Power of Words

goal first day - cannot underestimate; opportunity for growth - also that our words are a window to our heart

James 3:1 - should not all be teachers; judged more harshly - warning. desire for your words to matter. to seem important. reality - our words do matter; have influence - need to take that responsibility seriously because it’s impact reaches far beyond how we’re viewed.

v.2 - if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. - our words are a window into our hearts. they reveal what we believe. reflecting on our words/awareness - opportunity for us to repent; be transformed; grow in holiness

v3-6 - don’t underestimate the power of the tongue; it is small but it controls/guides us. words transform us? careless/prideful/self-centered words can create destruction/chaos. - points to the power of sin we can’t rule/reign over (created to rule/reign over creation; once sin entered, we cannot rule/reign/control/manage it - powerless against it without God)

v.8 - we can’t try harder; only hope is the transforming power of christ. full of deadly poison - ref to Gen 3:1? father of lies.

v. 9 - praising and cursing out of the same mouth. it cannot be so - because it’s such an afront to God; to curse those made in his image. maybe but probs no, can’t have two masters? also, fig tree producing olives like fruits of the spirit - words revealing what we’re bowed down to

v13 - here, if you say you love god, your fruit/words should show it. we show it by humility, which comes from God (fearing God as prov tells us). 1:5 if you want wisdom, ask God. but if you’re driven by self instead of fear of God, trying to hide it does no good - bring it into the light. lay it down. Wisdom can’t be associated with jealousy/selfish ambition - only in humility can we receive God’s word.