James: Living Out Faith
Week 3 - Wise Speech
April 30th, 2023
Pastor Byron Fisk & Ezequiel Gasca
James 3
Whether we are formal teachers or not, God is calling us to
“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 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…(v. 9-10)With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” —James 3:5b-6, 9-10 (NIV)
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but
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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. —James 3:13-18 (NIV)
Wisdom and understanding are
Notes:
Discussion Questions:
1 - Who are you “teaching” and what are you teaching them?
2 – Share a time you were hurt by harsh words, or a time you were the one speaking harshly. What was the result in your life or others?
3 – Think of a time you exercised Godly wisdom, and a time you exercised un-godly wisdom. What were the results of your action?
4 – What does walking in wisdom look like for you personally right now?