James 3: 13-18 “Seeking Wisdom from Above

July 26, 2026

1. Seeking Wisdom from Above While Separating from Jealousy and Selfishness
2. Seeking Wisdom from Above and Bearing Good Fruit

James hopes that everyone in the communities he speaks to will take his warnings about having the right kind of wisdom to heart and reflect on their own lives. This kind of wisdom will build up and not tear down.

“Zeal” can either be a good, bad, or “foolish zeal.” In this case, “jealousy” or “envy” is used in the negative connotation. The word “jealousy” is only used positively in Scripture when referencing good jealousy, and it is when referring to God as a jealous God.

If ungodly wisdom (demonic)is left to fester, it will cause all types of division in the church. Human ungodly interests in the church serve satanic interests, sometimes happening unaware. Do you know the fastest way to get to this place as a church? When we put our personal preferences over godly Christ-centered motivations.

In contrast to unfruitful and demonic “wisdom,” which is hardly wisdom, James lays out wisdom that is edifying to the Kingdom of God. Wisdom that is pure, which leads to bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. This is wisdom from above that brings peace. The mark of a true peacemaker in the church is one who makes peace without compromising truth and does so for the unity of the church.

How do we nurture wisdom from above?

Seek to be like Christ in Peacefulness, Gentleness, Reasonableness, Mercy, and hospitality. (Mat 11:29,Php 4:5,John 4).

Recorded 7-19-2026

Pastor Larry Stephens brings a sermon from James 3:1-12 on the importance of taming the tongue.

I. Seeking Wisdom in Taming the Tongue: Evaluating Responsibilities to Truth (vss. 1-6):

II. Seeking Wisdom in Taming the Tongue: Evaluating Consistency (vss. 7-12):

What are some ways that we can live a consistent life in Christ?

1. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus First.

2. Be Slow to Judge Others.

3. Extend Grace to Others, as It Has Been Given to You.

Recorded 7/12/2026

James 2: 14-26 “Seeking Wisdom in Works, Faith, and Justification."

1. Seeking Wisdom in Faith and Works:
2. Seeking Wisdom in Justification:

By the power of God’s Spirit, you and I can cast away all sin of partiality and favoritism and look at all people the way God sees them, in need of a savior. Every mission trip you will ever go on is premised on this point. How do we balance faith and works?

James is saying that a person who says he has faith but shows no works “keeps on not showing works.” People who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit are compelled to good works by God’s Spirit. Does our proclamation of faith in Jesus match our actions?

It is not works or faith, it is works and faith,and James is not saying that works brings about salvation. It is the proof of real faith, live faith versus dead faith, which isn’t really faith at all. James is not here discussing “works” (ceremonial works) as a means of salvation as Paul in Gal 3; Rom 4, but works as proof of faith.

It is not “be made righteous” but “shown to be righteous.” James is discussing the proof of faith, not the initial act of being set right with

God (Paul’s idea in Rom 4:1-10).

How can we demonstrate faith and works?

1. Actively display a commitment to serving others.
2. Keep praying and stay obedient
3. Share the Gospel Boldly
4. Collaborate with Faithful Ministry Partners.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Working alongside others not only strengthens your faith but also spreads God’s love to even more people.