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Lesson 13

Two Kinds of Wisdom. Lesson 13. Introduction. How to Suffer Lesson Context. How to Spot One. Narcissism is more popular nowadays than it was before. Social media and mobile apps allow people to indulge their narcissistic tendencies.

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Lesson 13

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  1. Two Kindsof Wisdom Lesson 13

  2. Introduction • How to Suffer • Lesson Context

  3. How to Spot One • Narcissism is more popular nowadays than it was before. Social media and mobile apps allow people to indulge their narcissistic tendencies. • It’s very helpful to know whether a person is a narcissist or not, especially before entering into any kind of relationship with one. • Here are some helpful signs to enable you to spot a narcissist.

  4. How to Spot One 1. Exaggerated self-importance. They consider themselves above other people. They see themselves as kings, queens, or heroes. 2. Look down on others. They are likely to put down large groups of people all the time in order to elevate their worth. 3. Can get very aggressive. If criticized when others are present, a typical narcissist will find ways to retaliate.

  5. How to Spot One 4. Excessive self-praise. Narcissists keep praising themselves all the time, repeating the same statements to show how great they are. 5. On and off relationships. A narcissist can change your value or worth from 1 (totally worthy) to 0 (totally worthless) according to how you treat them.

  6. How to Spot One • While it’s important to be able to spot a narcissist, it’s even more important to be able to spot a wise person. • In today’s lesson, James will teach us how to do that.

  7. In EducationJames 3:13-18 • Good Teachers (v. 13) • Earthly Wisdom (vv. 14-16) • Heavenly Wisdom (vv. 17, 18)

  8. Heavenly or Earthly? • In verse 13 James starts off this section with a question: Who is a wise person? • He then tells us we can spot one by his or her good life. • But he also gives us clues on how to spot those whose “wisdom” is earthly. • As you read through the verses, identify characteristics of either heavenly or earthly wisdom.

  9. Heavenly or Earthly? • Read James 3:13-16. Identify descriptions of either heavenly or earthly wisdom. • HEAVENLY • Good life with good deeds • Meekness or humility • EARTHLY • Bitter envy, strife, and selfish ambition • Sensual, demonic • Causing confusion and evil practices

  10. Heavenly or Earthly? • Read James 3:17, 18. • HEAVENLY • Pure and peace-loving • Gentle • Submissive • Merciful • Impartial • Sincere • Righteous

  11. What Do You Think? • Which will you focus on more this week: gaining wisdom that gentleness may result, or the other way around? Why? • Digging Deeper – What lessons can you take from the examples of others in this regard?

  12. What Do You Think? • How should we handle wisdom principles that seem to be at odds with one another? (Example: Proverbs 26:4 in contrast to 26:5?) • Digging Deeper – How should your reaction differ, if at all, when someone quotes folk wisdom as advice? (Example: Look before you leap versus He who hesitates is lost.)

  13. What Do You Think? • What will you commit to doing this week to promote the healing of a divide, either between you and someone else or as a mediator for two warring parties? • Digging Deeper – Under what circumstances should you enlist the aid of someone in your healing effort versus trying to go it alone? Why?

  14. In PersecutionJames 5:7-12 • Be Patient (vv. 7-11) • Do Not Swear (v. 12)

  15. Heavenly or Earthly? • Read James 5:7-12. • HEAVENLY • Is patient, like a farmer waiting for crops • Stands firm, watching for the Lord’s return • Endures suffering • Only says “Yes” or “No” • EARTHLY • Grumbles or holds grudges • Swears by Heaven, earth, anything else

  16. What Do You Think? • Without giving directive advice, how would you counsel someone who comes to you admitting a problem with impatience? • Digging Deeper – How would your approach differ for someone who obviously displays impatience, but seems unaware of the problem?

  17. What Do You Think? • Which of the prophets best serves as an example for you to emulate personally with regard to patience? Why? • Digging Deeper – Which kind of earthly suffering seems to vex Christians the most? Why do you say that?

  18. Conclusion • From Above • Prayer • Thought to Remember

  19. Can Do • Here again is the list of qualities in James 3:17 of those who have godly wisdom: • Pure • Peace-loving • Gentle • Easy-going and considerate • Merciful • Impartial • Sincere

  20. Can Do • Which of these is the biggest challenge to you personally? • Pure and peace-loving • Gentle • Easy-going and considerate • Merciful • Impartial • Sincere • What action step can you take this week?

  21. Thought to Remember Choose God’s wisdom.

  22. Biased Love Next Week’s Lesson

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