29th October 2024

29th October 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 3v13)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


I once knew a man who was an expert in his chosen profession. He had studied all the way to PhD level and was without question an exceptional individual. Yet for those who knew him they could also say that he had absolutely no common sense. He could have spoken at a conference at the drop of a hat and then the next day struggle with some very basic things in life. Honestly, most of us can relate to this. I have a mountain of knowledge about professional wrestling but if your central heating stops working I am of no help whatsoever. 


So what does true wisdom and understanding look like? James wasn’t concerned about certificates or university learning. He asked his listeners “who is wise and understanding among you?” (v13a) and then answered his own question with the challenge “by his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (v13b).


The truly wise in our fellowships will show themselves in their Christ honouring actions. They will endure trials with joy (James 1v2), they will strive to both hear and do God’s Word (James 1v22), they will show no partiality in the fellowship (James 2v1), they will seek to do good to all (James 1v27) and from their mouths will come much more blessing than cursing (James 3v9).


Indeed, all of these actions will display themselves “in the meekness of wisdom” (v13b). Meekness should not be confused with weakness. So what is meekness? Firstly, let me ask where does wisdom come from? Solomon would answer “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1v7). The fear of God is to love Him and seek to honour and obey Him and I’d suggest that meekness is the attitude that flows from the fear of God. True meekness is a Spirit worked humility that seeks to live in a Christ honouring fashion. It understands that God is entirely great and we are but unworthy servants. I studied computer science at university but I received true wisdom when the Gospel caused me to fear the Lord.


So do you consider yourself wise and understanding? Yes? Then don’t tell your church how lucky they are to have you, instead by good conduct do works in the meekness of wisdom. 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q21 Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect? The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
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