The Wisdom From Above - Part 1

James 3:13-18
May 2, 2021
Abraham Hong

Sermon Script

How do we know if we are wise? This is a very good and important question. As we prepare for and wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we need wisdom. We need the wisdom that is given generously to us by our Father in heaven. But how do we know if we have it? How do we know if we have the wisdom from above? How do we know if we are wise?

Dear Highland, the answer to the question is given to us in today’s passage with love. So let us listen carefully. And if we need to, then let us examine ourselves. Let us repent of our sins, our foolishness, and our self-deception. Let us ask God for his wisdom that comes down from above. And let us do all of this fully knowing that Jesus loves us and that the Holy Spirit is sanctifying us.

Today’s passage has a simple structure with three parts to it. First, in verse 13, we are given the overall defining characteristic of what God’s wisdom looks like. We are going to consider this part today. Second, in verses 14-16, we are given a detailed description of what God’s wisdom does not look like. We are going to consider this part next Sunday, Lord willing. And third, in verses 17-18, we are given a detailed description of what God’s wisdom does look like. We are going to consider this part next Sunday as well, Lord willing.

In verse 13, we are told that God’s wisdom comes with meekness. The overall defining characteristic of what God’s wisdom looks like is meekness. It is not experience. It is not teachability. It is not self-awareness or social street smarts or how many gray hairs you have on your head. It is meekness. This is really special because meekness is one of the most vast and yet also one of the most underrated concepts in the Bible. So how do you know if you are wise? You know that you are wise and understanding when by your good conduct you show your works… in the meekness of wisdom. God’s wisdom comes with meekness.

What is meekness? Generally speaking, meekness is softness and gentleness in the midst of trial or testing. Meekness is when you are humble during conflict and patient during suffering. Meekness is when we show restraint before our persecutors and when we offer forgiveness to our enemies. Meekness is when you bear burden. Meekness is when you don’t complain. Meekness is endurance. Meekness is a denial of self and a love for others. Generally speaking, if you look like all of this in your conduct and in your works, then you know that you have the wisdom of God. Then you know that you are wise.

What is meekness? In the context of the book of James, meekness is connected to the showing of no partiality and the bridling of the tongue. Meekness is felt when you visit orphans and widows in their affliction and when you keep yourself unstained from the world. Meekness unfolds when you do the word and not just hear it. Meekness happens when you are quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Meekness takes center stage when a believer asks God for help. Meekness is there when a church counts it all joy. In the context of the book of James, if you have all of this in your conduct and in your works, then you know that you have the wisdom of God. Then you know that you are wise.

What is meekness? In light of the person and work of Christ Jesus, meekness is when Jesus took on human nature for our salvation. Meekness is when the lawgiver became the lawkeeper, emptying himself by taking the form of a servant… in order to represent us and be our champion. Meekness is when Jesus was oppressed and afflicted, and yet, like a lamb led to the slaughter, like a sheep silent before its shearers, he did not open his mouth… for our sake. Meekness is when Jesus was gentle and lowly in heart… for our redemption. Meekness is when Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, died on the cross… for our sins… with eternal love for us. In light of the person and work of Christ Jesus, if you reflect all of this in your conduct and in your works, if you share in all of these sufferings in your conduct and in your works, then you know that you have the wisdom of God. Then you know that you are wise.

Dear Highland, meekness and wisdom go together. If you think you are wise, but if you are not meek, then you are not really wise at all. Meekness and wisdom go together. Please think carefully and deeply about this. This is really good and important to know. God invites you to be wise. God invites you to be meek. And the Lord Jesus Christ is making you more and more wise and more and more meek as his Day approaches. Praise be to our God.

Let us therefore examine ourselves if we need to. And let us confess our sins and repent and turn and return to the Lord. Jesus loves you, and this is a gracious wake up call for you to grow in true wisdom. Let us stop the foolishness and the self-deception. Let us ask God for his wisdom that comes down from above, having full faith that Jesus loves us and that the Holy Spirit is sanctifying us. Dear Highland, who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Soli Deo Gloria