Instruction
Scripture: James3:13-4:10
Some have compared James to a catechism for the early church
because of the format of questions and answers. In this section James asks (and
answers) questions about godly wisdom, the source of quarrels within the
church, and worldliness. The text serves to teach on each of these topics and
to point the reader back to God’s Word and His will, and to call us to
repentance.
Teaching
Throughout his book James helps us see that the ethics of
the Christian life are different than the world’s ethics. While there is
certainly outward crossover between what the world calls good and God calls
good, James points out that key differences lie in things like the ambition of
our hearts, our passions, and humility. Each of these, along with the rest of
our lives are to align with God’s wisdom.
James places earthly wisdom, which he, inspired by the Holy
Spirit, calls unspiritual and demonic, at the center of our conflicts within
the church and in our relationships.
Life
James ask a question that is really worth thinking about:
Who is wise and understanding among us? There are many people who are honored
for their intellect and for their great understanding in a variety of areas
like chemistry, physics, economics, theology, and the like. But notice that
James is not interested in general knowledge or cleverness. He’s talking about
wisdom, and that is something different. Wisdom is the good application of what
we know and believe to real life situations. James has two criteria for us to
look for when we consider wisdom: first, that is it godly (it comes down from
above) and second, its fruit – pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of
mercy, etc.
When we live grace-filled lives and are guided by God’s Word
in our decisions we will display wisdom for all to see.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the themes of Petition, Instruction, and Thanksgiving.
O God, make us wise with Your wisdom. Help us know the
difference between Your wisdom and earthly wisdom that our lives may be filled
with the peace and unity that flows from living in Your Word. Root out any
bitter jealousy and selfish ambition that is in our hearts and help us be
people of peace. Keep us from worldly passions which ensnare us and pull us
away from You. Instead, help us live lives of humble repentance that are filled
with the joy of Your salvation.
Lord, this world’s wisdom is constantly presented to us as
the way to live, but in truth it is full of jealousy and selfish ambition, and
leads to division. It is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Our good conduct,
however, is formed by the wisdom from above and shows in meekness,
peacefulness, gentleness, and good fruits. The quarrels and divisions we
experience are established by living according to our passions, but we are Your
people called to resist the devil so he will flee from us. Our only response to
the realization of earthly wisdom’s hold on us is to repent and cling to Your
grace.
Thank You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for revealing
Your wisdom. Thank You for the faith that believes Your word, and gives us
strength to live by it. Amen.
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