Walk This Way: Live Humbly and Wise (James 3:13-18) Billy Russell 11/4/18

Walk This Way

“Live Humbly and Wise”

(James 3:13-18)

 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13, NIV)

 

James teaches us faith is belief in action. Living by faith is seen when we apply wisdom to daily life situations. What is wisdom? How can we live humbly and wise in the face of trials and temptations?

•  Wisdom is... Applying spiritual truth to everyday life (practical).
  • Applying what we know and have learned from living by faith to everyday life situations. It begins with a deep respect (awe, fear) of God and our relationship with Him (Prov.1:7).
• Wisdom is also: observable, beneficial, and available (v.13; 1:5).
  • Wisdom is both attitude (humility) and action.
• Wisdom in action does not look like... “bitter envy and selfish ambition”
  • Resentful jealousy (comparisons); promoting selfish desires.
  • There is an “earthly” wisdom that is “unspiritual, demonic” (vv.14-15).
  • Jesus calls this “the broad way” (Mt.7:13-14)- crowded path, looks right, but leads to destruction.
  • Refuse to boast or follow this path- leads to “disorder and every evil practice.” Don’t be deceived!
• Wisdom in action looks like... a mosaic of 8 godly characteristics:
  • pure- undefiled, untainted by selfishness; first = priority of the list
  • then peace-loving, considerate, submissive: peaceable, gentle (kind) motivation- right way to do right (4:17); willing to yield (reasonable)
  • full of mercy and good fruit: compassion; reap right living before God
  • impartial and sincere: not playing favorites (2:1-13); genuine
  • Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Cor.1:24); He is these traits in action
  • Jesus calls this “the narrow way”- the road less-traveled, leads to life
  • Jesus and James call this the peacemakers life (v.18; Mt.5:9)-
• How will you live humbly and show wisdom in action this week?