August 13, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#17 in series)
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Undivided: More Than Words, Part 2
James 3:1-2
Big Truth: What we say reveals who we are, the direction we take, the impact we make, the one we trust, and the clarity of our witness.
Teachers of Scripture bear a greater responsibility and will receive a stricter judgment. (v. 1)
“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”
What we say reveals who we are... (v. 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.”
The book of James shows 10 contexts or pathways of maturity.
We mature through…
- __ (1:1-20)
- Scripture study (1:17, 18, 21-25)
- __ of convictions (2:1-13)
- Service (2:14-26)
- Sound __ (3:1-18, 1:26, 27)
- Submission to God (4:1-17)
- Self-__ (5:1-6)
- Steadfastness (5:7-11)
- __ (5:12-18)
- Soul-winning (5:19-20)
James presents the tongue as the __ to self-control and vital to a __ life of faith.
What we say reveals…the direction we take... (vv. 3-5a)
“Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 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. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.”
Bits in the __ bring obedience to the __.