Graeme took us deeper into the Book of James on Sunday as we were taught the difference between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom. In the life of the church.

The Reality of Conflict – Human Sinfulness

We are not perfect. We are stained by sin. But as believers our actions must reflect/match our statement of faith. In our passage today we saw teachers/Christians who were not humble or meek but rather ambitious, bigoted and boastful which led to disorder and anarchy.

The Root of Conflict – Demonic Desires

The source of conflict in the church is our sinful desires [James 4:1], pride. James challenges us to look inside, to look at our own motives and desires. Wrong desires result ion wrong actions. We require wisdom to do this, moral insight.

No God è No wisdom

Know God è Know wisdom

The wisdom is known by our deeds/actions and words.

The Response to Conflict – Godly Wisdom

We are to desire godly wisdom. An ongoing transformation at a heart and mind level. The wisdom of the Bible is now what I know but how I live. We deal with conflict in the church by dealing with conflict within ourselves.

EARTHLY WISDOM IS…

• Unspiritual

• Humanistic

• Demonic

EARTHLY WISDOM IS EVIDENT IN…

• Bitter envy

• Selfish ambition

• Disorder

• Anarchy

• Boasting

• Denying the truth

• Every evil practice

HEAVENLY WISDOM IS…

• Pure / Holy

• Peace loving

• Considerate/gentle

• Submissive

• Full of mercy / good fruit

• Impartial

• Sincere

HEAVENLY WISDOM IS EVIDENT IN…

• Righteousness