Peacemakers In The Pandemonium

The United States is anything but united right now. While citizens are fighting with each other and rioting against the police who are trying to maintain law and order and keep anarchy at bay, our elected officials in Washington are busy fussing at each other and fomenting against one another. Into the melee steps the Apostle James and cries out above all the ruckus and provides insight into why there is so much conflict and confusion in our country right now. What is the cause of all the discord and disorder in America? Underneath all the wars in our streets and behind all the wars in our legislature is a spiritual war between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. The wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God are diametrically opposed to each other. In this passage, James gave a side-by-side comparison of the characteristics, causes, and consequences of these TWO TYPES OF WISDOM. Understanding what he said here will enable us to be agents of peace amidst the present pandemonium in our nation. In other words, rather than just being another troublemaker, James shows us how we can be a peacemaker.

1.  WORLDLY WISDOM

              A. CHARACTERISTICS

              B. CAUSE

              C. CONSEQUENCES

2. GODLY WISDOM

              A. CAUSE

              B. CHARACTERISTICS

              C. CONSEQUENCES

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. What are some recent evidences you have seen in our country that there are lots of people living according to worldly wisdom? What is behind all the conflict, confusion, discord, and disorder?
2. Based on the description of worldly wisdom and godly wisdom in this passage, which of these two types of wisdom characterizes your life? What does this reveal about the true nature of your faith in Jesus Christ (i.e. genuine or fake; saved or deceived)?
3. How do you see jealousy, selfishness, and pride manifesting themselves in your words, actions, thoughts, and motives? What are some of the negative consequences you’ve experienced as a result of you or someone you know being jealous, selfish, or arrogant?
4. Which of the seven characteristics in the portrait of a truly wise person do you want to see more of in your life? How can you help cultivate a fertile atmosphere where peace and righteousness can flourish and grow in your personal relationships with others?
5. Read Job 28:12-13, 20, 23, 28. Who is the only source of true wisdom? How does one receive this wisdom from above (cf. James 1:5)? What role does Jesus play in acquiring God’s wisdom (cf. 1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:3)? 
6. Do you tend to be a troublemaker or a peacemaker? What is something you can do this week to be a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker at home, at work, at church, and in our community? 
7. Praise and thank God for providing you true wisdom through His Son Jesus Christ. Ask Him to forgive you for being jealous, selfish, and prideful. Ask Him to help you be a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker. 

“There is a kind of person who is undoubtedly clever, with acute brain and skillful tongue, but his effect…in any committee, in any church, in any group is to cause trouble and to disturb personal relationships.”

William Barclay, The Letters Of James And Peter, 94