300. JAM 3:17. WISDOM FROM ABOVE
Jam_3:17. Wisdom From Above
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full oil mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."’97Jam_3:17.
The text, under the representation of wisdom, gives us a beautiful exhibition of true religion’97genuine piety Let us consider,
I. The essential Characteristic of genuine Religion.
II. Its heavenly Origin.
And,
III. Its distinguished Attributes.
I. The essential Characteristic of genuine Religion.
"The wisdom." Wisdom signifies the right application of knowledge. The power of judging rightly. Now true religion may be denominated wisdom,
1. As it directs the mind to the most glorious pursuits.
It rises above every thing mean and grovelling, every thing earthly, and teaches and directs the soul to God as the chief good, to the attainment of his favor, image, and eternal glory. It is wisdom. Col_3:10. 2Co_3:18.
2. As it employs the most efficient means for the attainment of these objects.
The means appointed by God. The means revealed in the infallible word. The only means to secure eternal life. These means it heartily approves of, earnestly adopts, vigorously uses, and perseveringly employs.
Notice,
II. Its heavenly Origin.
It is "wisdom from above." "Every good and perfect gift," &c. "All our blessings are from on high."
1. The contrivance of salvation was from above.
It was devised, arranged, and prepared there.
2. The Author of our salvation came from above.
He was with the Father. Was as one brought up with him. Was thus seen by Isaiah, vi. 1, &c. He came from heaven &c.
3. The revelation of true religion is from above.
The Holy Ghost descended upon the prophets &c. They wrote as they were influenced by inspiration from above. The Scriptures are, therefore, the law of God’s mouth.
4. All the blessings of our religion are from above.
Illumination, pardon, peace, holiness, joy, &c. All these are of God, and from heaven. Religion is emphatically from above. Observe,
III. Its distinguished attributes.
Religion is spiritual in its nature, and in its essence cannot be seen. But we may discern its effects, observe the influence it exercises. Now observe,
1. It is pure.
Not absolute, or angelic purity, but spiritual purity. The opposite of depravity and corruption. The implantation of holy principles. The consecration of the soul and body to the service of God. This purity is supernatural, real, and progressive.
2. It. is peaceable.
Not contentious. Not boisterous. Not a religion of bickering and strife. It commences with the pacification of the conscience towards God. It produces a peaceful state of mind. It influences the tongue, the tempers, and the actions of the life to peace. "Blessed are the peace-makers," &c.
3. It is gentle.
That is, soft, mild, and tender. Hence the Christian resembles the dove, and not the vulture; the lamb, and not the lion.
4. Is easy to be entreated.
Is not stubborn or self-willed. Not implacable. Does not cherish resentment. But easily forgives offences, &c. Sacrifices self, for the good of others 5. It is full of mercy.
Possesses bowels of mercy. Weeps over the woes and miseries of mankind. Extends its compassionate aids to all it can embrace. "Blessed are the merciful."
6. Full of good fruits.
Fruits of beneficence and liberality. Fruits of generosity, &c. Acts with noble liberality. "Casts its bread upon the wavers," &c. "Feels it more blessed to give," &c.
7. Without partiality.
Not preferring men according to the flesh. Not respecting persons because rich, &c.
8. Without hypocrisy.
A perfect agreement between lip and heart; between profession and life. 2Co_1:12. Acts so always as before God. "Conscience void of offence," &c. A single eye to the divine glory.
Application
1. How important that we ascertain if our religion possesses these essential attributes!
2. How happy those who experience in their hearts these heavenly fruits!
3. What a blessing is genuine religion to the world at large!
Autor: JABEZ BURNS