James 3:13-18 | Discerning Truth

The Emperor Has No Clothes: Discerning Truth in a Post-Truth Culture ” (James 3:13-18)

Big Idea: Heavenly wisdom frees us from the bondage of earthly deception and leads to peace, life, and righteousness in a post-truth world.

V.13 Even the fool assumes he is wise. We should ask, who amongst is wise? Am I just convinced by my limited perspective? You can tell wisdom not by words but gentle action. Clarity is kindness.

V.14-16 The Marks of Folly (earthly wisdom)
V.14 Characterized by envy, selfish ambition, and boasting and a rejection of absolute truth.

V.15 earthly (only having this life in view), unspiritual (sensual), demonic (folly’s source).

V.16 Fruit/Consequences: division, bitterness, and disorder rather than peace and righteousness.
1^st problem– Question of Authority (who’s in charge). Living according to “your truth” exalts self above God, and that’s where the root of sin lies. Solution: wisdom demands humility; we are not the source of truth—God is. Folly leaves us separated from the source of life—God Himself.

V.17-18: The Marks of Heavenly Wisdom
Pure: Morally undefiled. Peaceable: seeks peace rather than conflict. Gentle: not harsh and boastful. Compliant: teachable, open to persuasion by the truth in contrast to the prideful arrogance of human wisdom. Mercy and good fruits: showing kindness to those who don’t deserve it. In contrast to disorder and evil practices. Unwavering: impartial.

V.18 Fruit test: disorder, division and chaos with confusion as a weapon instead of peace.

How do I get wisdom? (Call to Submit to God’s Truth Over “Living Your Truth”)

1. The Fear and Knowledge of the Lord Is the Foundation of Wisdom.

Pr. 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Why? A fear, reverence of God, his might, power and control forces me from my high view of self. I can then realize that truth is anchored in Jesus, not arrogant human opinion.

1. Seek Truth like Treasure

Pr. 2:3-6 if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Challenge: Proverbs are designed to make one wise. Read a chapter a day.

1. Apply Gods Wisdom (Obedience Brings Understanding)

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. Matthew 7:24 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

1. God’s Wisdom Leads to Life

John 14:6 Jesus is THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. Only God’s truth, rooted in Jesus Christ, brings life, peace, and eternal hope.

Grow Group Questions:

1. How can you humbly evaluate whether your current beliefs or actions align with heavenly wisdom instead of earthly wisdom?

2. How does fear or pride keep people (including ourselves) from acknowledging the truth, like in “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? How should we address false truth as Believers?

3. What influences and “voices” are you trusting for wisdom—personal feelings, culture, media, Scripture, or God?

4. How can you actively “seek truth like treasure” (Proverbs 2:3-6) by prioritizing God’s Word and prayer in your life? How would reading a chapter of Proverbs each day help me?

5. When confronting earthly wisdom in others, how can you remain peaceable, gentle, and kind while still standing firm on absolute truth? Think of a current situation or relationship where you need to apply both clarity and compassion. What would heavenly wisdom look like in that context?

Parent-Kid Discussion Starter: “The Wisdom Challenge!”

Scenario:

“Imagine you’re at school, and you hear a lot of kids saying things like, ‘Just follow your truth!’ or ‘just follow your heart’.  Some of your friends say it’s really important to express yourself, even if it means doing something that isn’t safe or kind or in agreement with what God says in the Bible.

1. Do you agree with this advice?  Why or why not?
2. Why does truth need to be absolute (unchanging) and not self-determined? Can you think about what would be the dangers of following your feelings and emotions as “your truth”?  (Explain the sermon illustration of rules in traffic lights, sports, etc. I can’t just determine based on my feelings. It would result in chaos.  That’s why we need God’s truth).
3. If someone asked you what your ‘truth’ is—what do you believe about yourself and the world—how would you respond? Can you think of a time when you listened to advice that might have made you feel good but wasn’t really true?

Goal: Encourage kids to start differentiating between popular opinions and God’s truth, reflecting on how culture influences their thinking.