Pastor Nate Brosher
Mar 13, 2024
James 3:13-18 NLT
13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
1. Are we wise?
Jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom.
James 3:15
“Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
1. Earthly Ideology
Earthly – (relating to the earth or human life on the earth.)
Epigeios - existing upon the earth, earthly, terrestrial.
2. Unspiritual Thoughts
Unspiritual - not spiritual; worldly.
Driven by the desires of our heart and not our spirit.
3. Demonic Warfare
Demonic - of, resembling, or characteristic of demons or evil spirits.
Daimoniōdēs – This word in the Greek is only found right here in the Bible.
Possible Origins of Demons:
Spirits of pre-adamic men (Gap Theory).
Spirits of monstrous offspring.
Fallen Angels.
Things that Demons do:
Extend Satan’s power by being subject to him. (Matt. 12:24)
Demons influence the philosophy and activity of world leaders. (Daniel 10)
Demons promote false religions. (1Cor. 10:20)
Demons can afflict the human mind and body. (Luke 13:11, 2Cor. 12:7)
James said, “wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”