Message-Based Study Guide
for Small Groups and Classes
PEACE BABY PEACE
"That is a Smart Idea--Peace"
James 3:13-18
(October 13-19, 2013)
“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”
–William Shakespeare
On our journey down the pathway of peace we have discussed key elements that go
along with acquiring a God-given peace. The series has highlighted what it means to be
obedient to God, why we should surrender to Him, and how to wait patiently in His
presence. This lesson takes one more step down the path and asks the question, “What
role does wisdom play in the peace we receive from God?” Is the wise person an elder
full of knowledge and experience, or something else entirely?
Answer and discuss the following question with your group
1. If you had to choose one person in your life to describe as wise, who would it be and
what attributes do they have to make you think that?
2. During the first lesson in this series on Peace, we prayed the "Serenity Prayer." This
prayer included a request that God would grant us wisdom to deal with, and learn from,
the difficulties of life. Is "wisdom" different than "knowledge"? Explain.
Read the following excerpt out loud or watch message segment #1
An excerpt from Pastor Mark’s message "That is a Smart Idea--Peace":
In every relationship we are planting seeds. Some are seeds of
anger, bitterness, and insecurity. And just so you know, if that is the kind
of stuff you are planting, you are going to get that in return. You reap what
you sow.
Will you plant seeds of peace? How can I plant seeds of peace?
We need to learn to be wise. Often we treat people very foolishly.
A lot of smart people are not that wise. You might have a lot of degrees
behind your name but you have flunked out with relationships.
Wisdom is a lifestyle.
Read James 3:13-18 and answer/discuss the following questions
3. Based on this passage, what are the two kinds of wisdom? Why does one lead to
peace in our lives/relationships and the other bring disorder?
Peace – Lesson 4, page 1
Message-Based Study Guide
for Small Groups and Classes
4. James 3:15-17 teaches us that earthly wisdom based on envy and selfishness is
"evil" and heavenly wisdom is "pure." This passage shows us there is a clear
connection between the condition of our hearts and whether we will have heavenly
wisdom. Explain why a life filled with selfishness, dishonesty and impatience will not
lead to heavenly wisdom and peace.
5. Verse 17 lists several positive qualities that heavenly wisdom produces in our
attitudes and our lives. What are these qualities?
6. Based on verse 13, how can we know if we have heavenly wisdom? Is this wisdom
just a characteristic of our personality or a way of life? Explain.
Read the following excerpt out loud or watch message segment #2
An excerpt from Pastor Mark’s message "That is a Smart Idea--Peace":
So how do you become wiser? How do I become wiser in my
relationships so that I have peace, that peace that everyone is talking
about, that peace that seems to be so elusive?
There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge
comes from education. You can get smarter, but just because you get
smarter doesn’t mean you are wiser. You probably know people who
have some pretty impressive credentials, but have made some pretty
bonehead decisions. And you have even said, "I thought they were
smarter than that."
To get wisdom you have to look up. Wisdom comes from
revelation. Knowledge is something you learn. Wisdom is something that
is given to you. And everyone can get it.
Read James 1:2-5 and answer/discuss the following questions
7. We often believe wisdom is something we can develop on our own or that it is a
product of our own experiences and mistakes. What is the true source of wisdom?
Based on verse 5, what is God's promise to us concerning heavenly wisdom?
8. This passage teaches us that we can ask God for wisdom when facing trials and
difficult circumstances. How can seeing God's larger purpose for trials and difficult
circumstances change your attitude toward these things and give you peace?
Reflection and Wrap-up
9. James tells us that earthly wisdom leads to disorder and evil practices. These
practices may include behaviors or attitudes that create conflict rather than promote
peace, being self righteous instead of cooperative, acting with ulterior motives rather
than a sincere heart, and being rude or unfair instead of considering the needs and
Peace – Lesson 4, page 2
Message-Based Study Guide
for Small Groups and Classes
feelings of others. List the actual consequences of earthly wisdom compared to the
promised results of "looking out for number one"?
10. If you, your family, or workplace are experiencing the disorder and evil practices that
come from earthly wisdom, what are some way to make the change to heavenly wisdom
and peace?
Additional Study
If you have time during your small group or you want to study this message of
peace more in depth on your own, explain how each of the following passages can help
us gain heavenly wisdom:
•
1 John 3:3
•
Proverbs 10:9
•
Proverbs 20:3
•
Proverbs 14:29
•
Proverbs 12:15
•
Proverbs 17:9
•
Colossians 2:3
•
Psalm 111:10
Peace – Lesson 4, page 3