seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
This is where I got the commentary.
Who is wise… Let him show by good conduct: Wisdom is not mere head knowledge. Real wisdom and understanding will show in our lives, by our good conduct.
Bitter envy and self-seeking: These are the opposite of the meekness of wisdom mentioned in James 3:13. These words actually refer to someone who has a critical, contentious, fight-provoking manner.
Do not boast and lie against the truth: Anyone who shows bitter envy and self-seeking should not deceive anyone — especially themselves — about how wise they are. They show a wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Their wisdom is more characteristic of the world, the flesh, and the devil than of God.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace: This fruit is like a seed that will bear fruit as it is sown by those who make peace.
Back in the days when this was written, there were no little churches with white crosses and bell towers on the hillside. Christians weren't welcome in the Temple. They could go if they were Jewish... but they better hide their Christian walk if they didn't want to be arrested right there for being a Christian. They met in the homes of the Christians in town. Christians knew where to go. James has been talking about church leadership. He's been talking about Teachers. Teachers had a huge responsibility. They had to teach the Gospel without a Bible. Of course, many of them had first-hand knowledge of what actually happened. They heard from those who were really there, if they weren't there themselves.
We sure have changed. Teachers have junk published to "spread the word". I wonder... before supplying the church with reading material.... Did the church review the material to see if it is real? Did they compare the junk published against the Truth in the Word? Teachers who teach from the junk might as well have asked some man who doesn't care enough to hold the Bible facing up rather than facing down to teach them love and honor.
Jesus only passed down Two Commandments. Love God and Love One Another.
Be careful who you listen to. I know most true Christians will go to God in prayer before "choosing" what junk they teach. But junk is like adding salt to hot water.... no one can see the salt... until they've already put the glass to their lips and drank the salty brine. Junk teaching is just as nasty as salted water. It's useless, unless you want to clear your throat....
Be careful who you listen to. Make sure the lessons you are learning are indeed Biblical. Read the Bible for yourself... compare what you are hearing to what you are reading. Being a Christian isn't a license to clobber the innocent with hate. If the teacher is hateful, it's not likely the lesson is peaceful. Jesus didn't wield a sword that could break in battle.... He wielded love and truth.
Christians, please don't teach junk.
