• Paul has been explaining what walking by the Spirit looks like by the view of the world.
• There is a significant difference between the way the redeemed and the unredeemed act.

LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS
EPHESIANS 5:6-21
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things.

• "Empty" = foolish or futile
• What is Paul referring to here? You have to look at the end result and use your filter of 66 books.
• "disobedient" - Those who could care less about God and want nothing to do with Him.
• God's wrath is coming... it's going to happen!
• The Spirit of Truth allows the believer to steer clear of such emptiness as long as he remains alert.

7 Therefore, do not become their partners.

• There is no reason under any circumstance for a believer to participate in the activities of those who disregard truth and wallow in worldly stuff.
• "But..." No buts about it.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light--

• "You were once darkness" –
• Ephesians 2:1-3 - And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.[1]
• We were born with an Adamic nature that controlled our person and behavior.
• "Now you are light in the Lord" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come![2]
• Walk as children of light - Know who you are.
• Habitually... not an on-again, off-again manner but continuing to yield to the life of Jesus in us.
• This is not only from sin but from religion (rules and regulations).

9 for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth--

• In reference to those who are in the light
• If you choose to walk by the Spirit then a certain fruit will naturally be produced...
• “It is good to smell ya…” your aroma.
• Fruit being goodness, righteousness and truth.
• "Goodness" - profitable, generous, beneficial, upright or virtuous.
• You profit and benefit others. You are generous to others
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.[3]
• "Righteousness" - The believer's right standing with God as well as your desire to walk in Spirit.
• "Truth" - Only believers are capable of walking in Truth (God's Truth).
• You forfeit much in life by not knowing and pursuing the Truth in God's Word.

 

• Tozer - "Many church groups have perished from too much organization, even as others from too little. Wise church leaders will watch out for both extremes. A man may die as a result of having extremely low blood pressure as certainly as from having too high, and it matters little which takes him off. He is equally dead either way.

The important thing in church organization is to discover the scriptural balance between two extremes and avoid both!
It is painful to see a happy group of Christians, born in simplicity and held together by the bonds of heavenly love, slowly lose their simple character, begin to try to regulate every sweet impulse of the Spirit and slowly die from within.
Yet that is the direction almost all Christian denominations have taken throughout history, and in spite of the warnings set out by the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures of truth it is the direction almost all church groups are taking today.
Churches and societies founded by saintly men with courage, faith and sanctified imagination appear unable to propagate themselves on the same spiritual level beyond one or two generations. In all our fallen life, there is a strong gravitational pull toward complexity and away from things simple and real. There seems to be a kind of sad inevitability back of our morbid urge toward spiritual suicide!"

• The Gospel was made simple and meant to stay simple.
• There is a balance of knowing what you have and intellectualizing what you have.

10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord.

• "discerning" - trying to learn or even proving.
• As believers, we figure this thing out and prove it to others as a way of life rather than as a duty or obligation.
• I personally believe it is more general than specific.
• It is not about the specific behavioral things we do... but it is simply walking by the Spirit that pleases the Lord.

11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.

• "participate" - fellowship or partake with others
• "expose" - means to reprove. This could be an open rebuke.
• But, also choosing not to participate leads to conviction.
• Sometimes, the best exposure is by love actions rather than love words.

12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret.

• Talking about nonbeliever's behavior can even be harmful to the believer.‎
• Weirsbe - "The motto today seems to be, “Tell it like it is!” And yet that can be a dangerous policy when it comes to exposing the filthy things of darkness, lest we unconsciously advertise and promote sin."

13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible,

• Truth for the believer not only allows them to detect error but to also know the motive behind the error.
• Symptoms vs root cause.

14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:
Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

• "Sleeper" - unredeemed man
• Christ becomes the light in you.

CONSISTENCY IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise--

• Walk carelessly or carefully
• Wisdom - the ability to view life from God's perspective.
• Proverbs 3:13-15 - Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding,
• for she is more profitable than silver,

and her revenue is better than gold.

