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The Epistle of James

Practical Christian Living

Christ Baptist ChurchFall 2014

James 3:13-18

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Review – James 3:1-12• The tongue is the focal point and indicator of man’s sinful heart• Under God’s Spirit, the tongue can be a fountain of truth

The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

• Who is the wisest person you know? – What do you see in that person’s life that shows wisdom?

• What, in your opinion, is the secret to gaining wisdom?

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James 3:13-181. According to Dr. Wiersbe, in what 3 aspects does

James contrast true wisdom and false wisdom?

2. What are some of the biblical examples of the folly of man’s wisdom?

3. What is the difference between the world’s knowledge and the world’s wisdom?

The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

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4. How can you tell when God is at work?

The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

James 3:17

“But the wisdom

from above is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle, open to reason,

full of mercygood fruits, impartial &

sincere.”

James 1:17

“Every good gift and

every perfect gift

is from above”

Phil 3:20

“But our citizenship is in heaven”

Matt 6:19

“Do not lay up for

yourselves treasures on

earth”

John 14:1-4

Jesus said “I go to

prepare a place for

you”

John 3:1-7

“unless one is born of water and

the Spirit, he cannot

enter the kingdom of

God. ”

Col 3:1-4

“Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set

your minds on things that are

above, not on things

that are on earth.”

Matt 6:9

“Our Father in heaven,”

Be Mature p 114, Dr. Wiersbe

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The Epistle of James 3:13-18

False Wisdom• Envy, strife, boasting, deceit (WW)

• Bitterness, jealousy, selfish ambition (v14)

• Boasting, telling false truth (v14)• Earthly, unspiritual & demonic (v 15)• Disorder and vile practice (v16)

True Wisdom• Meekness (v13)• Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to

reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (v17)

• Harvest of righteousness sown in peace (v18)

Wisdom that Matters

5. What are the evidences of false wisdom and true wisdom?

6. Personal Question: Which of the evidences of: a)worldly wisdom would you like to see less of in your life? b)True Wisdom - more of in your life?

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8. What results does worldly wisdom produce? – What does godly wisdom produce?

9. What is the most important way to measure which wisdom is prevailing in ourselves, our ministries and our churches?– What does vs 13 tell us about how to know who is wise?

10. In what way is the Christian life a life of sowing and reaping?

The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

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Going Deeper• Proverbs 2:1-7 -- List all the synonyms used for wisdom. What

do these terms reveal about the nature of wisdom?– What is the source of true wisdom? How do we get it?

• Colossians 2:2-3 – What does this passage say about Christ and wisdom?

The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

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The Epistle of James 2:14- 18

Challenges:• Take time to reflect. To what degree does the

world’s wisdom hold sway over your thoughts, opinions and values? Why?

• What are some ways you, as a Christian, can acquire God’s wisdom? Try to list 10 and circle the ones you regularly practice. – Put a check mark by the activities that need to

become part of your daily experience.

Taming the Tongue

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