1© 2009 IBM Corporation The Epistle of James Practical Christian Living Christ Baptist Church Fall 2014 James 3:1-12

2 Review The Epistle of James 3: James 2 Favoritism Forbidden Faith and Deeds  Practices in Truth What kind of “sin” speech generally roles off your tongue? – Bragging, Lying, Flattering, Slandering, Gossiping, Verbal abuse, Cursing, Making off-color remarks, Talking behind one’s back, Passing on rumors, Shading the truth, Arguing, Yelling, Being sarcastic 1.Have you been hurt by someone’s words? – How have you been helped by someone’s works. James 1 Trials and Temptations Listening and Doing  Patience in trouble Taming the Tongue

3 2. What does Dr. Wiersbe say the 3 powers of the tongue are? The Epistle of James 3: James 3:1-4 3.Why are sins of the tongue connected with sins committed by the whole body? 4.What is the significance of the illustrations of the bit and the rudder? 5.What contrary forces to the bit and rudder need to overcome? Control your speech Matt 15:11 Prov 18:21 Psalm 141:3-4 Matt 12:34 Prov 15:1 Prov 12:22 Prov 10:19 Taming the Tongue

4 James 3:1-4 What about v1, why does James call out teachers? What does James say about being perfect in speech? – Can anyone measure up? – What if we consider the meaning of perfect to be mature? Which people of the Bible wished they could take back their words? The Epistle of James 3: Cor 14:20 Matt 12:36-37 Psalm 39:1 Taming the Tongue

5 James 3:5-8 6.How is the tongue like a fire and like an animal? 7.In what ways can words destroy? The Epistle of James 3: Matt 12:34 If the heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire. But if the heart is filled with love, God will light the fire. Warren Wiersbe Matt 11:19 Taming the Tongue

6 James 3: When have you seen words bring delight? Do you see an inconsistency in V 9,10? 9. Why is the tongue compared to a tree? 10.What are the 12 words that can transform your life? What words might you add to the list? The Epistle of James 3: Speech that Uplifts Prov 18:4 Prov 10:11 Prov 13:14 Prov 18:21 Taming the Tongue

7 The Epistle of James 2: Going Deeper Matthew Matthew 12:33-37 – How does Jesus describe the relationship between the heart and mouth? – What external perspective does Jesus give on the consequences of our words? Psalm 141:3 & Proverbs 21:23 – How do we reconcile these verses with James claim that “no man can tame the tongue? – What is our part and what is God’s part? Taming the Tongue

8 The Epistle of James 2: Challenges: Take time to reflect. What recent transgressions of the tongue are you aware of? Are there people you have publicly slandered or maligned? How can you fix this situation? What do you need to do? (Matt 5:21-24) Using the truths and principles you’ve learned, write down two ways you can avoid sins of speech this week. Taming the Tongue