• She is more precious than jewels;

nothing you desire can equal her.[4]

• ‎Why would we want to go back to living like fools? This is what it looked like:
• ‎Titus 3:3 - For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. [5]

16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

• "making the most" - make valuable, something treasured and remembered... memorable experiences.
• Pick a year... What do you consciously remember from that year?
• Doug & Spencer Shrieve – Slides
• Mike Zastrow - Slides
• "Time" - season or opportunity... being proper stewards.
• Wisdom allows its possessors to go to the root of the problem rather than waste precious time on surface issues.
• Choosing the excellent over the good... is difficult... but wise.
• "the days are evil" For Paul, this meant that Roman persecution was on the way.
• For the Church at Ephesus - Rev 2:4 tells us that they lost their first love.
• History tells us that they ceased to exist sometime during the 2nd century.

17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

• One of the greatest assets of being wise is to understand the "will of God".
• As you grow in wisdom... so grows your understanding of God's will. It becomes more general than specific.
• Know God (study the Word) - know His will.
• ‎-  He reveals His plan through His Word (Col. 1:9–10), His Spirit in our hearts (Col. 3:15), and the working of circumstances (Rom. 8:28).
• If you seek wisdom from wise counsel... there is only one way to evaluate that truth... It filters through all 66 books.
• It is valuable to know the Word.
• God's will is that we walk in the Spirit... being sanctified and holy.

18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:

• "reckless actions" - dissipation, debauchery, ruin your life, cheapens life, wastefulness. You are wasting your time.
• Wine in Paul's day was used to stimulate worship.
• Neither the "drunk" or the "Spirit-filled" is ashamed to express himself.
• Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit.
• "be filled" - to influence fully, to possess fully
• This is the same list of things he wrote to the church at Colossae (Col 3:16-22) but he begins with "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you."
• You were made holy... but you choose to walk in holiness. Holy means “to be separated”. You can't experience what you have if you don't separate yourself from the world in your behavior.

 

• Tozer - "Christian leaders can help to bring about revival by refusing to pander to the carnal tastes of the religious public and going on a holy crusade for a purified church. If leaders have the courage to follow Christ all the way, they can be a powerful instrument of the Holy Ghost to bring about real revival.…

If enough influential Christians will rethink this whole thing and turn to the New Testament for guidance, there may yet come a new birth of revival among us. These leaders must see that the believer’s true ambition should not be success but saintliness. They must see that they are not called to imitate the world, but to renounce it, and that publicity is no substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost."
19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord,

• Paul stated that there are three evidences of the fullness of the Spirit in the life of the believer: he is joyful (Eph. 5:19), thankful (Eph. 5:20), and submissive (Eph. 5:21–33).
• It is impossible to possess the fruit of the Spirit and refrain from singing... at least inwardly.

20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

• Being filled with the Spirit is the only way we are able to "always" give thanks regardless of the circumstance.
• Why give thanks to Lord Jesus Christ?
• Because it was through Him that we have every spiritual blessing. We are a part of His family.

21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.[6]

• The Spirit only fills those who desire to understand, walk in, and apply the principle of submission.
• God ordained submission for the protection of the church, family and society in general. ‎
• ‎Submission has nothing to do with the order of authority, but rather governs the operation of authority, how it is given and how it is received.
• Jesus submitted to the cross. Did He lose His authority in doing so? Absolutely not!
• A husband can submit to his wife without losing His authority.
• Understanding "submission" still allows you to view each believer as equal.
• Galatians 3:28 - There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.[7]

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 2:1–3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:17). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (1 Th 5:15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Pr 3:13–15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Tt 3:3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 5:6–21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Ga 3:28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

SPEAKING TO GOD AND OTHERS
COLOSSIANS 4
2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.
- 1) Continue praying - to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty— be persistent.[1]
- Paul just (last week) taught us how to respond to our spouses, children, parents, employers & employees… and the next thing he says is “devote yourselves to prayer.” HE KNOWS!
- Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”[2]

• Praying for others... multiplies our defense/offense... as well as moves the focus off of self.
• 2) Stay alert – Why do we close our eyes. Is it OK to pray with our eyes open or closed?
• Students – tests?
• “When I was a child i was told to close my eyes in prayers or else angels will poke finger into my eyes.”
• 3) An attitude of thanksgiving… not an annual event.

