"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." James 3:13-18
Therefore, do not be as those of this world who measure wisdom on what they have learned or gained in this world. Human wisdom is truly foolishness in the eyes of God. Many think they know the way to follow to stay on the narrow path. They will say follow this or that. They will tell you what you must do to be righteousness, but they themselves are deceived by their own knowledge and wisdom. Do not follow them, no matter how eloquent and polished "in the Word" as they suppose. Jesus calls us to follow Him alone, not those who claim to hold the answers to heaven because they have examined the scriptures. The Scribes and Pharisees made the same mistake as today's so-called Christian pastors and teachers as they both believed others had others had to follow their teachings which were based on "God's Word." They failed to recognize that the "Word of God" is Christ Himself, and He alone holds the truths and mysteries of His kingdom.
Thus, we must follow Jesus alone as He leads us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we must seek to learn all spiritual knowledge and truth from the Holy Spirit as Christ Himself told us to. "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." John 14:26 Moreover, do not be religious minded as those who are sold out to follow the teachings and practices found in the many manmade local churches around the world with their personalized names and traditions. These are products of the spirit of this world and lead their followers away from the narrow path of Christ. The righteous will walk by faith and not worry about what others may think, because they are too focused on following Jesus who is the ONLY truth, way, and life.
Hence, those who are truly in Christ are those who choose to remain in Christ to the end. They are not those who start out on the narrow path and stray because they choose to follow anything other than Christ. They will not settle for a compromised life so they can enjoy the pleasures of this world, but will choose to sacrifice everything here in this world to follow Jesus to the end. "So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." Hebrews 10:35-39
Therefore, do not be as those of this world who measure wisdom on what they have learned or gained in this world. Human wisdom is truly foolishness in the eyes of God. Many think they know the way to follow to stay on the narrow path. They will say follow this or that. They will tell you what you must do to be righteousness, but they themselves are deceived by their own knowledge and wisdom. Do not follow them, no matter how eloquent and polished "in the Word" as they suppose. Jesus calls us to follow Him alone, not those who claim to hold the answers to heaven because they have examined the scriptures. The Scribes and Pharisees made the same mistake as today's so-called Christian pastors and teachers as they both believed others had others had to follow their teachings which were based on "God's Word." They failed to recognize that the "Word of God" is Christ Himself, and He alone holds the truths and mysteries of His kingdom.
Thus, we must follow Jesus alone as He leads us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we must seek to learn all spiritual knowledge and truth from the Holy Spirit as Christ Himself told us to. "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." John 14:26 Moreover, do not be religious minded as those who are sold out to follow the teachings and practices found in the many manmade local churches around the world with their personalized names and traditions. These are products of the spirit of this world and lead their followers away from the narrow path of Christ. The righteous will walk by faith and not worry about what others may think, because they are too focused on following Jesus who is the ONLY truth, way, and life.
Hence, those who are truly in Christ are those who choose to remain in Christ to the end. They are not those who start out on the narrow path and stray because they choose to follow anything other than Christ. They will not settle for a compromised life so they can enjoy the pleasures of this world, but will choose to sacrifice everything here in this world to follow Jesus to the end. "So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." Hebrews 10:35-39
