James 3 (High School)

1 “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.” 2 “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.” 3 “Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies.” 4 “And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” 5 “So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest.” 6 “And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” 7 “Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind,” 8 “but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” 9 “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness.” 10 “Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” 11 “Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?” 12 “Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.” 13 “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.” 14 “But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth.” 15 “Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” 16 “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice.” 17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” 18 “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.”

So, starting in verse 1, what does James say about becoming a teacher? Why does he say that?

He says not many should become teachers because when you become a teacher of the word you take on more responsibility and you will receive a stricter judgment. what does it say in Matthew about this?

Matthew 18:6 ““But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.”

So just remember, we will be judged on what we know and the responsibility that God has given us with that knowledge. (reference tribe in amazon)

In verses 2-12 James talks about the Dangers of speech and how important it is for us to watch our tongue.

Our tongue is a double-edged sword.

James 3:9–10 “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.”

The same tongue we use to praise the lord is the same tongue that can be used to tear someone down. We are all made in Gods image, so why would it be ok for us to curse someone that is made in the image of God, its not. As Christians we need to be cautious with the things we say and how we say it. We don't want to be that stumbling block for that none believer that is searching for a savior. Remember who you represent! If you have control over your tongue, you have control over yourself.

In verse 12 in talks about a fig tree and how a fig tree can only produce figs. Not olives, not apples, not acorns, just figs. So make sure that your tree is only producing 1 kind of fruit, and if your not, then don't call yourself a tree because there “ain’t no such a thang” as a double fruit producing tree.

Can anyone tell me some of the fruits of the spirit that we should be producing? Love ,Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.

Finally in verses 13-18 James is telling us what Christian Wisdom looks like.

People demonstrate wisdom if their deeds reflect God’s commands. The way you live in humility demonstrates how wise you are. Earthly wisdom leads to jealousy and pride, wisdom from the Lord leads to unselfishness, peacefulness, and obedience.

The only way to be truly wise is from the Lord. Wisdom is not about an IQ score.

How can we go out this week and apply what we’ve learned in James 3 to our daily lives?

What is one way we can use our speech this week in a positive way?

Who are we representing?