Sunday, April 3rd, 2011: James 3:6-8...

Last week, we looked at the beginning of James' discussion on the tongue. We will continue our discussion on the tongue this week. James is telling his readers that how they use their tongues has a huge impact on how they live their lives.

QUESTION: Do we believe this is true for us today?

Let's start with verse 6, James furthers his discussion concerning the tongue being equated to fire.

We must realize that God intends to transform us so that what comes out of our mouths is always a reflection of the goodness, the peace, the presence of our living Heavenly Father.

QUESTION: Are we willing to ask God if our tongue is being used the way God intended?

Even though God for the tongue to be used the way described above. We often see the tongue in our society is being used unrighteously, spreading distrust in God, bending & twisting things to be less in line with its intended purpose. It (our tongue) has become a fire out of control.

QUESTION: When you are in trials & temptations, do you trust God and use your tongue to praise Him and His Goodness? Or do you use your tongue to vent doubt and frustration through unkind or angry words, gossip, grumbling, coldness or manipulation?

Here comes the really tough question: When is the last time you used your tongue to say a mean or unkind word and then said, "I was just kidding?"

We must come to the stark and evident realization that whenever we participate in this type of behavior, we are misrepresenting God and His intended use of the tongue.

OUR CHALLENGE: We must seek God with a heart asking if our tongue is on fire for the Lord or is it a destructive fiery tool?

In Vv 7-8: James in pointing out that "no man" can tame the tongue only God can. Man can tame beast but not his own tongue.

We will continue our discussion with James on Sunday. Have a blessed day! :-)