3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,

• 4) pray with a purpose.
• “us” is in reference to the speaker (Paul & Timothy)
• The message Paul is speaking is in contrast with what their society at the time believed in general (The Law).
• Open a door… either physically or spiritually
• Mystery – in reference to the Gentiles receiving salvation and being included with the Jews. (Ephesians 3:1-13)

4 so that I may make it known as I should.

• The Jews listened to Paul till he spoke the word Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). It was Paul’s concern for the Gentiles and his ministry to them that put him into prison.[3]
• This extreme legalistic party wanted the Gentiles to become Jews ceremonially before they could become Christians![4]
• Paul was asking for an opportunity to do the very thing that got him in prison.
• As a pastor… I ask you to continually pray for me and the opportunities to share the Truth.
• You don’t have to tell me you are praying… just pray.

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

• Act – Live, walk, behave…
• Wisely… where does wisdom come from?
• Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom…”
• Hang out with the Lord… He will give you wisdom.
• This is how you know who walks closely with the Lord.
• “Outsiders” – non-believers in Jesus.
• “Time” – don’t miss the opportunities.
• Create opportunities, build on relationships… don’t burn bridges.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.

• Paul is saying, “Even when you are provoked, you ‘should’ always show grace.”
• A good burger is always seasoned properly.
• What you have been given is Good News (meat).
• You make it attractive or unattractive.
• Speak the right word at the right time.
• Discernment… walking with the Spirit.

 
FINAL GREETINGS
7 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

• Tychicus – Asian companion of Paul, carried this letter to Colossae.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

• Onesimus – the runaway slave of Philemon, who has received salvation and became a great servant and encourager to Paul.
• Onesimus – once viewed as a betrayer is now viewed as a brother in Jesus.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),

• Aristarchus came from Thessalonica (Acts 27:2) It is thought by some that he travelled with Paul as his slave.
• He is also a prisoner in Rome at this time (Paul calls him ‘my fellow prisoner’). He was a volunteer willing to suffer for the kingdom of Christ.[5]
• Mark is the cousin of Barnabas and the writer of the second Gospel.
• Twelve years prior to this, Mark and Barnabas had left Paul after a disagreement about whether Mark should accompany them on their second missionary journey.
• In Paul’s opinion, Mark had been disloyal and cowardly when he deserted them at the end of their first missionary tour (Acts 15:36–41).
• Mark’s relationship with Paul is now restored and he is fully engaged in the Lord’s work and in full fellowship with the Lord’s people.
• Mark is no longer a liability to Paul and is to be welcomed as a fully committed co-worker of Christ.
• Mark is forgiven both by God and by Paul.
• We should not withhold our love from those whom Christ has redeemed and restored.[6]

11 and so does Jesus who is called Justus.

• Justus, also called Jesus. His was a common name among the Jews.[7]
• Fellow Jews

These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13 For I testify about him that he works hard, for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

• Epaphras. It is generally accepted that Epaphras was the pastor of the church at Colosse and its founder.
• Paul identifies him as ‘one of you’ (cf. 1:7).
• He also planted the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis and was now in Rome visiting Paul in prison to take advice about the situation in the church in Colosse.
• His heart was warm towards his friends back in Colosse and his prayers were fervent and specific on their behalf. He was praying that they might ‘stand perfect and complete in all the will of God’ (v. 12).
• He was a man of prayer.[8]

14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

• Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas … my fellow laborer” and is linked with three good men—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Phile. 24).
• Then he is simply called “Demas,” and there is no special word of identification or commendation (Col. 4:14).
• But the third reference tells what became of Demas: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
• At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul; but he was reclaimed and restored.
• Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed.
• His sin was that he loved this present world. The word world refers to the whole system of things that runs this world, or “society without God.”[9]

15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.

