Young People's Group

THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE

by Pastor Mitch
July 11, 2004

Who Is Wise And Understanding?

What is it that makes a person stand out among a crowd? It is the wisdom that is demonstrated through what is spoken and what is done. The prudent words and acts of a learned man set him apart from the ordinary. The children of God are meant to be as such. We are to be wise and understanding Christians. James raised this question in his book

“Who is wise and understanding among you?”
James 3:13

The word “understanding” in the Greek means one who has expert and deep understanding. He is someone who shows great discernment from the Lord. Our quest to be a person of righteousness will include being astute in all that we do. Let’s be motivated to be truly wise.

The Wisdom That Is Demonic

There is one big problem that we face in our pursuit to be wise. The devil has his own brand of wisdom.

“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

The devil creates his own wisdom that is very much what we see in the world. It is a wisdom that is applied according to the flesh. The result of such wisdom is that it produces all kinds of wrong feelings like envy. People become self-seeking in their hearts and they bring about conflicts within the Church. Division inside the Church is created by such wisdom. Let’s be aware that such wisdom is in fact demonic.

The Wisdom That Is From Above

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” 
James 3:17

The wisdom that is from God is in “contra-distinction” to the wisdom of the devil. It purifies and humbles people rather than corrupts and defiles. It changes the spirit of a person from one that is headstrong to one that is tender and kind. A man who has wisdom from above will be ready to yield. He will exercise great mercy to people. He will have a heart of love for both the rich and the poor and will not discriminate between them. The wise and understanding person will do all things with sincerity.

The Practice Of Godly Wisdom

Brethren, let’s reject the wisdom that is demonic and practise that which is from above. In practical terms, it is by our conduct that this will be shown.

“Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” 
James 3:13

The manner of our conduct will be marked by humility and gentleness. We will also be peace-loving people.

“Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” 
James 3:18

This is the fruit of righteousness. When we practise godly wisdom in all that we do and say, we wear the breastplate of righteousness proudly. Young people, let’s seek to have godly wisdom and to practise it always.

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