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This is the sixth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Speaks”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 3:1-12
This is the sixth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Speaks”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 3:1-12
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 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 come 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.
CONNECT: On your frontlines, what is one practical way that you can demonstrate your faith?
WARM-UP
Have you ever had an embarrassing or difficult moment of saying the wrong thing?
Read James 3:1-7
According to James, who will be judged more strictly for their words? How does this apply to everyone?
What are the first two illustrations that James uses about the tongue? How do these point to the disproportionate effect of the tongue in determining Christian maturity?
Is there a time in your life in which you have experienced the effect of words (positively or negatively) spoken to you? Is there a time in which you have helpfully held back from speaking?
How can the tongue be like a spark setting a ʻgreat forest ablazeʼ? What is the visual image of hell that the original readers may have had in the mind when they read Jamesʼ description?
How can technology enable our words to be spoken more rapidly, retained more permanently, and amplified more broadly? Is this good or bad? Why should this make us even more aware?
Why do you think that the tongue is so hard to tame? When do you find it most difficult?
If no human being alone can tame the tongue, why should we bother? What should we do?
If we have been wounded by words, how is it a comfort to know that in Jesus we find the one who has had every insult heaped on him? How can we find healing as we come to Christ?
Read James 3:8-12
Why is it such an issue when – with the same mouth – we praise God and curse another? (It might be helpful to explore what James means by ʻcurseʼ here.) How does James illustrate this inconsistency?
When we speak, how are we making a choice to deploy words either for ourselves or for God?
How can our words anticipate new creation, participate in Godʼs mission, and cooperate with the Spirit?
How can you be more intentional in your use of words for God? Is there a particular circumstance or frontline in which you need to be particularly mindful?
APPLY: What is ONE way (or place) in which you need to be more careful in the use of your words? (Also: is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness for the use of your words?)
Gracious Father, thank you that in your grace you have trusted us with a gift so powerful as the tongue. Please help us to be ever watchful, that we might use our speech for your glory and your purposes. Amen.
On Your Frontline This Week: What helpful habits/cues remind you of Godʼs interest and presence with you on your frontline? Maybe it could be saying grace before lunch or praying while driving.
Listen, Watch, and Read:
Listen: “Genuine Faith Choose Words with Care” by Jen Wilkins
Listen: “James 3” by David Pitt
Read: “World Shaping Words”
SERIES Resources:
Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook
Listen to the latest sermons and talks from St Bart's Anglican Church located in Toowoomba, Australia. Visit www.stbarts.com.au for the latest news and information.