Bible Study - Wednesday 4th of July 2018
Wednesday 4th July BIBLE STUDY
Wisdom from James
This Bible study is based on the Letter of James and is intended for group discussion after an initial talk by the minister. The questions set out in each session of the study are intended to stimulate discussion and need not be kept to rigidly but all the questions arise from what is written in this Letter.
Session 6 My Tongue- a Tool for Hurting or Healing?
Passage for Study: James 3: 1-12
Outline of Talk:
• While the passage is addressed particularly to those who would want to be “teachers”, much of what James says can be applied to us all, because his topic – by “the tongue” he means our use of words – is something which every Christian needs to take account of and exercise care over.
• Words have the potential to be powerful, even explosive, for either good or evil. Not only do our words affect other people, they also have an effect upon ourselves. We can have a real sense of satisfaction (hopefully not the kind that flaunts itself in pride) if our words have brought help to someone – advice based on our own experience, reassurance, encouragement etc. Words wrongly used will hurt the speaker as well as those spoken to.
• Our use of words involves not only what we say but how we say it. Even if the words are the right words we can still hurt people if we just speak with anger, insincerity, scorn etc.
• Notice with the illustrations used by James – the horse’s bridle, the ship’s rudder and the fire – that one of the main points made here is the big influence in comparison with the small size. With regard to our speech a little output can move a huge amount in terms of influence and effect! This is true in terms of good influence as well as bad!
• In verse 8 James says that “no human being can tame the tongue”, even though we humans can tame all kinds of animals. This shows us our need of God’s grace and the power which we experience in God’s redemption of us from our sins. The devastating effects of sin in the wrong use of speech is reversed in the effects of God’s grace in our souls. This is part of what Paul often refers to as “self-control”, which is so crucial a part of the lifestyle of a Christian.
• Finally, James (verses 9-11) refers to inconsistency and contradiction. The same mouth which produces harmful language also produces helpful language. He uses the example of a fruit tree and a fountain of water to press home his point. A fig tree cannot produce olives or a vine figs. Nor can a fountain produce both fresh and salt water at the same time. Yet human speech can produce both blessings and cursing. James says that this ought not to be so.
Questions for Discussion Session:
1. Why is controlled speech a mark of a Christian?
2. From verses 3-5 make a list of the effects (good and bad) which result from the influence of our speech. You should include personal relationships, church fellowship and Christian witness, besides others you may think of.
3. Think about an incident when someone really helped you by something they said. You need not mention names but share together why their speech on that occasion was beneficial to you.
4. Discuss what is needed in one’s life for the tongue to be “tamed” – ie for our speech to be controlled and beneficial to others. You should include what you need from God and also what you need to contribute towards this.
5. Compare what Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 4:6. How does this help you to understand why James is so urgent and adamant in what he says about Christian speech?
6. What do you need to do to make your speech more valuable and beneficial to yourself and others in the following relationships?
(a) with members of your family;
(b) with your work colleagues;
(c) with the person who most annoys you;
(d) with the Lord.
Next session 1st Aug- Is my Priority “What I Need” or “What I Want”? –
James 4: 1-10
