This sermon, drawing from James 3:13-18, distinguishes between two types of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. The speaker emphasizes that true wisdom is demonstrated by a good life, evident in humility and gentleness. Earthly wisdom, by contrast, is characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, leading to disorder and every evil practice. This "wisdom" is described as unspiritual, earthly, and demonic, contrasting sharply with the divine wisdom that comes from above.
Heavenly wisdom, as described in James, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. The sermon stresses that this wisdom leads to a harvest of righteousness for those who make peace. The speaker connects this wisdom to the Beatitudes, highlighting qualities such as purity of heart, mercy, meekness, hungering for righteousness, and being peacemakers. These characteristics define a person whose affections and conscience are directed towards God, who forgives because they have been forgiven, and who demonstrates humility rather than ambition.
The sermon concludes by affirming that the truly wise person is one who has a relationship with Jesus Christ. The outworking of heavenly wisdom is seen in the growth, development, and maturity of these Beatitude-like qualities in a believer's life. The ultimate message is that heavenly wisdom leads to a life transformed by God's standards and brings forth the fruits of righteousness.