• We know nothing about Nympha, except that she had a church meeting in his house.[10]

16 After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

• Public reading of the Scripture.

17 And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”

• Archippus was a member of the church in Colossae.
• Some think he was the son of Philemon and Apphia[11]

18 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. [12]

• It is worth it all.
• Salvation

Everyday living

[1] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains. New York: United Bible Societies.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 147). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 147). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 91). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[6] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 91). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[7] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (pp. 91–92). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[8] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 92). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 152). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 153). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 96). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[12] Christian Standard Bible (Col 4:2–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Review where we left off 2 weeks ago:
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 19 For it is written,
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent.,
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, 25 because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.[1]
 
BOASTING ONLY IN THE LORD
26 Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth.

• God’s foolishness in His message of Christ parallels His choice of what, for the most part, were the poor and dispossessed of the first-century Roman Empire.[2]
• Calling is situational… will is spiritual
• Before his conversion, Paul had been very self-righteous; he had to give up his religion in order to go to heaven!
• The Corinthians were at the other end of the spectrum, and yet they were not too sinful for God to reach and save them.[3]

27 Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 28 God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, 29 so that no one may boast in his presence.

• Let’s look at this from the spiritual perspective.
• In today’s social networking world, it is about puffed up knowledge.
• Who knows more and can prove their “rightness” better than the other person.
• The message and miracle of God’s grace in Jesus Christ utterly confounds (“puts to shame”) the high and mighty people of this world.
• The wise of this world cannot understand how God changes sinners into saints, and the mighty of this world are helpless to duplicate the miracle.
• God’s “foolishness” confounds the wise; God’s “weakness” confounds the mighty![4]
• They can’t even see it… the goodness of God.
• So there is no point in arguing with them.
• Sometimes, your best evangelism method is to shut your mouth and serve them.
• Well how do you do that?

30 It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption 31 —in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.[5]

• So Paul ends his statement with a quotation of Jeremiah 9:23 on how those who are wise or strong or rich by the world’s standards should not boast in those virtues or abilities or powers.
• Jeremiah 9:23-24 - “‘This is what the Lord says:

The wise person should not boast in his wisdom;
the strong should not boast in his strength;
the wealthy should not boast in his wealth.

• But the one who boasts should boast in this:

that he understands and knows me--
that I am the Lord, showing faithful love,
justice, and righteousness on the earth,
for I delight in these things.
This is the Lord’s declaration.[6]

• It’s not that there is no place for the rich or the strong—the high and mighty, as we would call them today—in God’s kingdom, but they must come with a very different attitude, recognizing that they are impoverished and entirely dependent, from God’s perspective, on Him in Christ.
• If one is boasting only in what the Lord has done for one and can do with one and through one, then one will not boast in what one has by worldly standard, or will not lament what they don’t have, but will have the right focus, a cross-centered focus.[7]
• Actually, the emphasis here is that God shows His wisdom by means of the righteousness, sanctification, and redemption that we have in Christ.
• Each of these theological words carries a special meaning for Christians.
• Righteousness has to do with our standing before God. We are justified: God declares us righteous in Jesus Christ.
• But we are also sanctified, set apart to belong to God and to serve Him.
• Redemption emphasizes the fact that we are set free because Jesus Christ paid the price for us on the cross. This will lead to complete redemption when Christ returns.
• So, in one sense, we have the three tenses of salvation given here: we have been saved from the penalty of sin (righteousness); we are being saved from the power of sin (sanctification); and we shall be saved from the presence of sin (redemption).
• And every believer has all of these blessings in Jesus Christ![8]

 
PAUL’S PROCLAMATION
1 CORITNTHIANS 2
1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. 2 I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power.

