Tuesday, October 11, 2011 

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. James 3:14-15

James goes on to suggest that the person who displays “bitter envy and strife” is not living out the wisdom of God.  “Bitter envying and strife” speaks of an agenda driven person who goes after their own interests at the cost of others.  The “wisdom” that this person operates from is described here as “earthly”, “sensual” and “devilish.”  Demonic wisdom results in what we find in verse 16 which we will look at tomorrow.  Let’s talk about what these other words mean…

“Earthly”- without an eternal perspective.  Only considering what is temporary and material.

“Sensual”- seeing and speaking to only what can be seen.

“Devilish”- finding its source in the thought processes of spirit beings that have an agenda which goes against God.

Application:

When it comes to God’s work, Satan seeks to divide, distract and destroy.  One of the easiest ways for Satan to do this is for us to be focused only on ourselves and our own needs and desires.  A “me first” attitude will erode at a church, family, or individual on mission and will eventually get that church, family, or individual off of God’s mission for their lives.