Lesson 48,
Summary
1. There existed
among those that James is writing believers with the exact opposite of the
wisdom which produced gentleness in their dealings with each other. (
2. Bitter
jealousy/envy indicates an intense MAS toward someone .
3. Jealousy always
manifests ones disorientation to grace.
4. This jealousy was
especially strong and it resulted in selfish ambition.
5. Out of this
jealousy and selfish ambition arose factions and
cliques among them.
6. When believers
function under jealousy and self-ambition they set aside spiritual principles
that establish correct priorities and what is beneficial for the common good.
7. Selfish ambition
indicates that unworthy and divisive means are employed to promote ones views
or interests.
8. James tells them
to stop gloating in their jaded wisdom.
9. Their assumed but
false superiority was the basis for their boasting.
10. Only genuine
orientation to truth gives one an advantage in life.
11. When one boasts
in imagined advantages (personal or corp.) he lies against the truth.
12. It is because
sound doctrine does not sponsor this type of activity that is, lying against
the truth.
13. Truth does not
say that you are a better Christian because you live in a certain location,
have gone to a certain school, have material prosperity, you attend a larger
church.
14. The thrust here
then is those who operate on bitter jealousy and selfish ambition ought to at
least be honest and stop claiming to be inspired by God's heavenly wisdom.
The wisdom
as James uses the term speaks of a wisdom that is practical and relational, not
philosophical or speculative, not abstract.
This wisdom (spoken of
in verse 14) is not that which comes down from above
- The
word wisdom
** Since
this word is used of both human viewpoint wisdom separated and untouched by the
Word of God and of God's wisdom we must examine each context carefully to see
which is in view.
Have 3 characteristics of this
wisdom that is not from above;
earthly = evpi,geioj( - on the earth - earthy;
The wisdom
of the world does not have a perspective beyond the horizon of this world. It
has neither a heavenly nor an eternal perspective. It is time-bound.
natural (yuciko,j( - from yuch soul - soulish man - natural man
- this wisdom is earth bound wisdom; speaks of what
happens on earth (Jn 3.12); it belongs
to the sphere of human existence under sin nature rule
demonic (diamoniwdhj - demonic in character; from daimonion that which precedes from a demon
or an evil spirit.
- Demonic means just what it says: It is a wisdom
in keeping with Satan’s program that attempts to influence and control us by
doctrines of demons. It is a wisdom which rejects God as the source for skill
in living. [1 Tim 4:1]
Summary observations 3:15
1. There is a clear distinction
drawn in scripture between the wisdom of this world, the kosmos, and the wisdom
of God. 1 Cor
1-2
- world =
- God =
2. This wisdom produces a line of
thought, a mindset and a conduct which maintains the alienation of the
unbeliever from God. 2 Cor 4:3-4
3. The believer who chooses to
operate with this mindset is alienated from God. no fellowship.
4. The term earthly stamps this
wisdom as that which man possesses by natural birth and inclination.
- have a
natural trend to think human viewpoint
5. Because it is earth-bound
wisdom, under it man will never achieve a life of true peace and
contentment. (world
mindset, attempts to deceive man into thinking that under his system they will)
6. That its
natural or soulish relates it to the soul being ruled
by the indwelling of the sin nature.
7. Such wisdom produces distorted
concepts, desires and aspirations.
- Seen in
the examples given that demonstrate this wisdom is present in vs:14 & 16
8. Such wisdom is also demonic in
that it mirrors the vpt of demons, who operate on the marching orders and vpt
of Satan. 1 Tim 4:1
9. Satan has road blocks at every
stage of the Christian life.
First the evidence: For where jealousy and
selfish ambition exist
The result: there is disorder and every evil thing.
Summary
1. This wisdom is self condemning by what it produces as noted in vs:14 & 16
2. Where you see these manifestations of the sin nature you find social
chaos.
- if these sins reign in one's life confusion,
disorder, instability also will reign, you can count on it
3. Selfish ambition and jealousy will always destroy ones spiritual life and the witness
of the life for Christ.
4. The phrase every vile practice emphasizes the total
worthlessness, being of no account, of the results of such a mindset.
5. Clearly such wisdom then has no redeeming value or qualities as far as God is concerned. Man is often impressed.