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Title: War of the Worlds Text: James 3:13 -18 Date: 5/16/04. Am On October 30, 1938 Orson Wells shocked America and became famous with his radio performance of the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds, when he had people believing there was a Martian invasion of the world taking place. It became a Movie classic in 1953 staring Gene Barry, and is still seen on tv from time to time. I saw it not long ago. It’s almost humorous to watch now especially since you can go to the NASA Mars Rover web site and see actual pictures of Mars. While we know the war of the worlds portrayed on the radio and in the movie was fictional, James talks about another war of the worlds that’s going on right now. Thesis Statement: Everyone has a world view, a way of evaluating things that happen in the world and making decisions. World views are distinguished by their foundational basis. For James the foundational basis of a Christian world view is wisdom. But, not just any kind of wisdom. James draws a distinction between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom which comes from above. These two distinct worlds of wisdom are at war with each other. This war of the worlds is real and it takes place within us. James challenges us to examine our world view and ask ourselves which world is winning. James 3:13-18 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and {so} lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and {so} lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 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. (NAS) Both the Greeks and the Jews valued wisdom. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and we are told the person who finds wisdom and understanding is blessed and the profit of wisdom is better than the profit of silver, or gold. (Prov 3: 13-14). In the New Testament we are encouraged to walk with wisdom in Ep 5:15-17. Greek culture considered wisdom to be an increased intellectual mental capacity, particularly in the area of philosophical knowledge and understanding. The modern concept of wisdom is more in line with Greek thought. Jewish thought, which formed much of the ground work for Christian thought, perceived wisdom in a different way. The psalmist explained that understanding in Ps 111:10 where he wrote: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do {His commandments} His praise endures forever. (NAS) Like the psalmist, James doesn’t see wisdom as the way a person thinks or only what he knows. James places a greater emphasis on behavior. For him, true wisdom, wisdom that comes from above, is first and foremost grounded in a personal relationship to Jesus Christ and demonstrates itself through a Christ-honoring lifestyle. James just concluded talking about the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, and the necessity to keep our tongues in check as an essential quality of Christian character. In this passage he provides instructions on how to control the tongue and how to control other areas of our lives through having and living by godly wisdom. James points out to us that there are two different kinds of wisdom. The wisdom that is of this world and the wisdom that is heavenly or other worldly and explains the difference between the two. Knowing the source of the differing forms of wisdom serves to encourage us to choose the right one. A. WISDOM NOT FROM ABOVE (v. 15) 1. It is EARTHLY a. i.e.. worldly b. Wisdom thinks and acts according to the worldly standards c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God - 1 Co 1:20 2. It is SENSUAL a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions b. Wisdom according to what FEELS right 3. It is DEMONIC a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan! B. WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE ( v. 17) 1. It comes from GOD - cf. Ja 1:17 2. It comes through PRAYER - cf. Ja 1:5-8 3. It comes through GOD’S WORD - 2 Tim 3:16-17 4. It comes through the HOLY SPIRIT - Eph 1:17; 1 Cor 2:10-13 Not only is there a difference in origin there is also a difference in their basic nature C. EARTHLY WISDOM (14,16) 1. Full of BITTER ENVY - Jealousy 2. It is SELF-SEEKING or SELF-CENTERED - Pride 3. It exalts as virtues such qualities as: a. Power b. Position c. Privilege d. Prestige Rather than humility and service. 4. It was this kind of wisdom... a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom B. HEAVENLY WISDOM V. 17 1. It is first PURE a. Above all else, it is true to God's Will b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace 2. Then it is PEACEABLE a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace - cf. Ro 12:18 b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love -cf. Ep 4:15 3. GENTLE a. That is, kind in one's dealings with others b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ - cf. 2 Ti 2:24-25 - not quarrelsome, but patient 4. WILLING TO YIELD a. Not in matters of truth b. But in matters of opinion - Ro 14:1 c. In matters of liberty - Ro 14:19-21 Such as food, observance of special days etc. and worship style 5. FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others - doesn’t hold grudges b. Wisely understanding one's own need of mercy - cf. Ja 2:13 c. This kind of wisdom takes us beyond being just a HEARER to being a DOER as well - Ja 1:22 d. moves us beyond dead faith to an alive, active faith - Ja 2:26 6. WITHOUT PARTIALITY a. Showing no different respect of persons - cf. Ja 2:1-13 b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis 7. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY a. Indicating that all of the above is not an "act", a "show" b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR END RESULTS A. EARTHLY WISDOM (v. 16) 1. Causes CONFUSION 2. And it’s results James says is EVERY EVIL THING There are no absolutes. B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (v. 18) 1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion 2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS There is a war of worlds being waged within you right now. It is a war that determines how you live your life. It determines how you think and how you act, how you make decisions. Which world is winning that war in your life? For Christian’s to be a positive influence in their world, to be a strong witness we must live by other worldly wisdom, the wisdom that is from above from God. In order to do that we must willingly live every day in His presence, willing commit our mind and heart completely to Him. Are you willing to make that commitment and surrender all to Him and both Savior and Lord of your life? As we sing our hymn of invitation and commitment we invite you to respond to the Spirit’s leading for salvation, rededication baptism, church membership, or prayer. Whatever your need Jesus is always willing and waiting to meet that need. |