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James Chapter 3
• “when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” – James 1:3
• “I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” – James 2:18 NLT
• “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” – James 3:10
James is building on the foundation of the teaching and example of Jesus.
Read John 8:3-11, Jesus’ interaction with woman accused of adultery.
“you have said it.” Jesus quiet before accusers, in Matthew 27:11.
Jesus’ example of talking with others: speaking the truth (John 5:18-47, Matthew 27:11), asking questions (Luke 14:1-6, Mark 10:51, Matthew 16:13-15, John 8:10), engaging people in conversation (John 8:3-11, Luke 7:36-50), using relevant analogies (Luke 14:7-14, ), telling stories for learning (Luke 7:36-50, 14:15-24), making direct statements which included all of the previous methods at times (Luke 14:25-35, John 4:1-42), teaching with “if…then…” statements (Matthew 16:24-28), listening (most of Jesus’ communication exhibits either His listening to Father God or to people), remained silent (Matthew 27:12-14).
Luke 6:43-45
Matthew 15:18-19
Matthew 12:33-37
Proverbs 18:21
Colossians 4:5-6
Ephesians 4:29
Building Positive Talk:
1. Think about what you want to say before meeting with others.
2. Practice passing along good news.
3. Say you’re sorry for simple things quickly so you can start over.
4. Speak to carry others’ loads, not to add to them.
– Redeeming How We Talk: Discover How Communication Fuels Our Growth, Shapes Our Relationships, and Changes Our Lives by A. J. Swoboda & Ken Wytsma
What do we learn?
1. What we say has impact.
2. Faith in Jesus and the influence of the Holy Spirit produces self-control in what we say and how we say it.
3. Seeking God’s influence causes us to live with wisdom and a gracious humility.
4. God enables us to bring about positive change with our words.
What should we do?
1. Read James 3, pray asking God for discernment, and think about it.
2. Pray, asking God to show us mistakes we’re making in what we say and how we say it.
3. Write down the truth and plan to act on this.
4. Speak life-giving encouragement to someone this week.
5. Include someone who can encourage your next steps.
Encouragement: we can all bring about positive change by what we say this week.