February 11 – A Disciplined Faith

February 11

A Disciplined Faith

Devotional Reading: Psalm 34:1-14

Background Scripture: James 3:1-12

James 3:1-12

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Key Verse

The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.—James 3:8

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. List James’s metaphors about speech.

2. Explain one or more of those metaphors in light of a personal experience.

3. Identify a specific problem in his or her life regarding harmful speech and write a prayer for God’s help in correcting it.

Introduction

1. Chemistry, Character, or Something Else?

Since the turn of the twenty-first century, more and more advocates of the “It’s not your character; it’s your chemistry” school of thought have emerged. This is the next round of the old “nurture vs. nature” debate, also known as “environment vs. heredity.” The question is why we behave as we do. One side says behavior is learned (this is the character/nurture/environment side). The other says behavior is hardwired from birth (this is the chemistry/nature/heredity side).

This issue has profound implications. For example, researchers on the chemistry side of the debate argue that most addictions are caused by a deficiency in dopamine, a natural “feel-good” brain chemical. Therefore the preferred treatment, they say, is to change one’s chemistry rather than build one’s character.

The issue is complicated, and there is evidence for each position in various contexts. But the idea that behavioral issues do not stem from a lack of learned self-control tends to lessen responsibility for doing or saying what we should not. But James points to another, deeper cause.

1. Lesson Background

The background to last week’s lesson applies to this one as well, so that information need not be repeated here. But since today’s lesson draws heavily on figures of speech, some background information in that regard is in order.

Figures of speech add interest and excitement to writing, and chief among these are metaphors. A metaphor takes an idea and imposes it on an unrelated but familiar idea to help explain the qualities of the original. An example from the ancient world is the assertion “Achilles is a lion.” This does not mean the Greek hero literally had a shaggy reddish-orange mane, sharp claws, large teeth and walked on all fours. It means, rather, that Achilles was a brave, courageous warrior in battle.

Metaphors abound in our speech, so much so that we don’t always notice them. Rather than refer to a particular car’s color as “gray,” we might say it is “battleship gray.” This does not mean the car has any of the size or armament of a warship. The use of the word battleship as a metaphor for a shade of gray helps us visualize how the car appears: it is neither nearly black nor nearly white (two possibilities for gray). An emotional element is also present, as battleship gray suggests drabness.

James uses a variety of word pictures, including metaphor. These are drawn from life experiences shared with his readers. This style of writing is vivid, and James chose his figurative language carefully to help the readers better understand the urgency and importance of his topic.

1. Lack of Control

                                                                 (James 3:1-5a)

1. Issue of Qualification (vv. 1, 2)

1. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Masters is used here in the sense of teachers—think of a schoolmaster. Thus James is addressing the topic of teachers. With the use of we he includes himself in this group.

James warns that the role of teacher should be considered soberly, because teachers are under great scrutiny; the Greek behind the word condemnation is also translated “judgment” in various places (example: 1 Peter 4:17), and that is the sense here. We see the importance of the word greater when we realize that teachers’ thoughts and ideas are made public. Good teachers are not simply relayers of correct information, they are also interpreters.

Teachers in the first-century church had two primary responsibilities. First, they were to teach the fundamentals of the Christian faith (Jude 3); these were truths they had learned from other teachers (2 Timothy 2:2). Second, they were to interpret the Old Testament Scriptures from a Christian perspective (Acts 17:2). Since James wrote in a time when teachers did not have all the New Testament (because not all its book were yet written and compiled), the teaching function was especially subject to error and misinterpretation.

How to Say It

AchillesUh-kih-leez.

CorinthiansKo-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).

EcclesiastesIk-leez-ee-as-teez.

GehennaGeh-hen-uh (G as in get).

MolechMo-leck.

The teaching function in the church today is easier in one sense: we have the completed New Testament. But the era of the Information Age makes the teaching function more difficult in another sense: faster communication means faster communication of error and ridicule. That fact may tempt us to embrace an old saying attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

This humorous but cynical view should not intimidate Christian teachers into silence. The church needs the spiritually mature to open their mouths and impart godly teaching and wisdom to others. But be forewarned: you will be judged by God.

