Reflect
- Which of the illustrations James uses in these verses particularly stand out to you? Why?
- Why is it more common for tongues to lead our lives than for our lives to control ourselves?
- How have you been hurt or wounded by the words of others?
- How have you been built up by words of others?
Repent
- How have your words been similar to a flame lighting a forest fire?
- How has your tongue stained your own life?
- How has your tongue stained the name of Christ and his Church?
- How has your tongue revealed a need for your heart to be transformed?
Remember
- In the sermon, we heard that while a double-minded tongue reveals an untransformed heart, God uses real faith to transform the tongue by replacing its master, taming its power, and transforming its source.
- How have you seen this process in your life and in the lives of others?
Family Discipleship
Have each person read one or more of these Scriptures aloud: Prov. 12:13; 16:27-28; 18:7; 18:21; 27:6; Isa 52:7; Mt 12:36-37; 15:18; Rom 3:13; 1 Th 5:11.
After each verse that is read, discuss these questions:
- What does this verse tell us about the power, effects, and source of our words?
- Are their warnings, promises, and/or blessings in this verse?
- What might we know about the condition of the heart of the person about whom the verse speaks?
- How can each of us seek transformation of our tongues?
Discipleship
- From whom do you need to seek forgiveness because of things you have said?
- What is a small step of faith you could take towards seeking transformation of your tongue?