• Paul rejects verbal bullying, which was a fair summary of much philosophical oratory in Corinth in the first century.
• He rejects verbal bullying in favor of a humble response to the awe-inspiring majesty of God.[9]
• If one does not know my God, why would I expect them to understand the ways of God?
• Paul desired his message to be one of power displayed by God rather than the humanity of his own word-crafting.
• Personally, I am not a great speaker. The honest truth is that I don’t even practice or educate myself on proper speaking technics.
• I don’t care… because I have been given enough ability to teach in a way that the Spirit takes my words (and actions) and teaches others.
• I have literally taken all that I have learned over the years in seminary, growing up in church, and participating in ministry and stripped it down as much as possible to do basically two things:
• 1) Build relationships
• 2) Talk about Jesus
• I don’t need lights, smoke, worship countdowns, a building, a budget, committees, meetings or eloquent verbiage.
• Just give me an open door, (maybe a meal) and some time.
• That means I have to make room in my calendar for the Lord to lead me on this unknown, crazy and unexpected adventure.
• A certain church had a beautiful stained-glass window just behind the pulpit. It depicted Jesus Christ on the cross. One Sunday there was a guest minister who was much smaller than the regular pastor. A little girl listened to the guest for a time, then turned to her mother and asked, “Where is the man who usually stands there so we can’t see Jesus?”[10]
• My prayer is that the things we do at Leavener point you to Jesus rather than distract or block you from Jesus.

 
SPIRITUAL WISDOM
6 We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written,
What no eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no human heart has conceived--
God has prepared these things for those who love him. (Isaiah 52:15 & 64:4)

• Isaiah 52:15 - so he will sprinkle many nations.,

Kings will shut their mouths because of him,
for they will see what had not been told them,
and they will understand what they had not heard.[11]
10 Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit,

• Paul previously described the things of God as foolishness which would lead one to believe that only the unwise could see the Truth.
• This is obviously not the case.
• Those who could get past the intellectualness of the Gospel would be able to see things from a spiritual perspective.
• They were given a spiritual wisdom vs earthly wisdom.
• How do we get this wisdom?
• It is not a fruit of the Spirit but it does come from the Spirit.
• Wisdom is a gift from God.
• God continually reveals spiritual wisdom to us.
• This is the sanctifying journey that we are on in our flesh season.
• Our time here on earth in these unredeemed physical bodies.

since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except his spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

• Cory, my son, is a broker at Charles Schwab.
• We talk about his work and how his day goes many times throughout our conversations.
• I can understand the emotions and experiences he comes across on a daily basis because he talks to people all day long.
• But when he starts talking stocks, markets, trading, etc. I get lost.
• That is not my world.
• If I asked Cory to explain it to me… he could and would.
• It is not any different in the Spiritual world.
• But we have to have ears to hear.

14 But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.

• The person without the Spirit does not accept the things of the Spirit, because he cannot understand them.
• Well, that doesn’t sound fair, until we realize that understanding, in this context, is not cognitive.
• I have met some non-Christians who can explain biblical truths better than some Christians can.
• They just don’t happen to believe them; they haven’t acted on them.
• The understanding here, as consistently in true biblical understanding, is volitional, acting on, a matter of the will, and not just mental or cognitive.

15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, and yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 16 For
who has known the Lord’s mind,
that he may instruct him? (Isaiah 40:13)
But we have the mind of Christ. [12]

• The mind of Christ is our processor… not our data.
• The mind is eternal.
• To “have the mind of Christ” means to look at life from the Savior’s point of view, having His values and desires in mind.
•  It means to think God’s thoughts and not think as the world thinks.[13]
• When we trust the Spirit in us we begin to understand and see the things in the Bible that don’t make sense to the world.
• The mind of Christ causes us to view things from a different perspective.
• The mind of Christ allows us to see the spiritual battle between good and evil.
• We can see that God is not responsible for the evil that happens when He placed in a world where we can choose either good or evil.
• Where we can choose to love God or reject God.
  ​
  

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (1 Co 1:18–25). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 571). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 571). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (1 Co 1:1–31). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Je 9:23–24). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 572). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 573). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Is 52:15). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (1 Co 2:1–16). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 577). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

• James 1 – Patient when in trouble. (stand confidently)
• James 2 – Lives out who they are. (serve compassionately)
• James 3 – Controlling our tongue. (speak carefully)
• Wisdom was an important thing to Jewish people.
• They realized that it was not enough to have knowledge.
• You had to have wisdom to be able to use that knowledge correctly.[1]

James 3:13-18
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness (meekness) that comes from wisdom.

