Five Appointments with God Taming the Beast James’ theme throughout his book calls us to a demonstration of our faith, we often think of this in terms of actions, works and service but what does our tongue say about us? What do our words reveal about our heart? - Lance Baldwin
March 8 - 12, 2010
James is not discouraging those who are called and gifted as teachers from exercising their gifts. He is directly speaking to the misuse of the tongue. Many in the New Testament church sought the position and authority of the teacher for their own benefit (1 Tim 1:7). Not many want to be teachers anymore but many do have something to say about everything, always needs to be heard, and are full of opinions on everything. Is this misuse of the tongue?
Tuesday - James 3:2-3 Controlling the Tongue
What you say and what you don't say are both important. To use proper speech you must not only say the right words at the right time but also not say what you shouldn't. Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Before you speak, ask, Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? ~Life Application Study Bible.
Wednesday - James 1:19-25 Slow to Speak
Read James 3:5-8 James describes the tongue as a fire, a world of evil, a corruption, untamable, a restless evil, full of deadly poison. What better reason to be slow to speak? Can you think of times you have been too quick to speak? Spend some time in prayer asking the Lord to help you avoid hastiness in your speech.
Thursday - James 1:26 Real Religion
Read James 3:9-11 The Greek word for religion is thrēskeía, it means outward expression of worship. What are the similarities between what James says in these two passages? Does an outward expression of our worship mean anything if the heat and attitude is corrupt?
Friday - James 3:5-12 Traitorous Tongue
Our outward expression of worship means nothing if our heart and attitude are corrupt, we can say the right things in church, sing the right songs, put on a happy face but when our tongue runs out of control, when we fail to show compassion, grace and mercy to one another our tongue betrays the realities of our hearts and attitudes. What we may see as a tongue problem may truly be a heart issue.
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