Sermon on 10 March 2024 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Are we walking through life with godly wisdom or with worldly wisdom?
Message
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. - James 3:13-18
Worldly knowledge makes one puffed up; makes one boastful. If we walk through life in worldly wisdom, it is demonic (versus 15). Godly wisdom can only be found through Jesus Christ. One who walks through life with worldly wisdom will experience anger and confusion, amongst other bad things. Such a person reacts to their environment and others using clever human wisdom. The entire day is under the control of the devil. You will not be able to receive the Lord’s blessings. But His mercies are new every day. Apply godly wisdom to your life. Verse 18 tells us plainly to be peacemakers.
People are becoming increasingly reliant on the wisdom of worldly logic and values (1 John 5:19).
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. - 1 John 5:19
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. - Colossians 2:8
Beware of worldly wisdom, logic, motos and values. Worldly wisdom tells us to follow our hearts, to fall in love, to do whatever makes you feel good, be yourself and that knowledge is power. But the bible tells us the truth - we are not told to make ourselves happy, we are to please God; that we should not follow our hearts because our hearts are wicked and only God knows our hearts. Be discerning because worldly wisdom can be confused with biblical truth, as people read only part of the word without taking in the entire context of it.
Watch out and don’t mix up worldly wisdom with godly wisdom - 2 Peter 3:17
The wisdom of the world leads to inconsistency and shaking emotions
Heavenly wisdom is founded on an intimate relationship with Christ (2 Timothy 2:19).
The wisdom of the world will never align to heavenly wisdom
How you see will lead to what you experience (Ephesians 1:18). If someone tries to cheat you, worldly dictates that we get angry. But heavenly wisdom does not want us to succumb to anger. What heavenly wisdom says will be opposite to what worldly wisdom says (Galatians 4:16). Worldly wisdom and worldly values are very seductive (James 1:14). People are searching for a truth that lines up with their lifestyle.
But the only truth we can find in this world is in the pages of scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Heavenly wisdom is revealed through the written word of God (Matthew 11:25; Proverbs 3:13). Heavenly wisdom is revealed to those who are like babes. Heavenly wisdom is always pure - uncorrupted, undiluted, undisrupted and whole. Heavenly wisdom is shown by absolute and unwavering trust in the world of God. Heavenly wisdom is peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, full of good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).
The wisdom of the world will not let the spirit of truth guide them
The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. - John 14:17
Walking through life in heavenly wisdom will be demonstrated by obedience to the spirit in every area of life (James 3:17). Walking life through worldly wisdom will be reflected in bitter envy, and a self-seeking heart (James 3:14-16). Deciding between walking life through heavenly wisdom or worldly wisdom will have a huge impact on our lives today and on our eternal destiny (Ecclesiastes 12:15; Isaiah 30:21).
Closing
Walking through life on worldly wisdom is destructive on God’s purpose. It is ungodly and denies God, heaven and hell. It is the root to confusion, evil things, bondages and addiction. It is of the devil, and satan is the mastermind of worldly wisdom. The devil wants souls to fill up the place that is hell.
Which path will you choose? Choose heavenly wisdom. The bible tells us the answer clearly.
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; - Deuteronomy 30:19
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. - Proverbs 3:18
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