Lesson 49,
But the wisdom from above (in
contrast to that just looked at in vs:14-16)
is first pure
first pure - agnoj = pure, clean, undefiled = free from the
contamination and defilement of the sin nature
Then
follows the observed results of this
wisdom - 6 characteristics
1. then peaceable eirhnikoj -
peaceful, promoting peace à from eirhnh no
hostility, reconciliation
Peace w/o
purity is not a part of this wisdom. No
peace where the sin nature rules the life.
Only a pseudo peace.
2. gentle - epieikhj (not
easily translated with one word) - it signifies a humble patience -
steadfastness - forbearance which is able to endure injustice, maltreatment w/o
responding with hatred or malice it involves trusting in God in spite of
ill-treatment received.
- used of Jesus Christ in 2 Cor 10:1
- of the
believer on the job to maintain the correct MA whether he has a fair and gentle
boss or one who is unreasonable. 1 Pet 2:18
- also
of the believer in general - Titus 3:2
- of the
P/T specifically in 1 Tim 3:3
- idea
then is to be considerate, non-combative, relaxed under authority whether being
fairly or unjustly treated
3. reasonable - euvpeiqh,j( (hapax) = easily persuaded, ready to obey, compliant
- was used of submission to military discipline and for observance of
legal and moral standards.
- This characteristic describes the one who is responsive to those in
bonifide positions of authority - eager and attentive to the teaching of the
Word of God.
4. Full of mercy and good
fruits,
- this phrase stands in direct contrast to
every vile practice that characterized the earthly wisdom.
- Concept of mercy is to give or to deal with someone not on the basis
or premise that they deserved whatever was given or done for them.
Because He
has shown mercy to us we are to exhibit this same action towards others. Lk
A very
good example of mercy is seen in the good Samaritan Lk
10:25-37
good fruits
- agaqoj karpoj (pl) -
good/beneficial production
5. unwavering (adj. - hapax)
= adiakritoj fr: diakrinw to discern - judge
- it means to be undivided; to be without
division or discord; hence the concept of unwavering or without vacillation
- What unwavering
really describes here is the believer who:
- is not carried off by every wind of BD -
trendy teaching passed as BD; feel good teaching; some truth with psychobabble
- not fooled by the wolves out there, the false
teachers
- not attempting to live their life on two
standards
- not double-souled or double-tongued
- exhibiting a wisdom that acts consistently
- therefore is predominately walking in the
light
6. without hypocrisy - anupokritoj this wisdom is free from all pretense; no working
behind a mask - nothing to hide
Summary vs:17
1. This is what God expects from
the believer after salvation - A life that manifests these characteristics,
these qualities. Not a complete list by
any means.
2. The only basis for these to
become a reality is for each of us to have His wisdom in us coupled with the
Holy Spirit's empowering ministry and guidance in order to use it.
3. It takes God working in us through His Word
for these characteristics to become a reality and for God to be glorified by
our lives as they are reflected in our day to day activities.
4. These characteristics are also
to be reflected in the L/C and they will not be produced them by the
5. Since His viewpoint is what we need, He has made
available to us His revelation and
provided us instruction of that revelation through the proper function
of the L/C and the gift of P/T teaching systematically through the Word.
Ultimately the source is God's grace
instructs us in the truth we need to know!
Titus 2:12-13