James 3:1-12

1.If you keep your tongue in check, what are you also able to do? Keep your whole body in check 2.Why do you think James brings up the matter of teaching, urging people to think twice before they strive to teach others? God holds those who teach the Word of God to a higher standard – souls are at stake Controlling the tongue is difficult. It is easy to equate your own opinions with God’s Word. It is easy to become arrogant when teaching as the expert Let’s read Jeremiah 23:28 & 31

3.James uses three pictures in verses 3-6 to describe the power of the tongue. What are they, and what point does James make by using each one? A bit in the mouth of a horse turns a large animal and controls it The rudder on a ship turns the whole ship and everything on board The spark sets off a forest fire. Once started it can not be contained. 4.This side of heaven, what can a person never fully do? We can never fully keep the tongue in check. What is behind an uncontrolled tongue?

5.Why is it important that those who teach the Word also spend much time in the Word before they speak? Read 2 Timothy 2:15 and discuss the essential requirement for a teacher of the Word. They must be able to correctly handle (think of a craftsman cutting a straight line) the Word of Truth. How do we “cut a straight line”? How do we determine how to properly handle the Word?

James 3: What does James mean by “wise and understanding?” (verse 13) Look at the following verses, and read how wisdom is described in other places of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:15 Scriptures give “wisdom” on how to be saved 1 Corinthians 1:18-30 God’s wisdom if superior to man’s wisdom – it even makes man’s wisdom foolish Ephesians 1:17 We find true wisdom in Christ Ephesians 5:15 and following God gives wisdom on how to live

2.Why does wisdom make a person humble? True wisdom recognizes what we are – sinners – no better than others True wisdom recognizes how much we don’t know. 3.In verses 14 and 15, James describes another kind of wisdom. What is that? Why do you think he calls it wisdom? Envy builds itself up to look wise, but is only a cover for weakness and evil Selfish ambition – may seem like “wisdom” but it hurts others to get ahead

4.What is one reason that the devil’s wisdom is foolishness? It results in disorder and every evil practice It’s a lie that lead to hell 5.True wisdom comes from God. What is that wisdom like? Pure – moral purity Peace loving – one who promotes it Considerate – gentle puts up with injustice patiently Submissive - compliant Full of mercy and good fruit – Heart shows in mercy Impartial – no discord Sincere – without hypocrisy

6.Some people are not happy unless they are in control of others, whatever the situation might be. Read verse 17 again. What traits will manifest themselves in the Christian who has been given the true wisdom that comes from above? Peace maker; Considerate; submissive; full of mercy 7.Peacemakers bring about a “harvest of righteousness.” What does Jesus say about peacemakers in Matthew 5:9? They will be called Sons of God. The peacemaking they are engaged in is bringing peace between God and men. Luke 2:14