A Living Faith Speaks Life
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James Week 5: A Living Faith Speaks Life
James 3:1-12
June 30th, 2024
Actions speak louder than words.
Talk is cheap.
If you are going to talk the talk you need to walk the walk.
James 2 Conclusion: A Living Faith Moves.
Loose lips sink ships.
I am going to wash your mouth out with soap.
Watch your mouth.
James 3 Conclusion: A Living Faith Speaks Life.
James 3:1-12 (NIV) Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Matthew 12:36,37 (NIV) 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Start living your faith out with your tongue and watch the rest of your body, deeds and actions follow suit!!
James 3:3-4 (NIV) 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
James 3:5-6 (NIV) 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:7-12 (NIV) 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Luke 6:43-45 (NIV) 43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Tongue Training
A. Pre-emptive Thoughts
Will the words that are forming inside my head/heart build up or tear down?
Am I just getting something off my chest or can my words effect change?
Is what I want to say the truth?
Are my words motivated by love?
Can I engage in this conversation gracefully?
Will these words reflect Christ?
Tongue Training
A. Pre-emptive Thoughts
B. Pro-active Health
Guard your heart. Hurt people, hurt people. Whole people heal people. Stay whole by not carrying the wounds of offence and develop an ongoing pattern of getting God’s words in your heart.
Proverbs 4:20-27 (NIV) My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Tongue Training
A. Pre-emptive Thoughts
B. Pro-active Health
C. Re-pentive Proclivity
Say you’re sorry.
Ask for forgiveness.
Make amends.
Romans 12:18 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.