James 3:10-18
Here’s where we’ve come from: first James instructed that God uses trials and his Word to produce holiness in his people. We know the standard – conformity to Law of God as a rule of life; and the motive force that gets us closer to the goal – a living faith. Yet there’s huge obstacle to victory: in v.1-9 of the chapter, James makes it plain that no one, regenerate or not, can achieve holiness on their own. We are utterly helpless, completely unable to make ourselves holy. Even the most committed believer on his own and by himself is dead-end street.
Yet in v.10, James turns the corner: helplessness is not to be equated with hopelessness. Contradictory forms of speech we hear our outside voices say “ought not to coexist (10-11), cannot coexist (12), may not coexist (13-15) and need not coexist (16-18).” Krabbendam God does indeed give blueprint for victory in his Word; primary component of blueprint something first mentioned in James 1:5 -
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Don’t get so focused here on use of the tongue that you overlook: it’s only one example of many that could be given. Both negatively and positively. (Neg.) Wrong use of tongue is awful sin but it’s not alone; see v.14, e.g. (Pos.) What God supplies that enables victory over tongue will surely be effective in other areas as well. As James crafts description of victory over sin, begins at the bottom, that which ought not to be, then builds up from there.
A. Rejection of Contradiction v.10-12
Impropriety v.10
should go without saying – sincere blessing is not improper; in fact, it is good, commendable
what “ought not to be so” is contradictory speech; goes against the grain of oughtness, our design
classic example: Luke 18:11 “‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.”
issue is not crude language, potty mouth; parallels v.9, speaking in way that tears down other person
Impossibility v.11-12
James asks 3 questions, 3 illustrations: spring, fig tree, grapevine, and what they produce
obvious answer to all three: NO; reason why – product possesses characteristics of source
same basic principle Jesus expressed – heart vs fruit ((Mt. 7:16-20; 12:33-35; Lk. 6:43-45; see also 1 John 3:6, 9)
even if perfection not attained, principle holds; consistent pattern should be to get fresh water from Christian
follows also from Jesus’ teaching
one who abides in Christ brings forth fruit; evidence of vine present in the branch
healthy vine (Christ) with healthy branch (Christian) produces healthy fruit (good works)
fruit, more fruit, much fruit and abiding fruit (John 15:2, 5, 16) – anything else is impossible
regenerate heart possessed by one who is totally dependent on God will be evidenced by life-giving speech that edifies hearers
Challenge v.13
offered to teachers (office-holders), those in various teaching capacities – prove me right; show by your works what wisdom can accomplish
wisdom can’t operate in vacuum: requires knowledge and deeds – something to work with, to show for effort
teacher must be, first, example of godly wisdom in operation; second, channel of wisdom to learners
caution: wisdom that doesn’t translate into holiness is worthless. Poster child: Solomon
proper exercise of wisdom requires meekness – characteristic of Christ, trait of those who are his
“a joyful yielding to any and all legitimate authority, and goes hand in hand with a gentleness in one’s general comportment toward the neighbor (Tit. 3:2), especially in one’s efforts to persuade folk of the truth, including those under authority, and in one’s interaction with, or response to, peers and opponents.
In short, meekness indicates radical brokenness before and total yielding to God. Subsequently it displays a radical servant heart before and a total servant hood toward one’s fellowman.” Krabbendam
B. Profile of Defeat v.14-16
Root v.14
it’s possible, know from experience personally or with others, Christians can live spiritually defeated lives – for short or extended time; not experiencing joy, blessing, growth child of God should
root of problem not circumstances, not external; is in the heart, the believer’s “mission control center”
believer has new heart, regenerate heart, heart for God; no longer totally depraved, not perfect in every part either
it’s bent, appetite is for holiness; can be influenced by indwelling sin, will be drawn aside when believer fails to depend on God to make substance of new covenant a reality
what are envy and self-seeking or selfish ambition?
envy – passionate desire to possess what rightfully belongs to another, grudging them pleasure of possession and use
self-seeking – (opposite of meekness) self-promotion, sense of indispensability, withdrawing when not adequately recognized
boasting and lying, how?
envy and selfish ambition malign character of God – individual knows needs and priorities better than God does
ultimately have pride at or very near the root as well, an attempt to usurp place and authority of God
Explanation v.15
how is it possible for genuine believer to practice envy and selfishness?
James says, only one way – NOT from above, IS from below; buying into wrong kind of wisdom
three characteristics
earthly – spiritually dead, trapped in here and now, motivated by things that are understandable to unregenerate; has what world holds important for its goal and reward, an enemy of the cross (Phil. 3:18-19), opposite of heavenly things
sensual – limited to the senses, what can be seen, heard, felt, tasted; natural, opposite of spiritual. In today’s culture, motivated by feelings, divorced from or only loosely connected to reason.
demonic – ultimately sourced in Satan and agents; propagated by satanic forces to serve interests of Satan’s kingdom. Satan’s power to deceive can ensnare even believers, sucker them into being partially / temporarily useful to him.
not entirely one-sided
common grace can be present in wisdom from below; God often moderates Satan’s poison, enabling people to live in all kinds of relationships without destroying one another.
Evidence v.16
is James’ perspective in doubt? check the evidence, look at broader picture
things lead to things – worldly wisdom in one area permeates other areas of life
envy / self-seeking are breeding ground for other evils – that destroy relationships, lead to conflict
C. Blueprint of Victory v.17-18
Explanation v.17a
only hope for victory – 100% reliance on wisdom from above, 100% rejection of any other wisdom, acknowledgment of 100% inability / 100% dependence
primary source of that wisdom: truth of God’s Word illuminated by Holy Spirit applied by his strength
everything necessary for victory is present, available; so what’s the problem?
desire / willingness to attempt life with inferior and ineffectual tools
habit or tendency of self-reliance must be replaced by full effort and full dependence
Evidence v.17b
just like worldly wisdom, presence of divine wisdom obvious by what accompanies it
if purity is quintessence of holiness, wisdom that leads to holiness must be pure
purity of heart is foundation, purity of life the structure built on it
pure life characterized by:
peaceableness – unity in the truth
gentleness – kind, considerate, quick to forgive
yielding – approachable, deferential, accommodating
merciful – diligent to meet needs of others, even the unlikable
full of good works – everything produced (thought, word, deed) morally good and of highest quality in abundance
not divisive – not double-minded, ambiguous, speculative
sincere – without pretense or hypocrisy
Effect v.18
what can we expect for result when child of God lives out these truths?
acquisition and application of godly wisdom to all of life equips and empowers us to be peacemakers – only when we are truly at peace with God first
in context of peace – a field of peace – fruits of righteousness (good works) drop seeds that produce more fruit
peacemaking not the goal/end – it’s a necessary step in process, preparation of environment where holiness can thrive
not just our own holiness at stake; that of entire community/body of believers
May we depend on God the way we ought, striving in his strength and wisdom to reach the goal he has set before us.