• Here is an original “show and tell.”
• “Wise” (sophos) describes one with moral insight and skill in the practical issues of life.
• Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds.
• People demonstrate wisdom if their deeds reflect God’s Word.[2]
• Wisdom knows the good and knows how to do the good.[3]
• Gentleness/Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23);
• The phrase, “meekness of wisdom,” is an interesting one.
• Meekness is the right use of power, and wisdom is the right use of knowledge. They go together.
• The truly wise person will show in his daily life (conduct means “behavior”) that he is a child of God.
• Attitude and action go together.[4]
• It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life.
• The truly wise man is humble.[5]

14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth.

• Bitterness and selfishness… get me away.
• Selfishness will always rise to the top.
• You may want something to turn out your way… So you take God’s Word and start beating people over the head with it.
• It’s God’s agenda over your agenda.

 
15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition (strife), there is disorder and every evil practice.

• Envy and strife are clear indicators that one’s so-called wisdom is not from above (James 1:17 - 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.[6]),
• but is earthly, unspiritual (“natural, sensual,”), and of the devil (“demonic,”).
• Envy and selfish ambition, or rivalry, can only produce disorder, or confusion, and every evil practice.

 

• The Bible contains many examples of the folly of man’s wisdom.
• The building of the Tower of Babel seemed like a wise enterprise, but it ended in failure and confusion (Gen. 11:1–9).
• It seemed wise for Abraham to go to Egypt when famine came to Canaan, but the results proved otherwise (Gen. 12:10–20).
• King Saul thought it was wise to put his own armor on young David for the lad’s battle with Goliath, but God’s plan was otherwise (1 Sam. 17:38ff).
• The disciples thought it was wise to dismiss the great crowd and let them find their own food; but Jesus took a few loaves and fishes and fed the multitude.
• The Roman “experts” in Acts 27 thought it was wise to leave port and set sail for Rome, even though Paul disagreed; and the storm that followed proved that Paul’s wisdom was better than their expert counsel. They lived to regret it, but they lived![7]

 

• The unspirituality of worldly management, if not reigned by the wisdom from above, will dominate the church and cause it to be led into a myriad of evils.[8]
• A truly wise person does not seek glory or gain; he is gracious and giving.[9]
• Ephesians 2:1 - 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient.[10]
• -The world’s system of values and perspective of things vs - spirit – way of thinking.
• Heavenly wisdom vs earthly wisdom.
• Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.[11]
• “Counseling” is the practice of seeking wisdom.
•  A “secular” counselor will generally process behaviors (past/present/future) with a client.
• These processes will be dependent upon one’s self-discipline (strength)
• A “Christian” counselor – WARNING!!!! Be careful where you step… may do the exact same thing based upon using the Bible as LAW.
• A “wise – heavenly wise” counselor will process behavior experiences with you and disciple/teach you that the best way is to submit to the Spirit that resides in your mortal body.
• They will disciple you out of heavenly wisdom.
• I believe in professional counseling… but I have great reduced my recommendations over the years.
• I would trust most of you (Leavener people) in discipling others than most counselors.
• Satan has power in this system according to the ruler of the atmospheric domain
  - Ruler = prince, chief of the atmosphere
  - We are in a battle and natural tendency is to protect our child.
• There is only one way to protect your child…
• 1) Know Jesus
• 2) Trust Him.
  1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.[12] (Simba-pounce)
  2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.[13]
• James has listed the negative:
  • Envy
  • Strife
  • Boasting/bragging
  • Deceit

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.[14]

• James has listed the “fruit of righteousness”
  • Purity - God is holy; therefore the wisdom from above is pure.
  • Peace (unity) - The peace of the church is not more important than the purity of the church. If the church is pure, devoted to God, then there will be peace.

