Believes all Things

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May 13, 2007 -1 Corinthians 13.7b. To believe all things is to be ever ready to believe the best of every person, and will credit no evil of any but on the most positive evidence. This is the theme of the sermon. This is the wisdom of James 3:13-18.

Open It

  1. What occupations or jobs require lots of knowledge and training?

  2. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

  3. What kinds of jobs or occupations require wisdom or discernment?

  4. Where do people often go to get wisdom?

Explore It

  1. How can a person demonstrate wisdom and understanding? (3:13)

  2. How can we tell when a person is wise? (3:13)

  3. What common attitudes do we need to avoid boasting about? (3:14)

  4. What is wrong with the "wisdom" of a selfish and bitter person? (3:14-15)

  5. How is a person's character related to his or her ability to discern? (3:14-16)

  6. From where does the "wisdom" of a selfish and bitter person come? (3:15)

  7. To what do envy and selfish ambition lead? (3:16)

  8. What are the qualities of the wisdom that comes from heaven? (3:17)

  9. How does a wise person act? (3:17-18)

  10. What happens when people "plant seeds of peace"? (3:18)

Get It

  1. What is the best way to make a lasting positive impression on others?

  2. What is the difference between earthly wisdom and God's wisdom?

  3. What life experiences increase our wisdom?

  4. What are the marks of humility in a person?

  5. What damage can bitter envy or selfish ambition do to a person?

  6. How can we get or experience heavenly wisdom?

  7. What are practical ways we can sow seeds of peace during our life?

  8. What godly characteristics are present in our speech when we are pursuing God's wisdom?

  9. What kind of bitter envy or selfish ambition do you tend to hold in your heart?

Apply It

  1. What can you do this week to plant peace in a relationship or situation which has been troubling you?

  2. What can you do this week to seek God's wisdom?

Notes

James 3:13-18: Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise but who acted foolishly? True wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person's character. Just as you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord? Careful, winsome speech and wise, loving words are the seeds of peace. God loves peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

James 3:14-15: "Bitter envy and selfish ambition" are inspired by the devil. It is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians. By listening to the advice: "Assert yourself," "Go for it," "Set high goals," we can be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. Seeking God's wisdom delivers us from the need to compare ourselves to others and to want what they have.

(Back to Study Home Page)   (Sermon May 13, 2007)
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