Off the Shelf Sunday School--James

Wisdom (3:13-18)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.??

1.????Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge. Therefore, the wise person takes what he has learned and lives his life accordingly. The wise person discovers that the more he learns, the more he knows that he will never know everything he should. This realization builds a spirit of humility. How does this contrast with the attitude of an unwise man?

2.????When a person is born again by faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and changes the mind such that a person acts differently than non-believers. (Rom 12:2; 1 Cor 3:16) It is impossible for a genuine Christian to live a life without actions that show the work of the Holy Spirit within. The evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit is called fruit that expresses itself in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22)

3.????A person who claims to be a Christian but acts differently is like a duck that neverquacks or swims. Ducks have a nature that drives them to act accordingly. This is the same for a person who has the Holy Spirit and is a born-again Christian.?Is it possible for a person who is not a Christian to think he is by doing good works? (Mt 7:21-23)

4.????James says that demons believe in God and this causes them fear of future judgment. However, such knowledge will not change their evil behavior. Likewise, there are people who believe in God and fear future punishment for their sins.?These people do not have a saving faith in Jesus that gives them peace and the assurance of God’s mercy.

5.????James uses Abraham and Rahab as examples of people who had faith that drove them to action. The Bible teaches that Abraham’s faith was the basis of his friendship and righteousness with God. (Gen 15:6) Abraham’s faith drove him to obey God in leaving his home for an unknown promised land, being circumcised and offering his son as an offering to God. What about these actions proves the sincerity of his faith?

6.????Rahab feared the God of the Jews. Her faith caused her to help the Jews conquer her town of Jericho. She betrayed her people to obey God. She left her people and joined the Jews. Rahab(’s) faith drove her to leave her family, false gods and friends.?What are some difficult things that have happened to you because of your faith? Rahab’s story is in Joshua Chapter 2.

7.????James summarizes by saying that faith and deeds are like the spirit and the body. Without the faith, deeds are worthless like a body without a spirit. How has your life changed because of your faith?