Sunday School Lesson September 25, 2022
Subject: Faith on Display in Your Conversations
The Point: When you rely on God, your words reflect His character.
The Passages: James 3:1-5a,9-10,13-18
Study The Bible: James 3:1-5a
1). There is power in our words.
- Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.
- For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.
- Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies.
- And consider ships: Though very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5a. So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things.
Lasting truths from: James 3:1-5a
* Our words have great power.
* Controlling what we say is a sign of spiritual maturity.
* The tongue is a small part of the body but has great power as part of the body.
2). Our speech can be inconsistent when controlled by self instead of God.
James 3:9-10
- With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness.
- Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.
Lasting truths from: James 3:9-10
* We can produce either good or evil words with our tongues.
* We should not speak ugly words to people, for they also are created in God’s image.
* God is not pleased when both blessing and cursing issue from our mouths.
3). We need God’s wisdom to direct our speech.
James 3:13-18
- Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.
- But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth.
- Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
- For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice.
- But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.
- And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
Lasting truth from: James 3:13-18
* Our good conduct can demonstrate we have wisdom and understanding from God.
* Bitter envy and selfish ambition lead only to disorder rather than godly wisdom.
* God’s wisdom will produce peace and good spiritual fruit in our lives.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Consider those in your circle of influence. How can you use your words to build them up and help them grow spiritually?
- Recall the last time you spoke harshly or heard someone else speak harshly. What leads to inconsistent speech and both kind and ugly words coming from our mouths?
- Read aloud James 3:17-18, slowly and reflectively. Ask God to help you take an intentional step this week to grow in one or more areas James mentioned.
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”