Mainstream Darkness

Mark Estepp - 11/2/2025

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 

14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 

15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Envy is rooted in comparison.

The antidote to comparison is contentment.

Contentment is practiced through gratitude.

Selfish ambition is rooted in pride.

The antidote to pride is humility.

Humility is practiced through service. 

16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.