same time Cod's work is to be de void of antagonism and strife. The church is really an assembly of Cod's "called-out" people. A proud spirit of self-evaluation and self-esteem are incompatible with the truths of Cod's redemp tion. The Lord will always rebuke conceit, fanaticism ,and all activity performed independently of the Holy Spirit. To boast oneself is to lie about what Cod has revealed. No man, regardless of who he is, has anything about which to boast. This is the only kind of wisdom which unbelieving people possess. They may be crafty and cunning with the personality and driving force to get to the top, but if they do not know Jesus Christ as per sonal Saviour they are lost! Human wisdom is sensual or soulish. This human wisdom is in contrast to the wisdom of God. It is demonic and devilish because it is influenced by that which is evil. What else can we expect from hu man wisdom but confusion (vrs. 16)? Such wisdom opposes God's order. Tumult and anarchy grow out of this kind of wisdom. People will stoop to every vile practice in order to gain their own selfish ends. This ought never to be true of a believer in Christ. You prove you have faith by the way you live. James is a most wonderful mis sive in the New Testament. It shows us how faith is to be put in to daily experience. It should be read and re-read frequently by ev ery believer. The true wisdom from above which Cod gives has some won derful attributes to it. In verse 17 of the third chapter eight things are said of it. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full Page 48
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