Points of Meditation & Reflection
Sermon Title & Text “Wisdom and Understanding” James 3:13-18
Faith in Action! In this series we want to move from simply the mention of having faith to tangibly putting it into action by exercising faith in life’s challenges.
- We all have made bad/painful decisions in life. Today, we want to move on from Earthly Wisdom to Heavenly Wisdom.
- “Who is wise and understanding among you?”, questions & distinguishes between Type 1 and Type 2 Wisdom.
a. Type 1 Wisdom – Earthly Wisdom operates within the boundaries of “earthy” things & produces “earthy” works/results.
b. Type 2 Wisdom – Heavenly Wisdom is sourced from above and operates within Heavenly boundaries. It then produces heavenly works and results. - Bitter Jealousy and selfish ambition in our hearts are driving forces of Earthly Wisdom, which is earthly, unspiritual, demonic, and produces:
a. Disorder
b. Every Vile Practice - Heavenly Wisdom is above all things Pure:
- Here is what Pure Wisdom from above looks like::
a. Peaceable
b. Gentle
c. Open to Reason
d. Full of Mercy
e. Good Fruits
f. Impartial
g. Sincere - Those that sow wisdom in peace with God will see a Harvest of Righteousness.
Notes:
Lord, we pray these notes and this message are a source of strength, guidance, and spiritual deepening for us all. Amen.
Edward
Everyday Jesus: James 3:13-18
What is the source of your wisdom, heaven or earth? As we develop that question this week, reflect on what your wisdom is producing.
Have a blessed week! I am praying for you daily.
• Monday: Read James 3:13-18. In v13 the wise & understanding person produces conduct and works that are marked in wisdom. Today, ask the Lord what your conduct and works are marked by? Ask God to deepen your godly wisdom and understanding.
• Tuesday: Read James 3:13-18. Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition indicate that our wisdom is coming from the wrong source and not producing godly works. Lord, today we are asking you to show us where jealousy and ambition exists in our hearts.
• Wednesday: Read James 3:13-18. In each of our lives we are susceptible to points of disorder and vile habits. Verses 15-16 explain that those points in our life are rooted in earthly wisdom. Ask God to reveal what shapes your wisdom, skill and decision making that is producing disorder and vile practices/habits.
• Thursday: Read James 3:13-18. Meditate on v.17, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peacable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Allow the truths of this verse about heavenly wisdom to guide your prayer time with the Lord, today.
• Friday: Read James 3:17. Which of the products of heavenly wisdom do you find the most challenging? Make your prayer that God would grow you in each of those areas, especially those that are the most challenging.
• Saturday: Read James 3:13-18. As you are growing in and being led by heavenly wisdom, ask God to produce and harvest of righteousness in and through your life.