Fruit of the Spirit

• Meekness/Gentleness – James 3:13

The gentle person does not deliberately cause fights, but neither does he compromise the truth in order to keep peace.

• Compliance - God’s wisdom makes the believer agreeable and easy to live with and work with. Man’s wisdom makes a person hard and stubborn. The compliant person is willing to hear all sides of a question, but he does not compromise his own convictions. He can disagree without being disagreeable.
• Mercy - God in His grace gives us what we do not deserve, and in His mercy He does not give us what we do deserve.
• Good Fruits - People who are faithful are fruitful. God’s wisdom does not make a life empty; it makes it full. The Spirit produces fruit to the glory of God
• Decisiveness - When you have God’s wisdom, you need not waver; you can be decisive and not be afraid. Wisdom from above brings strength from above.
• Sincerity - Faith is living without scheming.[15]

• Worldly wisdom produces trouble (v. 16).
• Isaiah 32:7 - The scoundrel’s weapons are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the needy with lies, even when the poor person says what is right.[16]
• God’s wisdom produces blessing (v. 18).

God’s ways and God’s thoughts are far above us! 1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.[17]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 362). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Jas 3:13). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[3] Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 162). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 364). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] Blue, J. R. (1985). James. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 828). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jas 1:17). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 362). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[8] Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 168). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[9] Blue, J. R. (1985). James. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 828–829). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Eph 2:1–2). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Pr 14:12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Pe 5:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (2 Co 11:14). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jas 3:13–18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 365). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[16] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Is 32:7). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[17] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Co 2:12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

James 1
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

• OK Google… Alexa… Give me knowledge.

• Wisdom - Refers to the knowledge of God’s plans and purposes and the ability to live accordingly.
• Wise people can identify the nature and purpose of their trials and understand how to overcome them.[1]
• Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.
• Someone has said that knowledge is the ability to take things apart, while wisdom is the ability to put them together. [2]
• The first step of having wisdom is realizing that you don’t have enough wisdom.
• Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom;
• from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.[3]
• God gives it, for God is a good giver; God gives generously, which means that he gives without mental reservations, that he gives simply, with a single heart.[4]
•  “Ungrudgingly” – no condemnation… regardless of your previous record.
• Believers seek wisdom from others.
• That is good advice.
• 3 reasons why people go to others for wisdom:

1. They go to others because they know the person has wisdom and they trust the person.
2. They go to others because it is the shorter route. It is easier to find someone who knows God than to seek out God on their own.
3. They are looking for someone to agree with what they have already determined they want to do.

• Do you really want help/wisdom or are you looking for an agreeing opinion?
• A person with wisdom will understand they can’t help the latter and move on to others.

 
6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

• “Ask in faith” – The greatest enemy to our prayers being answered is our lack of faith (unbelief).
• Wisdom is not based on “feelings”… “I feel that…”
• Emotions and feelings are not always true.
• Today’s society uses their feelings, emotions and opinions to formulate who their God is.
• I get to choose what my God would want for me.
• It is not based upon knowing the heart of God, but based upon selfish feelings & opinions.
• If those people, who are tossed about with emotions/feelings go to one who has wisdom and solid in their faith… they better be seeking help.
• The doubter will have an understanding of who God is what He does for them.
• But when they get hit with a huge wave, everything they thought they knew about God changes.
• One with wisdom, will understand that the same God who stood with them at the wedding alter is the same God who stands with them when it all falls apart.
• One with wisdom, will understand that the same God who stood with them at the birth of their child is the same God who stands with them when the story doesn’t play out like we expected it to.
• One with wisdom, will understand that the same God who stood with them at the first day of exciting new career is the same God who stands with them when that opportunity comes to an end.

7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
(A heart that wants to believe.)

