The Wisdom of Allegiance If you’re new to Lifepoint | Worthington, take 30 seconds to fill out our Welcome Card! As always, if you'd like to talk more with me about anything we discussed, you can sign up for meeting time. If you have any questions from the message today, send them here and I'll follow up! James 3:13–18 (ESV) 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Series Recap James keeps pressing the point that real faith isn’t just belief—it’s allegiance. It’s loyalty expressed through how we live, speak, and treat people. Wisdom is a Lifestyle, Not Just Answers James 3:13 ESV Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. What is wisdom? We often think of it as “knowledge applied.” James answers his own question: How do you know if someone is wise? Look at their “good conduct”—their lifestyle. In the Bible, wisdom is not talked about in terms of answers but lifestyle. Proverbs 1:7 ESV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. The Bible's focus isn’t on what wisdom does (giving answers), but on what a wise person is like. The wise decision flows from the wise person. Two Kinds of Wisdom James warns that there are two very different kinds of wisdom at work in the world. Wisdom From Below James 3:14–15 ESV But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. This “wisdom” is driven by selfish ambition. It places me at the center of the story: my needs, my security, my success. It's the wisdom of self-protection and self-promotion. It doesn't always look “evil”—it often looks "reasonable," “pragmatic,” or "responsible." James 3:16 ESV For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. This wisdom promises peace but brings chaos and disorder. Wisdom From Above James 3:17 ESV But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Wisdom from above isn’t about control or gain—it’s about character. It's not about what we know but who we’re becoming. It is fundamentally selfless—centered on honoring God and serving others. This is what allegiance to Jesus looks like lived out. So What? See Wisdom as a Lifestyle, Not an Answer Wisdom isn't downloaded in a moment; it's formed in us slowly as our hearts are reshaped by the Spirit. The question isn’t just “What should I do?” but "Who am I becoming?" Wisdom is the slow, transforming work of grace that makes us more like Jesus. Ask for Wisdom We will still face big decisions. When we do, we can ask! James 1:5 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. When we pursue wisdom from above, our posture changes from “What's in it for me?” to "God, I want to honor YOU with this decision." God cares more about transforming lives than just giving answers. As always, if you'd like to talk more with me about anything we discussed, you can sign up for meeting time. If you have any questions from the message today, send them here and I'll follow up!