Faith seen in words James 3
James
found personal interaction with Jesus to be life-changing. James heard Jesus
teaching with questions along the lines of, “What’s going on in your heart?”
Please read James chapter 3.
Self-control with what you say is a significant challenge that everyone faces.
Blessing and cursing may come out of the same mouth. That is not good! A wise person will be humble, peace loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others, full of mercy & good deeds, showing no favoritism, always sincere, and working as a peacemaker. This will bring about healthy relationships with others and with God. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” – Matthew 7:24 Luke 6:46-49 Self-control with what you say is a significant challenge that everyone faces.
A wise person will be humble, peace loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others, full of mercy & good deeds, showing no favoritism, always sincere, and working as a peacemaker. This will bring about healthy relationships with others and with God. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” – Matthew 7:24 Luke 6:46-49
“If you call someone an idiot,” – Matthew 5:22
“Pray for those who persecute you!” – Matthew 5:43
“When you pray,” – Matthew 6:5
“Don’t judge others,” – Matthew 7:1
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” – Matthew 7:12
“What you say flows from what is in your heart.” – Luke 6:45
“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say…you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” – Matthew 12:34-36
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” – Proverbs 4:23
“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.” – Proverbs 10:11-14
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:11-12
“The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” – Proverbs 10:31-32
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” – Proverbs 17:27-28
“Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” – Proverbs 18:4
“Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” – Proverbs 18:6-7
“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” – Proverbs 18:13
“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” – Proverbs 18:20-21
What do we learn about God?
God cares about our heart health. God wants us to be careful with what we say. God wants us to speak life.
How should we respond?
1. Choose wholehearted relationship with Jesus.
2. Be careful with what you say.
3. Speak with love and respect.
4. Speak blessings.
How do we do this?
1.
Ask God for help, healing, & health
2. Confess & Repent
3. Ask others for help with self-control
4. Consider what you should say
5. Speak life & blessing
Here’s the outline we will be working from:
James – the principles of faith-works.
May 19 Faith Works 1 – Faith seen in growth James 1:1-21
May 26 Faith Works 2 – Faith seen in works James 1:22-2:26
June 2 Faith Works 3 – Faith seen in words James 3:1-18
June 9 Faith Works 4 – Faith seen in purity James 4:1-5-6
June 16 Faith Works 5 – Faith seen in patience James 5:7-12
June 23 Faith Works 6 – Faith seen in prayer James 5:13-20