James – Faith That Works – Part 4

Open with prayer

Get To Know You (10 Minutes)

• Share a time when someone’s words gave you encouragement or hope.

Observation & Discussion (30 Minutes)

Read this passage together.

James 3:2-12 – 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. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 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. 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. 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. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

1. What stands out to you in this passage and what questions do you have?

2. Can you think of an example where words had a powerful impact or effect on you?

3. How can what you take in effect your heart and your words?

4. In the message, we heard about the condition of our hearts: They can be thirsty, divided and weary. Have you experienced feeling this way and why?

Read Psalms 86:11 – Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

5. Consider this, we do not have a tongue problem, we have a heart problem. How do we tame our tongue? How do we address the matters of our heart?

6. Are there specific areas where you find it difficult to control your tongue?

Next Step (10 Minutes)

• Discuss with your group something you would like to do to refresh your heart.
• Is there a place in your life where you need to offer forgiveness or ask for forgiveness?
• Take a moment to give someone a compliment or encouragement this week.

Prayer Requests (5 Minutes)

Pray with your group to close.

Challenge

Read the book of James (weekly). It’ll take 15 minutes to read the entire letter.