2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

The twice-used word offend, also translated “stumbled” in Romans 11:11, gives us a word picture of careless use of the tongue (in word). The phrase we offend all does not mean “we offend everyone”; rather, it means all of us stumble in using speech that offends. The person who is never guilty of verbal miscues does not exist. The hypothetical person who achieves perfection in speech would, by extension, be able to control every aspect of his or her life. That is, he or she is able to bridle the whole body. James uses a word picture: a bridled horse is a controlled horse. The Greek verb translated to bridle also occurs in James 1:26, where it is translated similarly.

1. Issue of Relative Size (vv. 3-5a)

3. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

A bridle usually includes a bit, a metal device inserted into the mouth of a horse. The bit results in uncomfortable pressure, causing the horse to respond to the pressure of the reins attached to the bridle. If the rider pulls back on both reins, the horse will slow until the pressure from the reins is released. If the rider pulls the right rein, the trained horse will turn right until the pressure from the bit is relieved.

This is an amazing thing for James, that a metal bit that fits in one’s hand can control such a large animal! The analogy is how the human tongue (the symbol of speech for James) has an influence out of proportion to its size.

4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

The next metaphor is drawn from the world of sailing ships. Such vessels may be large and strong, able to withstand the pressure of mighty winds. Despite this bulk, the ship can be turned by a very small helm. This steering mechanism of ancient ships is something like a large oar fastened to the side of a ship. If the end of the steering oar is pushed to the right by the governor (helmsman), the ship goes to the right and vice versa.

Like the bridle and bit illustration, the point is that a small device can turn a mighty ship. With the tiny tongue, a small lapse in judgment that is spoken can have an enormous influence on one’s life or the lives of others.

Weighing Our Words

One trip to the pediatrician involved my daughter at the tender age of 13. Girls at that age think a lot about appearance, a problematic issue in the development of self-image. Because of a rapid growth spurt that year, it seemed that every bit of food my daughter ate went to getting taller. As a result, she appeared almost skeletal.

At one point in the exam, the doctor said to her, “Your weight is much higher than most girls your age.” As the doctor paused, my daughter looked at me with large eyes.

Dismayed that the doctor would say something that would be taken so wrong by a teenage girl, I exclaimed, “Yes, but that’s because she is much taller than most girls her age. Look at her! She’s so thin, she almost looks unhealthy!”

“Oh yes, of course. I was going to say that,” the doctor added. Unfortunately, the damage was done. For several months after that, my daughter asked me if she really was overweight like the doctor said, and she examined herself daily for extra pounds. We might say that the pediatrician’s words carried weight.

What we say can affect others for months or years to come. That’s just as true today as it was in the first century AD.

—L. M. W.

5a. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.

James personifies the tongue as a pint-size fellow who makes boasts far out of proportion to his size (compare Psalm 73:8, 9). But we know it is not a little muscle in the mouth that is making ill-advised boasts, it is the person who owns this tongue. The tongue is only a tool for boasting; vain claims of glory start in a person’s heart and mind.

What Do You Think?

What safeguards can we adopt to protect friendships from the negative effects of boasting?

Points for Your Discussion

In terms of attitudes

In terms of prayer

In distinguishing between godly and ungodly boasting (2 Corinthians 10:12-18; etc.)

Considering the warning of Psalm 12:3, 4

1. Result of Failure

                                                                  (James 3:5b-8)

1. It Burns (vv. 5b, 6)

5b. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

James moves to another metaphor: the phenomenon of fire. Big fires start as small fires. We know that a single spark can result in a fire that burns down a forest. Likewise, a few unwise words spoken carelessly can cause permanent, life-changing damage. Reputations—either those of the ones speaking or those of the ones being spoken about—can be ruined. Most of us have had the experience of changing our opinion of someone after hearing unwise words spoken in an unguarded moment.

What Do You Think?

How do (or should) methods of reconciliation change, if at all, after damage caused by the tongue becomes enormous?

Points for Your Discussion

In the workplace

In family life

In the church

Other

6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

What is implied in the previous verse is explicit here: the uncontrolled tongue not only causes widespread external damage, it also ends up being suicidal. James pictures this self-destruction as being a life on fire, a life that is fueled by the fire of hell. The word hell translates the Greek word Gehenna, which itself derives from the Old Testament’s Hinnom. This is the name of a valley used to burn garbage in James’s day; it is located just south of Jerusalem.

