Text: James 3:1-12
Summary: This week, James mentions the importance of our speech as followers of Jesus. He gives us examples of how powerful our words really are and how negative and divisive speech is actually just a symptom of a much deeper problem.
1. Take a minute to list the people that you have influence over. Everyone is a "teacher" to someone. (Parents are teaching their kids, higher employees teach newer employees, friends teach other friends that seek them out for advice and counsel). How are you doing with those people? Are you teaching, equipping, challenging, encouraging, and pushing them towards a relationship with Jesus? What feeling does it produce in you that you'll be held responsible one day for what you told them?
2. Big things come in small packages. Rudders steer the entire ship. A small metal bar controls an animal that can weigh 1,000 pounds. A small spark can burn down an entire forest of trees. What have been some times in your life when a small word or act of the tongue caused huge ramifications (good or bad)? How has language changed the entire course of your life? (possible phrases: I do, It's cancer, I'm sorry, You're fired).
3. Your tongue has the ability to build up or tear down. It can be used to give life or to bring death. Scripture encourages us to use our tongues for good:
a. Read Ephesians 4:29 and Ephesians 5:1
b. Read Proverbs 10:19-21and Proverbs 17:27
c. Ephesians 4:1-3
What good is described in these verses? How do these verses help show us how to use our tongue?
4. What is the real problem that we have, and how do we fix it?
a. Read Matthew 12:34 and Matthew 15:19
HOMEWORK: What's one thing from this week's message that you will commit to applying in your life to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer only?
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