Lesson 48, October 20 2004 

Summary 3:14

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.  (3:13)

 

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.

 

3:15 The Character of the wisdom seen in vs:14

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 sofia =  wisdom, wise, insight , understanding;

 

**  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 = 1:20; 2:5-6

- God = 1:24; 2:7

 

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.

 

3:16  The Results of Contaminated Wisdom observed and then contrasted with DVPT wisdom in 3:17

 

First the evidence:  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist

 

 

 

The result:  there is disorder and every evil thing.

 

 

 

3:16  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every vile practice.  

 

Summary 3:16

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.