Traced further back, this valley gained a terrible reputation because of babies burned there in sacrifice to the false god Molech (see 2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 32:35). It was seen as a place of fire, and Gehenna becomes a metaphor for the eternal fire of the last judgment, the implication here. The person who ignores the need to maintain control over his or her speech is risking eternity. This is serious business.

We should stress before moving on that James’s figurative, metaphorical use of Gehenna is much stronger than a literalistic understanding would be. The latter sense would see Gehenna as referring only to the valley outside Jerusalem, not to the place of eternal destruction into which both body and soul can be cast (Matthew 10:28).

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

I was about 17 when it happened. I had known my friend Leah (name changed) my whole life. We had done many things together, and I considered her one of my best friends.

In youth group one night, Leah wanted to know how it was possible for people who had been married for 20 years suddenly to claim they had “fallen out of love.” In youthful overconfidence I smugly replied, “They must not have been in love to start with, because people don’t just fall out of love. Love is a commitment.” I remember Leah’s hurt expression, and I saw one of the leaders take her aside afterward to talk. I wondered what was up.

A few weeks later, I found out that her parents were divorcing after 20 years of marriage. Recalling my unsympathetic words, I felt terrible. I apologized to her right away; she forgave me and graciously acknowledged that I didn’t know what was going on. Even so, my arrogant words must have stung.

Leah and I grew apart after that, in part because of what I had said. As James says, “the tongue is a fire.” It can incinerate relationships.

—L. M. W.

1. It Poisons (vv. 7, 8)

7. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.

James now begins a comparison from another setting: that of humanity’s taming of various creatures. He divides these into four categories: land animals, birds, serpents (or reptiles in general, translated “creeping things” in Acts 10:12; 11:6; Romans 1:23), and sea creatures. By tamed James does not mean that humans have made pets or farm animals out of all these creatures (compare Job 41:1-5). The idea of taming is closer to the command of Genesis 1:28 for humankind to “have dominion over” all creatures. In blunt terms, this means there is no creature that humans have not been able to conquer and kill. Humans exercise dominion over all earthly creatures, whether for good or bad.

8. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Animals can be tamed, but can the tongue? No one truly brings his or her tongue into full submission. As we ponder this, we should be careful not to take this verse out of context. It would be wrong to conclude, “James says no one can tame the tongue, so why even try? It is a futile waste of time.” Those who accept that argument should read the previous verses again. Although no one is able to keep his or her tongue perfectly controlled, we must make the effort since uncontrolled speech destroys. James’s word-picture of deadly poison brings to mind Psalm 140:3: “[Violent men] have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips” (compare Romans 3:13).

What Do You Think?

What counsel would you offer someone who is looking for help to tame his or her tongue?

Points for Your Discussion

In terms of spiritual disciplines to practice

In terms of friendships to cultivate and avoid

In terms of biblically sound resources

Other

III. Lack of Consistency

                                                                   (James 3:9-12)

1. Problem Observed (vv. 9, 10)

9, 10. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Having used many comparisons to show the destructive power of the tongue, James now turns to the paradoxical nature of much of our speech. We have only one mouth, and we use it both to bless God (prayer and praise) and to curse others. This makes no sense! It makes sense to use our tongues to praise God. But after doing so, why would we then use the same mouth to curse people, who are made in the likeness of God (Genesis 1:26, 27; 5:1; 9:6)? Because of that likeness or similitude, cursing people is perilously close to cursing God himself!

We might apply this to a modern situation this way: How can we use the same social media both to post messages of witness for Christ and personal attacks against those who rub us the wrong way? The bottom line is that we cannot successfully live this double life. Mouths that easily bless God should also offer godly and encouraging words to others. We must have consistency in our speech and let it be controlled by the impulse to use our words to praise and bless the Lord.

What Do You Think?

What specific steps can we take to uphold the image of God in others when we’re tempted to vilify them instead?

Points for Your Discussion

Regarding those of differing political views

Regarding those of differing doctrinal views

Regarding those who have vilified us

Other

1. Problem Illustrated (vv. 11, 12)

11, 12. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

James ends this section with a flurry of word pictures. These illustrate the inconsistency of praising God and then abusing others with the same mouth. In this, he continues the lessons of the creation account in Genesis 1. There, the author notes the nature of created plant life to be that everything reproduces according to its kind (1:11, 12). The fruit a plant bears reveals its inner nature, since fig trees do not produce olives and grapevines do not produce figs.

