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Message Notes:

In This Series

James teaches us our faith becomes active when we activate our:

1. Mind

2. Works

3. Speech

4. Future

5. Faith Life

MAIN IDEA:

Your words are powerful and should be taken seriously.

Jesus wants to give us a new heart and a new speech.

Part 1
James 3:1-8
Taming The Tongue

James 3:1-8
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (Applies to anyone with people listening to you - Leader, Parent, Employer, etc.) 2 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. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. NIV

Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

Take away from James 3:1-8:

Realize your speech has the power to steer every relationship you have.

Words should be taken seriously and with great caution.

Part 2
James 3:9-16
Address What’s On The Inside

James 3:9-16
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. NIV

Take away from James 3:9-16:

Until you address the pressure on the inside, trying to control just your words will be impossible.

Part 3
James 3:17-18
Activate Your Speech By Developing God’s Wisdom

James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. NIV

James 1:19
… quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Proverbs 12:18
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. NLT

Take away from James 3:17-18:

Words from God’s wisdom heal and help.

Words from anger or despair cut and hurt.

Choose today which words you will speak.

MAIN IDEA:

Your words are powerful and should be taken seriously.

Jesus wants to give us a new heart and a new speech.

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! ESV

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:

What are some habitual expressions or default sayings you need to adjust?

What is really going on in your heart that is causing your tongue to speak the way it does?

If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.

My Notes:

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