Lesson: James 3:1-12 Time: about A.D. 45 Place: Jerusalem Golden Text: "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" James 3:8 This week's lesson: As a continuation of last week's lesson, James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ and a leader of the early church in Jerusalem, writes to the 12 tribes scattered abroad that they should guard their words. In chapter 3, James cautions them about the large impact words can have even though the tongue is a small member in the body. He compares the control men exercise over large ships and powerful horses with the use of a small apparatus, yet they lack control over their own words. James said "these things ought not so to be." James 3:10b As Christians, do we wound or destroy others with our words or do we build them up? Do our words speak comfort and life or bitterness and cursing? What you say reflects who you are. Jesus said, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matthew 12:24b We cannot praise God in one breath and speak despitefully to our neighbor in the next. I encourage us to add to our prayer the words of David in Ps 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." The Lesson Text: James 3:1-12 1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/James-Chapter-3/ Teen Connection Have you ever heard the old saying, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." In the age of social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and so many others, young people have access to reaching a lot of people with one click In a moment, you can praise someone for being a good friend or tear down an enemy with a few words that spread like the wildfires of California. Once the fire starts, it's hard to put it out. Negative words whether true or not can cause irreparable harm. Have you been the sender of such messages or have you been on the receiving end? As young Christians it is important for you to let Christ shine through you. Remember, you are examples of Christ in what you say and do. As last week's lesson showed us, we must have active faith that shows kindness to others. Review Questions 1.Who were the first people James referred to regarding the use of the tongue? 2.What two things did James mention that are small but have a big impact. 3. What two things did James say come out of the same mouth? 4. What did James say in verse 9 and what does it mean? 5. How did James describe the tongue? 6.What is the key control to our speech?
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AuthorThe aim of True Holiness COPA Northern Delaware teachers is to help students grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And in the end to be saved. Archives
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