“Living Well in God’s Wisdom” – a message from James 3

This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our preaching series entitled “Authentic Faith: Growing with the Apostle James.” My message was entitled “Living Well in God’s Wisdom,” and drew upon James 3:13-18, which focuses on the difference between real wisdom and that which only masquerades as wisdom.

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“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)

Let the Wise Step Forward (James 3:13a)

Who is wise?

Who thinks they’re wise?

What really is wisdom? 

The Defining Features of the Wise (James 3:13b)

Good life or good conduct

Deeds done with humility or meekness

The Way of Un-Wisdom (James 3:14-16)

The “heart root” of un-wisdom: envy and selfish ambition

The “fuel” of un-wisdom: earthly mindset, unspiritual approach, and demonic ways

The “end” of un-wisdom is disorder and every evil practice 

The Way of Wisdom (James 3:17-18)

Real wisdom looks like this:

• pure
• peace-loving, considerate, submissive
• full of mercy and bearing good fruit
• impartial and sincere

Wisdom cultivates peace

Living Well in God’s Wisdom (and Fleeing Un-wisdom)

Turning from un-wisdom

Seeking the Triune God:Daily turning toward wisdom 

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:

• Memorize James 3:17-18
• Consider exploring themes of wisdom in the Bible by doing a word search on “wisdom” or reading and reflecting on the following passages
• Job 28:28
• Psalm 90:12
• Proverbs 1:7; 2:1-6; 4:5-7; 8:11; 9:10; 13:20
• 1 Corinthians 1:30
• Ephesians 5:15
• Colossians 2:2-3; 4:5-6
• Consider exploring these resources about wisdom from God:
• Bible Project video on wisdom in the book of Proverbs
• Timothy Keller, God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs