James 3:5-12

Taming the Tongue

Context: James is talking to Christians in general, first book written in the New Testament. Tackles practical ways and signs of Christian Maturity.

Previously we talked about how Christian Maturity is marked by how we respond in trials/temptations, how we respond to the Word of God, and how we produce works that reveal our Faith.

And now we come to James chapter 3 that deals with how our tongue, what we say reveals our hearts and our christian maturity.

James 3:1–12 “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. 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. Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. 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. 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. 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. Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.”

What stands out when y’all read this text?

Main Idea: Controlling how you speak is crucial for Christian Holiness.

Why is it so Crucial?

Why do you think it says that if we are able to control our tongue, we can control our whole body?

(The tongue is the easiest avenue to sin, the tongue also reveals the heart, so being able to control the tongue that most reveals the heart, you can also control your other actions that also reveals your heart)

What is significant about the examples he gives in verses 3 and 4?

D1: An uncontrolled tongue is very costly (5-8)

What does an uncontrolled tongue look like? What are some examples?

Gossip/Criticism/Diminishment/Flattery/cursing.

How can what we say cause so much damage? Do you have an example?

If an uncontrolled tongue used wickedness can cause so much destruction, what can a controlled tongue used for righteousness do?

What does how you regularly talk affect your ministry?

What can you do to control your tongue?

D2: An unholy tongue defiles our worship (9-12)

What argument is James making in these verses?(Ask this before saying the point)

Why do you think he refers to how we talk about each other?

What does this show about how God thinks of us?

in what ways can what we say damage others?

Seeing how costly what we say can be, what do we need to do to ensure we exhort our brothers and sisters instead of tearing them town?

Final Exhortation: Be bold in calling out this sin in the group, ways you see them do it, confess ways you do it, fully explain the danger of it, use example of your sister, urge them to repent and change their ways in this.

Ministry Goal: You have to say at least one uplifting word to someone everyday. You will individually text to keep accountable.