True Wisdom – James 3:13-18
22. True Wisdom is genuine and sincere.
Romans 12:1-21; 1 Timothy 1:3-17
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9)
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
(1 Timothy 1:5-7)
Study it Out
- This study is similar to the one relating to the truth. However, this deals more with the heart’s motivations. How do Romans 12:1-8 set the groundwork for the genuine love commanded in Romans 12:9? What were the preceding steps?
- How can having a firm and humble grasp on the truth found in 1 Timothy 1:12-17 protect you from the pitfalls found in verses 3-11?
- How is genuine love possible? Can it be achieved through self-effort? (Think back to Galatians 5 and the fruit the Holy Spirit bears in believers.)