Taming the Tongue (James 3:7-12, Pastor Crockett)

1. The Human Struggle With Words Scripture: “For every kind of beasts… is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.” (James 3:7) Question: Why do you think human beings are able to control so much in the world, yet still struggle to control their words? 2. The Untamable Tongue Scripture: “But the tongue can no man tame.” (James 3:8) Question: In what ways have you personally experienced the frustration of trying—and failing—to control your speech? 3. Words That Carry Poison Scripture: “It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8) Question: What are some examples of how words can damage relationships more deeply than actions? 4. The Instability of the Heart Scripture: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) Question: How does your speech reveal what is going on inside your heart? 5. The Power of Blessing and Cursing Scripture: “Therewith bless we God… and therewith curse we men.” (James 3:9) Question: Why do you think it is so easy to praise God on Sunday and still speak poorly of others during the week? 6. The Image of God in Others Scripture: “Which are made after the similitude of God.” (James 3:9) Question: How should remembering that someone is made in God’s image change the way you speak to or about them? 7. The Inconsistency Problem Scripture: “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.” (James 3:10) Question: Where do you most often see inconsistency in your own speech (home, work, online, etc.)? 8. The Fountain Principle Scripture: “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (James 3:11) Question: What kinds of situations tend to reveal what is truly in your heart? 9. The Test of Consistency Scripture: “So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” (James 3:12) Question: If someone listened to your words for a week, what kind of “fountain” would they conclude you are? 10. Redeemed Speech Through Christ Scripture: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9) Question: What is one practical step you can take this week to let God shape your speech more like Christ’s?