James 3:14 - Forerunner Commentary

James 3:14

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain James 3:14:

James 3:13-18
Excerpted from: Satan (Part 5)

God says this is not from above. It is demonic. He is indicating here that envy, vanity, and selfish ambition will always eventually produce confusion, disorder, disharmony, instability, and evil things. All of this is gotten out of that five verse section, from James 3:13-18—that it is good for nothing in terms of producing a fruit of righteousness. Rather, what it does is destroy spiritual life. Again, a reminder that Satan is undergirding this and it is being spewed forth from his mind.

All of these character traits produce peace because God, not Satan, is at work in them. They are characteristics of His personality. Those who strive for peace are those who are going to produce a crop of righteousness.

We understand that in the physical realm a certain kind of environment is necessary for the production of a good crop. If we put something in a field and if the environment is not right, then the crop is not going to produce what it should or what it could. God is telling us that what He is after in us—the crop of righteousness, the fruits of His Spirit—also requires a right environment, and that right environment is peace. He is not saying that some righteousness cannot be produced in other environments. He is saying the most and best will come out of an environment in which there is peace.

James 3:14-16
Excerpted from: Jesus Christ's Ascension

In verses 5-6, the author quotes Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 to show that Someone greater—the Most High—commanded things regarding Jesus, including His role as High Priest. That shows that Jesus did not glorify Himself to step into that role—it was presented to Him. Remember our contrast with Helel, who did glorify and exalt himself in his determination to ascend to a position to which he had not been appointed.

Along those lines, James says that self-seeking is an aspect of demonic wisdom (James 3:14-16), meaning it is a skill the unclean spirits have and use, as exemplified by Satan. It is part of his spirit, and it shows up in selfish ambition, which is one of the works of the flesh. But Christ’s approach is completely opposite. He waited for the Father to raise Him up.

Articles
Ask, Seek, Knock
Taking Our Lead From God

Bible Studies
Parable of the Two Builders
Parable of the Unjust Steward

Essays
If the Lord Wills
Jedi Versus Sith
Knowledge and the Truth (Part Two)
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Four)
The Conundrum of Christmas Cheer
The World's Moral Resentment

Sermons
Confusion of Heart
Using God's Given Authority
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Restoration and Forgiveness
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)
Division, Satan, Humility
Satan, Division, and Humility
Unity and Unleavened Bread
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
The Church Family—Convinced and Persuaded
As Much as Depends on You
Prayer and Persistence
Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life
The Peacemakers
Gifted With Power From on High!
Agape: Does Not Envy
Our Battle Against Evil Programming!
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Gentle and Lowly in Heart
Have You Become an Example to All Who Believe?
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eight)
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Five)
Anger (Part 2)
Keeping Love Alive (Part 2)
The Foolishness of Bias
Anticipating the Enemy
How the Human Mind Shapes What We Believe

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