• Tozer – “Probably nothing else bothers the earnest Christian quite so much as the problem of those dry spells that come to him occasionally, no matter how faithfully he tries to obey God and walk in the light. He can never predict them and he cannot explain them. And there lies his difficulty.
• It might comfort one who finds himself in the middle of an emotional desert to know that his experience is not unique. The sweetest and holiest saints whose feet have graced this earth have at some time found themselves there.… It is good to know during such an internal drought that it has been a common experience with the saints.…
• Such times demand that we exercise faith. Moments of great spiritual delight do not require much faith; if we never came down from the mount of blessing we might easily come to trust in our own delights rather than in the unshakeable character of God. When it seems that our watchful Heavenly Father withdraws His inward comforts from us sometimes, we will hopefully learn that Christ alone is the Rock upon which we must repose our everlasting trust.”[5]

9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.
(A surrendered will)

• The Message – James 1:5-11 - If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
• 9–11    When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.[6]
• When I hear it read like that, I just start thinking about people…
• Twitter is that scorching heat today.
• You quickly move from prosperity and popularity to the societal target of attack.
• But let’s stay focused on the context. What was going on here when James was writing this letter?
• The Christian Jews were being persecuted by the Jews.
• Life with Jesus… life without Jesus… the prosperous life fades to nothing.

 
12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

• The crown of life is eternity with God/Jesus.
• Achieved through belief in the Messiah.

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone.

• James asserts that God is not responsible for temptation or for the sin that might result from it.[7]
• There is nothing in God to which evil can make an appeal.[8]

14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

• Let’s get this straight.
• I sin
• It is not my nature to sin
• Born with Adam seed, given a new heart.
• I don’t think you can hear this enough. Identity.
• But it goes further.
• 1 Thess 5:23 – Body, soul spirit.
• Flesh suit contains a brain
• Flesh patterns
• Thoughts
• Choice
• Holy Spirit taken up residence - Romans 8:11

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. [9]

• God loves you and has provided a way out.
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.[10]

[1] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Jas 1:5). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 340). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Pr 2:6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Davids, P. H. (2011). James (p. 29). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
[5] Tozer, A. W., & Eggert, R. (1998). The Tozer Topical Reader (Vol. 1, p. 156). Camp Hill, PA: WingSpread.
[6] Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Jas 1:5–11). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
[7] Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Jas 1:13). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[8] Blue, J. R. (1985). James. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 822). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jas 1:5–18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Co 10:13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 2:1-12
   - We know that the magi were wise men from "the East," most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran.
   - This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ child.
   - These priests paid particular attention to the stars and gained an international reputation for astrology, which was at that time highly regarded as a science.
   - Their religious practices and use of astrology caused derivatives of the term Magi to be applied to the occult in general and led to the English term magic.
   - Most likely, the magi knew of the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the chief of the court seers in Persia.
   - So, these magi were men who:
            1) Read and believed God's Word
            2) Sought Jesus
            3) Recognized the worth of Christ
            4) Humbled themselves to worship Jesus
            5) Obeyed God rather than man
   - They were truly wise men!

Luke 2:40

2 wisdoms – 1) The human quality which enables the planning and successful achievement of a desired goal. It may be expressed as technical skill, practical instruction and astuteness in political affairs. 2) True wisdom includes spiritual discernment and, above all, the reverence and knowledge of God.[1]

James 3:13-18

Wisdom - The quality of knowledge, discernment and understanding characteristic of God himself. True wisdom, seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ, is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture affirms that true human wisdom is a gift from God and points out the folly of trusting in mere human wisdom.[2]

Job 12:13
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
1 Corinthians 2

How do you pursue wisdom?
   - A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew.[3]

James 1:5
Proverbs 8:10-12
Proverbs 9:9-12 
Proverbs 13:10 
   - Surround yourself with wise and proper counsel.

What does this look like inside of a community of believers?

Colossians 2:2-3

Final words to the beloved…
Proverbs 2

Prayer… Ask for wisdom…

Ephesians 1:17

[1] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.
[2] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.
[3] Green, M. P. (Ed.). (1989). Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 sermon illustrations arranged by topic and indexed exhaustively (Revised edition of: The expositor’s illustration file.). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.