We have no trouble whatsoever declaring what is and is not an olive tree, what is and is not a grapevine, etc. The reason we have no problem in this regard is that we know for certainly that this morning’s olive tree will not become this afternoon’s grapevine. But we humans do something directly contrary to this model when we hear a person praising God on Sunday, and then cursing his boss and coworkers on Monday. What is that person’s true nature?

The illogic of this inconsistency is reinforced by the bookends that begin verse 11 and conclude verse 12: comparisons with the quality of spring water. In James’s territory, the area around Jerusalem, springs or natural fountains of water are highly prized, for they provide a year-round water supply. Not all springs are of the same quality, though. Some are brackish or salty. Others are fresh, sometimes referred to as sweet water. But the quality at any given location does not change minute to minute. A salty spring consistently yields a brackish, unsatisfying product; the fresh spring consistently produces potable water. Our speech should be like the latter, not only in its refreshing nature, but also consistently so.

The logic of James’s argument is airtight: we must not settle for mixed patterns of good and evil in our talk. Speak well of others. Speak consistently well. This will improve relationships in the church and encourage your own heart.

What Do You Think?

How do you go about using your tongue in a way that you would want others to emulate?

Points for Your Discussion

When around unbelievers

When around fellow believers

Conclusion

1. Think Twice Before Hitting “Send”

At the beginning of my ministry, a wise associate and friend told me that when I wanted to unload on someone verbally out of frustration, I should write that person a letter. Then I should put the letter in my desk for several days. After that, it would be best to destroy the letter and move on. In my hotheaded youthful days, I actually did this several times. To put it as a double negative, I have never regretted not sending those hurtful letters!

Today I am more likely to rehearse a conversation I want to have with a thorn-in-the-flesh person I think I need to confront. These conversations often happen in my car as I drive alone. They are often quite loud and intense, but once I have said my piece to my ever-listening automobile, I am done and can move on. I’m not sure if James would fully approve of either practice, but they have often kept my tongue from uttering hurtful and malicious words.

Social media postings cause great problems for many today. Hot-tempered messages result in lost jobs and irreconcilable breaches in relationships. An often repeated word of advice is “think twice before you hit ‘send.’” When you rethink the fiery, flaming posting, think strongly about hitting “delete” instead of “send.” You may be controlling your fingers rather than your tongue, but I think James would approve.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how do you rate on how well you have tamed your tongue? This further counsel from wise Solomon may help:

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

We will never regret harsh or hurtful words if they are never spoken.

1. Prayer

Father, we claim You as Lord of our lives, but too often we withhold one area from Your control. We have hurt others, disappointed You, and embarrassed ourselves in our speech. Give us the strength and wisdom to control our tongues so that You are pleased with every word we say, type, or text. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

1. Thought to Remember

Problems of the tongue are problems of the heart.

Kid’s Corner

Newspapers Prove the Bible is True

February 11, 2018

James 3:1-18

James 3:1-12

(James 3:1) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

The crowds evaluated Jesus’ teaching as one who taught with authority. His enemies tried to entrap Jesus as a teacher with various questions, and at one-point Jesus declared His teaching was more wise than King Solomon’s teaching (Luke 11:31). God judges false prophets and false teachers because they mislead people. Those who teach will be tested and evaluated more strictly than others. They must live in accordance with their teachings or be judged hypocrites. Jesus warned His disciples to beware the “teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:12). Jesus also warned the Pharisees, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them” (Matthew 23:13). Sincere Bible-believing teachers who pray for the help of the Holy Spirit when they teach will not be condemned if they make a mistake, but with a teachable spirit they will learn from their mistakes, correct them, and whenever possible correct their mistakes with their students.

(James 3:2) For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

People make mistakes that are unintentional errors in facts and judgments; these mistakes are not sins. Some mistakes are the result of sinful behavior and thinking, and some “mistakes” are taught with harmful intention. Some mistakes are unintentional and made because people have limited abilities and foresight. Someone may mistakenly think they are saying one thing when something else comes out of their mouths. Though mistaken statements may not be sinful, they may still cause harm or mislead someone. Only God speaks and acts perfectly, and Jesus is our example of perfect speaking and acting. What we say is the most difficult part of our lives to control. It is easier to obey any of the Ten Commandments than to speak perfectly. As Bible teachers we sometimes stumble, so we need to teach with humility before God and others.

