters and meditate on what God has taught you so far and how it has changed you from the inside out. Remember, you are meeting with God Himself and He is meeting with you!

Enjoy your time with God today and don't forget to share what you are learning with others. It may be just what they needed to hear! We will begin chapter 4 next week.
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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?



CHEW 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 (cf. 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!


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen