Parkway Bible Church | # 8 Living with Integrity

Living With Godly Wisdom

# 8 Living With Integrity James 3:17-18

Introduction

Illustrate: Two women came before wise King Solomon, dragging between them a young man in a three-piece suit.

"This young CPA agreed to marry my daughter," said one.

"No! He agreed to marry MY daughter," said the other.

The wise King did not hesitate a moment. "Indeed, the accountant must marry the first lady’s daughter", he proclaimed.

And so they haggled before the King, until he demanded silence. "My sword! Bring me my biggest sword," said Solomon. " And we shall hew the young man in half. Each of you shall receive a half."

"Fine; Sounds good to me," said the first lady.

But the other woman said, "Oh Sire, do not spill innocent blood. Let this other woman’s daughter marry him."

The wise king did not hesitate a moment. "Indeed, the accountant must marry the first lady’s daughter," he proclaimed.

"But she was willing to hack him in two!" exclaimed the king’s court.

"Precisely!" said wise King Solomon. "That shows she is the TRUE mother-in-law."

** The godly person will show in his daily life that he is a child of God.

James Gives a List of Characteristics that Mark the Lives of Those Who Have a Genuine Faith that Works.

- Similar lists found in 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Gal. 5:22-23; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:12-15

- Here he describes them as the marks of Godly Wisdom.

I. Godly Wisdom Is Pure Vs. 17a

* FIRST - purity is crucial to Living with Integrity

Blessed are the pure in heart, (Matt. 5:8)

1. God Is Holy - Therefore We Are To Be Pure

..but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Gk. "Hagons" from same root as "Hagios" translated "Holy"

- free from defilement

2. Godly Wisdom Results In Purity Of Life

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Ps. 51:7)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10)

* GENUINE FAITH RESULTS IN PURITY

- Walk the walk

- too many professing Christians not living with Integrity (Hypocrites)

- Churches sweep sin under the carpet.

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:3)

3. Examine Yourself

Pure: blameless, clean, chaste, spotless, innocent, above reproach

Satanic Opposite: lustful, carnal, lewd, tainted, corrupt, immoral, impure

Perversion: puritanical, legalistic, rigid, overly strict, prudish, self-righteous

II. Godly Wisdom Is Peaceable vs 17b

Blessed are the peacemakers (Matt. 5:9)

- James addressed dissension in Chapters 3 & 4

1. Wisdom Of The World Produces Division And Strife

competition, rivalry, and war (James 4:1-2)

1. Peace Based On Purity

God never settles for peace at any price.

- if the church is pure there will be peace

Never have peace by sweeping sin under the carpet

- Man’s wisdom says cover it up, pretend it's not there.

TRUE PEACE IS ALWAYS AN OUTGROWTH OF PURITY

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isa. 26:3)

2. Examine Yourself

Peaceable: peaceful, friendly, harmonious, orderly, reconciling, calm, agreeable

Satanic Opposite: fussy, nit-picky, contentious, combative, argumentative, cantankerous, ornery, contrary, cranky, disagreeable, mean, obstinate

Perversion: Compromising, wishy-washy, people-pleaser.

- Peace at the expense of truth and purity.

III. Godly Wisdom is Gentle vs 17c

Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3)

1. Gentleness Is The Mark Of The Servant

- Jesus spoke of Himself "gentle and humble of heart" (Matt. 11:29)

..being considerate of others and making allowance for their feelings, weaknesses, and needs. Such qualities are being equitable, fair, reasonable, and forbearing ... not insisting on your right ... " (Homer Kent)

** Get our word "Gentleman" here.

* Gentleness without compromise. - Won’t start fight nor does he compromise truth for peace.

* JESUS TOLD US HOW THIS WORKS OUT IN LIFE.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." (Matt. 5:10-11)

2. Examine Yourself

Gentle: fair, moderate, forbearing, considerate, reasonable, pleasant, tender, tactful, gracious, considerate, kindhearted.

Satanic Opposite: harsh, abusive, stiff, bitter, violent, rude, snippy.

Perversion: lax, careless, neglectful

IV. Godly Wisdom is Reasonable Vs 17d

1. Godly Wisdom Produces A Reconciling Spirit

gk. "Willing to yield"

- Military term meaning, "willing to take instruction"

* Spiritually wise person when in authority must be gentle, but when under Authority, must be willing to yield - submit.

*TEACHABLE SPIRIT - not stubborn

2. Examine Yourself

Reasonable: approachable, cordial, helpful, accessible, cooperative, willing, accommodating

Satanic Opposite: unapproachable, distanced, cold, inaccessible, excessively introverted, frigid

Perversion: yes-person pushover

V. Godly Wisdom Is Merciful vs 17e

1. Mercy Is The Evidence Of Saving Faith

- Believer full of mercy gives evidence to the transforming grace of God in their lives. – Not only forgive, but reach out to help (ie. Good Samaritan)

- Concern and compassion for all, but especially the household of faith

* PERSON WHO FOLLOWS GOD IS CONTROLLED BY MERCY

2. Examine Yourself

Mercy: caring, forgiving, gracious, forbearing, tolerant, compassionate.

Satanic Opposite: merciless, compassionless, hardened, uncaring, spiteful

Perversion: indulgent, lenient, permissive.

VI. Godly Wisdom Is Fruitful vs 17 f

Fruitful: productive, fertile, high yield

Satanic Opposite: fruitless, unproductive, ineffective, worthless, empty, hollow

Perversion: fruit-obsessed, success-driven, vain, showy, perfectionistic

VII. Godly Wisdom Is Steadfast vs 17 g

VIII. Godly Wisdom Is Sincere vs 17h

Conclusion