February 25, 2018 | Kyle Brenon | James 3:5-6
Community Group Questions
This week we continue with our sermon series “Faith that Works” as we journey through the Book of James. In Chapter 3 we are given a valuable warning about the power of the tongue.
In Luke 6:45 we are told that “out of the abundance of our hearts our mouths speak”. The words that spill out are the overflow of what’s inside. If we are paying close attention, this glimpse we are given of our own heart can be an invaluable tool for the Holy Spirit to move in our lives. But, we need to have ears to hear!
Read: John 13:34-35, Luke 6:45, James 3:2-12, James 3:13-17
Discuss:
1. Have you ever said something to someone and immediately regretted it? Or, have you ever damaged a relationship permanently by not taming your tongue?
2. The words we use have the power to build up or tear down. James compares our tongue to a fire because of its sweeping destructive power. How can we begin to control this potentially destructive force? (Hint** “We” can’t! It requires total surrender.)
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in this? Are we allowing Him to be our filter?
4. We are called to obey God in meekness of wisdom, rather than conduct ourselves with bitterness and selfish ambition. These things cannot coexist! (Selfish ambition is simply any plans we make, that God is not a part of. Even if in our minds they are “good”.)
Are there things in your life that you need to give over to God? Plans that you have made that He did not lead you to?
Memorize/Meditate:
Luke 6:45 “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks".
