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  WISDOM FROM HEAVEN
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of purity, peaceableness,
gentleness, and compassion in living a life of godly wisdom.

Topics: "Compassion", "Godly Wisdom"
Scripture References: James 3:13

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of godly wisdom as described in
James 3:13-18, highlighting that purity and peace are foundational
characteristics. He explains that faith in Jesus Christ brings about
purity and establishes peace with God, which then enables believers to
foster peaceful relationships with others. Epp notes that true wisdom is
gentle and encourages believers to reflect this gentleness in their
interactions, as instructed in 2 Timothy 2:24 and Titus 3:2. He also
stresses the importance of compassion and mercy, citing James 1:27 on
caring for the less fortunate. Ultimately, Epp concludes that the fear
of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Psalms 111:10.

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CONTENT
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James 3:13-18

It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly
wisdom are purity and peaceableness. These two have an important
relationship. An individual is made pure through faith in Jesus Christ,
and this establishes peace between God and himself Romans 5:1 says,
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ."

Once this peace has been established through a vertical relationship
between the believer and God, the believer will then have a basis on
which to establish peaceful horizontal relationships with his fellowmen.

James also said that the wisdom that is from above is "gentle" (James
3:17), so each believer should reflect this gentleness in his life. Paul
told Timothy--and all believers "The servant of the Lord must not
strive; but be gentle unto all men" (2 Tim. 2:24). Titus 3:2 sounds a
similar note: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle,
shewing all meekness unto all men."

A wise person is tender and full of mercy and sympathy. Such a person
shows compassion, or pity, for the less fortunate. This was emphasized
by James when he said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the
Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction"
(James 1:27).

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding
have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever"
(Ps. 111:10).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/wisdom-from-heaven/
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