(James 3:3) Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.

James used an illustration familiar to those who received his letter. They knew how riders or chariot drivers controlled horses. If believers can keep their mouths perfectly in check, then they have the power to choose how to use their bodies, because keeping their mouth perfectly in check is far more difficult than controlling their bodies. People can often keep their bodies out of trouble by keeping their mouths shut. We need to pray and ask God to put a figurative bit in our mouths to guide our words and deeds.

(James 3:4) Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.

Today, someone might argue from the fact that the steering wheel of a car or bus is small, but the driver can use it to take people wherever he wants them to go by turning that small wheel. Small things can create or move big things. Small deeds can bring big results. Small short words can work great good or great evil. We need to humbly and submissively ask God to pilot our thoughts and our lives and guide us where He wills.

(James 3:5) So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

Some people use their tongues to brag or tell lies about themselves and their accomplishments. Some use lies to destroy the reputation of a godly teacher. Some teachers may use their tongues to prove they are better or smarter than others (especially their students). Small boasts can lead to big problems, especially when one places their trust in someone who has misrepresented his abilities and experience. A “small” lie can lead to a “big” deception that creates great harm.

(James 3:6) And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

James wrote about what can happen when someone does not carefully control what they say. Even if they try to prayerfully control what they say, they can speak mistakenly or angrily and set events in motion that far exceed what was factually intended, said, or done. Evil people can say or do things to believers that can influence them to say something that stains them and creates a cycle or escalation of sinful words and actions. Christians and teachers have many spiritual enemies that will tempt them to say and do things that will promote the devil’s work. Teachers need the prayers of faithful students.

(James 3:7) For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.

Both domestic and wild animals have been tamed by human beings, and God gave human beings dominion over all the animals (see Genesis 1:26). People have often watched amazed when some animals have responded to their trainers in ways thought impossible; but these animal acts are easier to achieve that our taming of our human tongues.

(James 3:8) But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

Only God can tame the human tongue; however, God will only do so when we place ourselves under His dominion as our Lord. Each day Christians need to pray for God to tame their tongues. Apart from help from God, a person cannot tame their tongue, and with their mouths they will say evil or hurtful words even unintentionally sometimes. Goodhearted people will sometimes say destructive words in the heat of flaming anger, and it can poison a relationship forever. James wanted to impress upon believers how important it is to guard our emotions, emotional responses, and emotional words that can do so much harm. And when we sin with our tongues, we need to ask forgiveness.

(James 3:9) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;

James wrote to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Though made in the likeness of God, human beings have not perfectly obeyed God. Believers are not perfect and in this life they do not speak perfectly, but they cannot use their human imperfections as excuses for not changing. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ bless God in their prayers, songs of praise, and worship. However, believers may also misuse their tongues and in front of others or behind their backs say things about them that are evil or untrue. Believers who have been wronged by others can also sin by cursing them instead of praying for those who have wronged them to change and do right. Jesus commanded, “Bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28).

(James 3:10) from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

Believers ought not to both bless and curse, because they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and Jesus can guard their mouths if they will let Him. Blessing others should be the aim of Christians. Cursing shows a lack of maturity or self-control. Some who claim to be Christians take the name of the Lord in vain, and they must strive to overcome this evil habit, even if those around them do not refrain from cursing and misusing Jesus’ name.

(James 3:11) Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?

Naturally, a single stream from a single source cannot pour forth two different types of water at the same time. Water can flow fresh and clean or water can become polluted. It cannot be both pure and polluted at the same time. Likewise, Christians should not both bless and curse, and if their hearts are right with God they will not curse others but bless them.

(James 3:12) Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

James once again appealed to people’s commonsense or ability to reason when he wrote to encourage Christians to control themselves or to put themselves prayerfully under the control of the Holy Spirit so they will understand and behave according to the Scriptures. People reap what they sow. Grapevines produce grapes, not figs. Adding salt to water will not make it fresh. The true followers of Christ will bless and not curse.

(James 3:13) Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

True wisdom will rightly apply knowledge, and understanding will know the consequences of right and wrong thoughts, choices, and behaviors. Christians should choose to live a good life and produce good fruits in words and actions. Wisdom should inspire people to speak gently instead of cursing.

