James 3:13-18
Q.1. Why are confessions and professions of faith alone inadequate? What changes should accompany genuine faith? – (Jms.3:13-14)
James had a view of faith that was intensely practical and observable. Words and orthodox confessions are not enough – … Let him show by his good behaviour his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (Jms.3:13). Real wisdom is gentle. It is not arrogant or contentious. Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in our hearts are incompatible with genuine faith and wisdom (see Jms.3:14).
Q.2. How does God view human wisdom? What does human wisdom look like? – (Jms.3:15-16 c.f. 1 Cor.1:19; 2:6-8; Gal.5:19-21)
We live in a world where human logic and wisdom prevail. We are encouraged into accepting the validity of the prevailing wisdom and opinions. People can say one thing yet be another. God traces such wisdom to its source, and considers it merely – 15 … earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing (Jms.3:15-16). God has rejected all such human wisdom that brings disorder and lawlessness. It is this kind of human wisdom that the stooped to the evil of crucifying the Lord of glory (see1 Cor.1:19; 2:8).
Q.3. From where does true wisdom come? What are its distinguishing marks? What is its fruit? – (Jms.3:17-18 c.f. 1 Cor.1:26-31; Gal.5:22-23)
True wisdom comes from God above (see Jms.3:17). It gives us the ability and humility to recognize our need for the Saviour, which is all His doing from before the beginning, to beyond the end (see 1 Cor.1:30-31). Such wisdom ensures that all the wonderful fruit produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit grows in us (see Ga.5:22-23). True wisdom is displayed by the peace of those who – have been justified by faith … and – have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.5:1).