Trinity Baptist Church

Survey of James - Part 4 (North Venue)

Episode Summary

In James 3, we are confronted with a sobering warning about the power of the tongue and speech. James uses vivid imagery of horses, ships, and forest fires to illustrate how something small, like our words, can have a powerful impact. Our tongues have the power for both tremendous good and harm. James tells us to watch our words closely, as they reveal the true condition of our hearts.

Episode Notes

Key Takeaways

• James emphasizes both right belief and right action (orthodoxy and orthopraxy). Faith and works must align.
• Our words reflect the condition of our hearts. We must watch our words.
• Worldly wisdom is selfish, envious, and disordered. It comes from earth/demonic realm.
• Godly wisdom is pure, peaceful, and gentle. It comes from Heaven. We must seek God for it.
• Seeking and embracing God’s wisdom can lead to transformation in our homes, workplaces, our church, and world.
• We must reject worldly thinking and trust in the work of Christ.

Further Study

• How does James 3 describe the power of words?
• What does James 3:2-12 tell us about the relationship between our words, our actions, and the state of our hearts?
• Is it possible that sinful speech has become ingrained in your life? Have calluses developed on your heart so that you don’t even see the power of your words? (Compare with Ephesians 4:29.)
• James 1:23-25 talks about the importance of looking intently at the word of God. Spend some time this week medidating on and memorizing Scriptures that talk about the power of the tongue: Psalm 34:13; 39:1, Psalm 141:3–4; Proverbs 13:3, 21:23.
• James contrasts worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Use James 3:13-18 to list the characteristics of each.
• According to James 3:13-18, how does worldly wisdom affect relationships? What are the implications for your family? Your marriage? Our church?
• In the sermon, Adam said, “You could only reject worldly wisdom and begin to live this new way of life through the power that comes from knowing Jesus. You can only transform the way that you speak through the power that comes from knowing Jesus. But here’s the good news: a changed heart leads to a changed life… And because of the finished work of Christ, what He has done for us, there is an invitation for every single person who walks into these doors, every single person who hears the goodness of Jesus for you to become a part of his family. When we confess our sin and by faith, trust in Jesus, He is faithful to save us and to begin the process both of forgiveness fully.” Have you come to Christ for grace and forgiveness?
• Perhaps your are you a believer wrestling with the very sins James warns about. We serve a God whose mercies are new every morning. By God’s grace we can tame our tongues and find in Him the forgiveness and wisdom we could never attain on our own.