(James 3:14) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

Christians should be filled with the love of God and the Holy Spirit; therefore, they read the Scriptures to know the truth and pray with submission to Jesus Christ in order maintain an open mind and heart to receive the Spirit’s leading. If a Christian is filled with the Spirit, there is no room for bitter envy or selfish ambition in their lives; therefore, the Holy Spirit will help them overcome feelings of envy and self-centered ambitions. One who calls himself a Christian while maintaining bitter envy and pursuing selfish ambition is false to the truth, the truth about what kind of a person he really is and the kind of person Christians should aspire to become and be.

(James 3:15) This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

Christians have access to divine revelation and wisdom in the Bible and in the life of Jesus Christ, Whose Spirit lives within them. Those who reject divine wisdom have limited themselves to what they can learn from experience, observation, their own thinking abilities, and the ideas of others. People should not be surprised when those who have turned from divine wisdom say and do what is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. As Christians, we can pray for God to show us how to help or avoid such people.

(James 3:16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

One can look at the way many governments function around the world and see the consequences of envy and selfish ambition, for these governments are disorderly and their rulings bring disorder and endorse wickedness of every kind that supposedly will benefit those who are earthly or worldly. Unhappily, envy and selfish ambition can also be found among people in a church. Disorder and wickedness in a church can sometimes be traced to the envy and selfish ambition that motivates some in a church. Sometimes church leaders with selfish ambition will lead a church in ways that favor them primarily in order to meet their self-centered desires instead leading in the ways God approves in the service of His people.

(James 3:17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

The Bible encourages people to live by faith in Jesus Christ. True faith in Jesus Christ as Savior will free sinners from cursing, envy, selfishness, showing partiality, hypocrisy, and wickedness. Following Jesus Christ as Lord of your life will free you to act on the divine wisdom you learn from the Bible; then, you will bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. A person can use the list of traits in verse 17 in order to test themselves and discover where they need to repent and grow spiritually. Being “willing to yield” does not mean willing to yield and let wickedness do whatever it wants; rather, James meant believers should be willing to yield and do what God wants or be willing to yield and do what someone else wants (as long as it is not wrong) rather than insisting everything always be done their own way. Being full of mercy will inspire you to pray for someone to make the changes they need rather than cursing them. Praying for others and blessing others are good fruits to bear. Having a pure motive and being peaceable and gentle toward those who need correction will produce better results than cursing them. Teachers need to teach facts from the Bible and demonstrate how those facts have made a difference in their lives and can make a difference in the lives of those they teach by being “peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

(James 3:18) And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The wicked behavior of others may influence a Christian to curse the wicked and retaliate against them; however, a harvest of righteousness may come from blessing those who practice wickedness, and from praying that they will repent of their sins and come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, Who can save them from their wicked practices and fill them with the Holy Spirit. If the person practicing wickedness claims to be a Christian, believers can pray for God to discipline them in ways that will lead them to repent and follow Jesus once again; then, they can receive the blessing of God’s forgiveness, presence, and His assurance of eternal life. Those who make peace will not compromise with wickedness, but by sowing the word of God in peace believers may enjoy a harvest of righteousness within themselves and among others; and in addition, peace among people living right with God and others. If believers sow the word of God in peace, they will harvest righteousness in their own lives and enjoy peace with God.

Newspapers Prove the Bible is True

February 11, 2018

James 3:1-18

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16).

Our newspaper headlines often prove the Bible is true. Along with a lot of good news that reveals the gracious gifts of God to others and their gifts to us, we read stories about disorder that we often hear called “disorderly conduct.” We learn about evil practices that sometimes result in the death of others or the punishment of criminals. Think about some of the sad events of the past week or so. How many have envy as a root cause or evil influence? A dictionary defines envy as “a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.” How many envy something someone or some group has, so they steal, riot, maim, or kill among other harmful acts? How many people have suffered because of someone else’s selfish ambition; an ambition that drives them to slander and defame the character of another person or business? When we take some time to think about the evil practices we have indulged in or the evil practices that we condemn, how often have envy or selfish ambition played a part?

