1. A Disciplined Faith Lesson 11 Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing,
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Colorado 80918
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A Disciplined Faith
Lesson 11

2. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. Chemistry, Character, or Something Else? B. Lesson Background

3. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Self-Control?
Theologian Francis Schaeffer once argued that a certain X-rated movie was essential viewing for Christians!
He noted that a world in which morality was forced on lawbreakers with drugs and psychological manipulation was the theme of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971).
Right and wrong were made irrelevant!
tem number:
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4. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Self-Control?
In recent years, advocates of the “It’s not your character; it’s your chemistry” school of thought have emerged.
Most addictions, they say, are caused by a deficiency in dopamine, a natural "feel-good" brain chemical.
Changing one’s chemistry rather than building one’s character has become a preferred treatment for actions once simply considered to be bad behavior.
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5. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Self-Control?
The issue is complicated, and there is evidence for each position in various contexts.
But the idea that behavioral issues do not stem from a lack of learned self-control tends to lessen responsibility for doing or saying what we should not.
James points to a much deeper cause.
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6. Copyright © 2017
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Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
I. Lack of Control (James 3:1-5a) A. Issue of Qualification (vv. 1, 2) B. Issue of Relative Size (vv. 3-5a)

7. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Dear James
The epistle of James offers such practical advice that it reminds us of those who write present-day advice columns.
Read the following hypothetical letters to James and portions of today’s text, and then try to answer the questions as you believe James would.
tem number:
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8. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Dear James
Dear James, I want to serve the Lord as a teacher. I really have my life together and would be a great Christian leader. What do you think? Signed, Ahltellya Whattothink Have James respond with ideas from James 3:1-5a.
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Dear James
Ahltellya What, Be careful! Presenting yourself as a perfect person is an invitation for others to point out where you are not. A perfect person has perfectly controlled behavior.
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Dear James
Let’s look at behavior that only you can control​—your speech. I have yet to meet anyone who is not tripped up by his or her own words now and then.
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11. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What safeguards can we adopt to protect friendships from the negative effects of boasting?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In terms of attitudes
In terms of prayer
In distinguishing between godly and ungodly boasting (2 Corinthians 10:12-18)
Considering the warning of Psalm 12:3, 4 11

12. Copyright © 2017
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Lesson Outline
II. Result of Failure (James 3:5b-8) A. It Burns (vv. 5b, 6) B. It Poisons (vv. 7, 8)

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Dear James
Dear James, My life slogan is “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Not bad, huh? Signed, Ryno Hyde Have James respond with ideas from James 3:5b-8.
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Dear James
Dear Ryno, Not bad—TERRIBLE! Words poison relationships, topple governments, and destroy people from the inside out. History is often witness to the fact that it is words that lead to “sticks and stones.”
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15. Copyright © 2017
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Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
How do (or should) methods of reconciliation change, if at all, after damage caused by the tongue becomes enormous?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In the workplace
In family life
In the church
Other 15

16. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What counsel would you offer someone who is looking for help to tame his or her tongue?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In terms of spiritual disciplines to practice
In terms of friendships to cultivate and avoid
In terms of biblically sound resources
Other 16

17. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
III. Lack of Consistency (James 3:9-12) A. Problem Observed (vv. 9, 10) B. Problem Illustrated (vv. 11, 12)

18. Copyright © 2017
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Dear James
Dear James, I love Jesus through and through, but people at work don’t get it. How can I get them to see the real me? Signed, Miss Understood Have James respond with ideas from James 3:9-12.
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Dear James
Dear Miss, Maybe they ARE seeing the real you! Think about it. How much “Jesus talk” does it take to counteract those angry words to a colleague or that bit of gossip you passed along?
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Dear James
Just as an apple tree can only produce apples, the one controlled by the Spirit does not spew ungodly words. Concentrate on who controls you, not on how good you think you are!
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Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What specific steps can we take to uphold the image of God in others when we’re tempted to vilify them instead?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding those of differing political views
Regarding those of differing doctrinal views
Regarding those who have vilified us 21

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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
How do you go about using your tongue in a way that you would want others to emulate?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When around unbelievers
When around fellow believers 22

23. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. Think Twice Before Hitting “Send” B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

24. Copyright © 2017
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God’s Return Policy
Have you ever bought something you really didn’t need or want?
How easy was it to get the store to take it back?
When we “buy in” to a “do-it-myself” life, we often get something we don’t want!
But God has a great return policy.
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God’s Return Policy
God wants us to exchange our self-control with the control of His Spirit.
Why not ask God to help you make some of the following exchanges?
Exchanging worry with prayer
Exchanging thoughts of revenge with love for an enemy
Exchanging financial woes with gratitude for what you have
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26. Horizontal Visual
Display this visual as you close in prayer.

27. Thought to Remember Problems of the tongue are problems of the heart.
Copyright © 2017
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Thought to Remember
Problems of the tongue are problems of the heart.

28. FAITHFUL DISCIPLES Next Week’s Lesson Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
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Next Week’s Lesson
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES