Wisdom From Heaven
The sermon emphasizes the importance of purity, peaceableness, gentleness, and compassion in living a life of godly wisdom.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of godly wisdom as described in James 3:13-18, highlighting that purity and peace are foundational characteristics. He explains that faith in Jesus Christ brings about purity and establishes peace with God, which then enables believers to foster peaceful relationships with others. Epp notes that true wisdom is gentle and encourages believers to reflect this gentleness in their interactions, as instructed in 2 Timothy 2:24 and Titus 3:2. He also stresses the importance of compassion and mercy, citing James 1:27 on caring for the less fortunate. Ultimately, Epp concludes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Psalms 111:10.
Text
James 3:13-18
It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. These two have an important relationship. An individual is made pure through faith in Jesus Christ, and this establishes peace between God and himself Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Once this peace has been established through a vertical relationship between the believer and God, the believer will then have a basis on which to establish peaceful horizontal relationships with his fellowmen.
James also said that the wisdom that is from above is "gentle" (James 3:17), so each believer should reflect this gentleness in his life. Paul told Timothy--and all believers "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men" (2 Tim. 2:24). Titus 3:2 sounds a similar note: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men."
A wise person is tender and full of mercy and sympathy. Such a person shows compassion, or pity, for the less fortunate. This was emphasized by James when he said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27).
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever" (Ps. 111:10).
Sermon Outline
- The Characteristics of Godly Wisdom
- Establishing Peace with Fellowmen
- The Gentle Nature of Godly Wisdom
- The Importance of Fear and Obedience
- The Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom
- Understanding and Praise
Key Quotes
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever” — Theodore Epp
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” — Theodore Epp
“The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- As a believer, you should strive to reflect God's peace in your relationships by being gentle and showing compassion and mercy to others.
- Visiting and caring for those in need, such as the fatherless and widows, is an important part of living a life of pure religion.
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and obedience to His commandments is essential for a good understanding.