Ambition to serve the Lord and use His gifts as prayerfully, as lovingly, and as wisely as possible according to the Bible for the benefit of others and ourselves is not “selfish ambition.” Selfish ambition is self-centered instead of God-centered. James wrote, there is a “wisdom” that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, and that “wisdom” is often given to those who have envy or selfish ambition (James 3:15). Then, James wrote that those with heavenly wisdom should show forth a good life of pure, sincere, and peace-loving deeds done in humility.

Thinking Further

Newspapers Prove the Bible is True

February 11, 2018

James 3:1-18

Name __________________________

1. What reason did James give when he advised that not many believers should become teachers?

2. Name two things that James compared the tongue to that his readers would understand? Name two things that you might compare the tongue to that people should understand where you live today?

3. How can the tongue be compared to a small fire started in a forest?

4. How might the tongue cause problems in a church?

5. What did James write about the behavior of those who are wise and understanding in a church?

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. What reason did James give when he advised that not many believers should become teachers?

Teachers will be judged with greater strictness and we all make mistakes.

2. Name two things that James compared the tongue to that his readers would understand? Name two things that you might compare the tongue to that people should understand where you live today?

James compared the tongue to the bit in a horse’s mouth and the small rudder on a ship that directs the horse and the ship. The tongue may be compared to a steering wheel on a car, bus, or truck that steers moving vehicles. The tongue could be compared to a cellphone or a smartphone that is small but can spread people’s thoughts and words around the world. If we used the tongue, the bit, the rudder, the steering wheel, and the cellphone rightly, much good could be accomplished and much evil prevented.

3. How can the tongue be compared to a small fire started in a forest?

Some “small” statement that is evil or unjust can spread and harm many people, just as a small fire can get out of control and burn down an entire forest.

4. How might the tongue cause problems in a church?

Some people in a church may be motivated by bitter envy or selfish ambition and say things to intentionally hurt others or to take unjust advantage of others.

5. What did James write about the behavior of those who are wise and understanding in a church?

The wise and understanding in a church will show forth a good life and do good works with a gentleness that demonstrates their wisdom. Their wisdom will come from above, from the Scriptures, from their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and from the right use of their reason. Their words and works will show forth purity and peacefulness, gentleness and cooperation, mercy and good fruits, and not be partial toward others or hypocritical. They will plant and reap righteousness and peace.

Word Search

Newspapers Prove the Bible is True

February 11, 2018

James 3:1-18

Name __________________________

S E O D P I J F H L Q R S A M

T S A Q R L K A G E N X N P V

U R M G B G O U I Y P O S W C

M E I O D E H L S F I N J Z R

B H G C U G L T P T E Q L I E

L C K Z B T U I I F R S J S T

E A G X O R H B E Y O D U C E

W E L N A U M S L V E S E A C

Y T P J S A H T Z G E F I O M

S T I B T V C S D J R R R U C

X R F C S I G U I E Q R S K S

F Y J W R C J F P F U Y L N M

O R E T N T B V S P L S U T J

Y V S B D R F E T X C E Z F Q

E U G N O T V S R A U D S O J

Teachers

Believers

Judged

Strictly

Stumble

Fault

Perfect

Bits

Mouths

Obey

Tongue

Boasts

Corrupts

Selfish

Ambition

True and False Test

Newspapers Prove the Bible is True

February 11, 2018

James 3:1-18

Name __________________________

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

1. Everyone should be a Sunday school teacher for a year, then they will learn what it feels like to be judged more strictly than others. True or False

2. The tongue can set the whole course of one’s life on fire. True or False

3. No human being can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. True or False

4. As believers, we need to pray for God to tame our tongues, so we will praise our Lord and Father and not curse human beings, who are made in God’s likeness. True or False

5. Cursing should not come out of our mouths. True or False

6. A sincere Christian can make grapevines bear figs. True or False

7. It is okay to curse someone when they make us angry. True or False

8. A wise and understanding person should do deeds in the humility that comes from wisdom. True or False
9. Bitter envy and selfish ambition is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. True or False

10. The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. True or False

True and False Test Answers

James 3:1-18

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
6. False
7. False
8. True
9. True

10.True

Prayer

Father, we claim You as Lord of our lives, but too often we withhold one area from Your control. We have hurt others, disappointed You, and embarrassed ourselves in our speech. Give us the strength and wisdom to control our tongues so that You are pleased with every word we say, type, or text. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.