Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
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Tone of specific sentences
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No man had a right to exercise the sacred functions of the appointed masters in Israel.
And none might take the honour of the priesthood unto himself, “but he that was called of God, as was Aaron”
Example:
The test of all ministry must come at last in the day of trial and fiery inquisition of God; this and not the world’s opinion will be the real approval.
Bridle - the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached:
Helm - a tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat:
Controlling the Tongue
One sure sign of true or worthless faith is what comes out of a person’s mouth.
Jesus says, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” so “by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned”
For Jesus, this is one of the chief fruits by which we can discern true believers from false ones
All of us will be judged by our words, but none of us more than instructors.
Being a rabbi in Jewish culture meant power, privilege, and respect, but Jesus told His disciples not to be called “Rabbi,” “father,” or “instructors”
James has similar counsel.
In chapter 3 he comes to his second test of pure religion (1:26), of living faith (2:26), of maturity (3:2)—the use of the tongue.
Read 3:1–12.
1.
Why should we hesitate before we presume to be teachers (3:1)?
(Optional: Consider Matthew 12:33–37; Romans 2:17–24.)
Perfect (3:2).
This is the same Greek word as “mature” in 1:4 and “complete” in 2:22 (KJV has “perfect” in all three verses).
The word means “that which has reached its maturity or fulfilled the end contemplated.”1
God’s goal for us is holiness and righteousness like His (Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 4:22–24).
We may not reach that goal in this life, but we should be growing toward it.
2. James uses some vivid imagery to explain why controlling our tongues is the key to maturity.
How is a tongue like a horse’s bit or a ship’s rudder (3:2–5)?
For Further Study: What does Matthew 23:1–12 have to say to Christian instructors?
For Thought and Discussion: The tongue is “set on fire by hell” (3:6), and Satan is “the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Does this mean that Satan, not we, is responsible for our evil words?
Why or why not? (Consider the rest of John 8:44.)
A world of evil among the parts of the body (3:6).
Or, “the world of evil.”
The tongue represents and expresses the fallen world order in our bodies perhaps more than any other organ.
The whole course of one’s life (3:6).
This is the probable meaning of “the course of nature” (KJV).
3. Put into your own words what James says about the tongue in 3:6.
Restless (3:8).
Like a wild beast ready to break out of its cage at any time.
4. Animals can be tamed because God gave mankind dominion over them at Creation (Genesis 1:26–28; James 3:7).
Why can’t human beings tame their own tongues (Genesis 2:16–17; 6:5; James 3:8)?
For Thought and Discussion: To what kinds of speech does 3:9 apply, besides actual swearing?
For Thought and Discussion: a.
What would happen to the fresh water if fresh and salt water flowed from the same spring (3:11)?
b.
How is this like what happens to our praises if curses also come from our mouths (3:10)?
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