James has already encouraged us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, but now he investigates more deeply the challenge of controlling our mouths and what we say. (James 3:1-12)
Sermon Outline
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:10)
Teachers should Tame their Tongues (James 3:1-2)
- Leaders will be judged more strictly for what they say (James 3:1-2)
- Do not clamor to become a teacher. More will be required of you. (Luke 12:48)
- Teachers should live out their faith by watching what they say. (Prov. 21:23, Eph. 4:29)
- All stumble, but words spoken are often a gauge of spiritual maturity. (Matthew 12:34-37)
- Pray for Spiritual leaders. It may be the best gift you can give them.
Your Tongue is Powerful: Tame it (James 3:3-6)
- The tongue is small but powerful.
- The person who can control their tongue has self-control.
- The tongue is compared to a bit in a horse’s mouth and the rudder in a ship.
- The wildfire of the tongue has burned many. Be careful. (Psalm 5:9)
- The tongue can control and destroy. Words we say can hurt or heal.
- The effects of the untamed tongue can last a lifetime. (Pro. 10:19-21, 16:24, 18:21)
It is challenging to Tame the Tongue (James 3:7-8)
- It is easier to tame wild animals than to tame the tongue.
- No man can tame the tongue, but God can. He made it.
- The untamed tongue is evil and filled with deadly poison. (Psalm 140:3)
The Tongue is Contradictory (James 3:9-12)
- The tongue can be used for our highest goal (praising God) or our worst evil (cursing men). (Proverbs 12:18, 18:21, Matthew 15:8-9)
- A bad tree cannot bear good fruit. (Matthew 7:16-18)
Making It Real
- Tame your tongue with the Holy Spirit’s help. Use it to praise God and edify people. (Ephesians 5:18-20)
- Keep a short account of sin. Confess any hurtful or evil words spoken. (Psalm 51:14-15)
- Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Do you have a pet or know someone with a pet? What do you do to ensure that the pet is trained? Have you seen an untrained or untamed pet? How did they behave?
- This week, we continue our preaching series, “Authentic Faith: Growing with James the Apostle,” by exploring James 3:1-12. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study, and then read that text aloud.
- Read verses 1 and 2. What are these verses saying about teachers?
- Verse 2 mentions that we all stumble. We all sin. However, what should Christians do when they say what is sinful? Read these verses about the sinful nature of humans: Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-9, James 5:16.
- Words spoken can be a gauge of spiritual maturity. Read Matthew 12:34-37 and discuss.
- Read James 3:3-6. What do you think these verses are saying?
- Discuss a powerful speech you have listened to that positively impacted you.
- Scripture likens the tongue to fire. Discuss how fire can be helpful or destructive.
- Read James 3:7-8. It mentions that man can tame wild animals but cannot tame the tongue. Why do you think that this is the case? We need self-control. Who can help us with this? Read Galatians 5:22-23.
- How do you think the tongue is “full of deadly poison”? Think of verbal abuse, bullying with words, lies, and flattery mouths that make fun of people. How about gossip and filthy language? Read Colossians 3:5-10.
- Read James 3:9-12. These verses talk about praising God and cursing humans made in God’s image. How should we then talk? Read Colossians 3:16-17.
- Take some time to confess and repent of times you have not tamed your tongue and have hurt others with your words. Pray that the Lord will heal you from the hurtful words spoken to you.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize James 3:10.
- Read Psalm 145. Pay attention to the commands to “speak,” “proclaim,” “tell,” “exalt,” “praise,” “extol,” “meditate,” and “celebrate” God. Use your tongue to do these things.
- Listen to “Speak Life” by Toby Mac, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” by Katy Nicole, or “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle. As you listen, let the Holy Spirit speak.