• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"This wisdom does not descend from above..."

Text: James 3:15

TRACING THE SOURCE OF WISDOM

James went on to trace the source of wisdom that some falsely claimed to possess.

“This wisdom does not descend from above,
but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
For where envy and self-seeking exist,
confusion and every evil thing are there.”
James 3:15-16

1. “This wisdom does not descend from above”

a) James exclaims that the source is not from God above.

b) Wisdom that comes from God cannot be associated with:

i) Bitter envying and self-seeking.

ii) Nor “boasting” and “lying”.

2. The source of such wisdom

(Three avenues were considered)

a) Earthly

Wisdom of the earth (man-made)

b) Sensual

Wisdom that is “natural” (and not spiritual)

c) Demonic

Of grave concern is that the wisdom was spawned from “demons”

3. “For where envy and self-seeking exist”

a) Envy and self-seeking are more sinister than is realised.

b) They must not be merely “accepted” as “natural”.

4. Confusion results

a) The oneness in the Christian community is in danger of being lost.

b) Confusion has the idea of “disorder”.

i) Trust is threatened.

ii) Distrust may prevail instead.

5. “And every evil thing”

a) Evil deeds will arise where demonic wisdom is allowed to rear its ugly head.

b) Envy and self-seeking, boasting and lying are but “first-fruits”.

c) Other evil deeds can arise and bring great harm.