Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon this week. I would like to thank the Lord for this opportunity. I also want to thank the Lord for something that is very important to me. Today is my friend Toby's birthday. I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for bringing the two of us together, and for allowing us to have a wonderful life together in the years that we were given.
Last week, we began a study of James' discussion of the wisdom of this world versus that wisdom that comes from above. The wisdom that comes from above is the teaching of the Bible most specifically the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus.
We learned that the wisdom of this world leads to selfishness, jealousy and greed. The wisdom of this world is based on boasting, lies and demonic influences. The wisdom of this world leads to sinfulness and ultimate chaos.
Today, I want us to focus on the wisdom that is from above. If we follow the way and the teachings of the Lord Jesus, how will that manifest in our lives. In verse 17, James says that the wisdom that is from above is pure. That means that those who follow the way of Jesus will live lives of moral purity. Following Jesus allows us to seek what is best for the other instead of seeking the selfish ambition that is part of the way of the world.
James also tells us that the way of Jesus brings peace, and those who follow the wisdom of Jesus that is from above seek to make peace. When we follow the way of Jesus, we will have His peace that passes all understanding in our hearts. We will know what our ultimate destiny is. We will know that we are safe in the Father's hands. Also, the one who follows the way of Jesus is a peacemaker. Jesus brought a message of peace and non-violence. His is not the way of war, revenge and violence. When people who claim to be Christians advocate for war and violence, they are not imitating the way and teachings of the Lord Jesus. Those who follow Jesus work to bring reconciliation between people and nations. They do this through non-violent means as they seek the way of peace with justice.
The way of Jesus leads to gentleness, reasonableness and mercy. Someone who will not listen to reason and is argumentative all of the time is following the way of the world. Those who will not forgive and will not be merciful to those who have made mistakes are not following the teaching of Jesus that tells us to forgive others or we will not be forgiven.
James also tells us that the wisdom that is from above manifests itself in good fruits. This means that those who follow the way of Jesus will produce the fruit of the Spirit within their lives. Love, joy, peace and humility are just a few of the good fruits that will be part of the life of the one who seeks to follow the path set forth by Jesus Christ.
The way of Jesus also leads to sincerity which means that it leads to truthfulness. Lying and deception are from the world. Those who follow the way of Jesus speak what is true with gentleness and with respect. They are not respecters of persons meaning that the follower of Jesus states what is true to everyone regardless of that persons so-called status in this world.
Those who follow the way of Jesus which is the way of wisdom from above will have a harvest of righteousness. I believe that this has two meanings. First of all, the way of Jesus leads us to have lives that are filled with good things and holy living. It also leads us to tell others about what Jesus has done for us. This results in others coming to faith in Jesus.
There is a vast difference between the wisdom and way of this world and the path of Jesus that is the wisdom that comes down from above. It is eternally important to follow the way of Jesus and declare that He is Lord in all of our actions. Amen.
Prayer Requests
Please pray that the storms predicted for area this week will not be bad. Also, please pray that my job situation will resolve. I have an important interview this week. Pray that the Lord's will will be done.
Please continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Here in the United States, many people remain unvaccinated despite the fact that there is plenty of vaccine available. Please, if you have not been vaccinated, get the vaccine. It will help to keep you from getting sick, and it will help our society at large to beat this pandemic. We also want to pray for India as that nation is having such a hard time with the virus right now. Pray that all of those who are sick will recover.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Chad, Ethiopia, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan really need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in Pakistan and Gambia. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our study in James as we begin chapter four. I will post the verses on Monday, and I hope to have a midweek post. May God bless you all.
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