True Wisdom – James 3:13-18
13. True Wisdom produces a life marked by order and harmony.
1 Corinthians 14; Romans 15:1-7
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace… But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40)
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:1-7)
Study it Out
- God is a God of order and harmony. This can be clearly seen throughout His creation, even in its fallen state. What was happening in 1 Corinthians 14 to cause disorder and confusion? (Note the very first verse of the passage and consider the previous studies on humility.) How do these same principles apply to our lives today?
- In Romans 15, Paul calls God the God of endurance and encouragement. Why are those two aspects necessary to living in harmony with others? Why is order sometimes difficult to achieve with other believers?