College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
James 3:1-8
FOURTEEN THREE-PART SERMON STARTERS
PROFESSIONAL WRECKERS James 3:1-5
1.
Every man has a tendency to wreak havoc James 3:2.
2.
A very small crow-bar can wreck a big house James 3:3-4.
3.
The tongue is the greatest wrecker of all, tearing down in a few minutes a lifetime of work. (James 3:5).
THE BEGINNING OF SELF-CONTROL James 3:1-5
1.
We all need self-control. (James 3:2 a).
2.
Small things control big issues, such as animals, ships, and lives. (James 3:3-4).
3.
The tongue's control is the beginning of self-control. (James 3:5; James 3:2 b).
THE FULL-GROWN MAN James 3:2 (Introductory note: Perfect = full-grown).
1.
Children stumble, men walk.. We all wish to grow up. (James 3:2 a).
2.
Self-control is the real mark of a man. (James 3:2 b, cf Galatians 5:23).
3.
The tongue is the key to real manhood. (James 3:2 b).
THE TEACHER'S BURDEN James 3:1-2
1.
Heavier responsibility. (v. la).
A.
Other lives at stake.
B.
Greater knowledge increases one's responsibility.
2.
Heavier judgment. (James 3:1 b).
A.
God expects more from greater ability.
B.
Ability to teach, admonish, guide ones own self.
3.
Heavier reward. (James 3:2 b, the perfect man).
A.
Teaching is in obedience of God's desires.
B.
Heavenly treasures in the form of souls won.
WHY LITTLE GIRLS LIKE HORSES James 3:3
1.
Power inherent in God's creature. the whole body.
(compared with the frail girl's body).
2.
The huge creature can be controlled. they may obey. (control is the difference between appreciation and fear).
3.
A small member controls the big brute.
(little girls with reins can control horses).
LESSONS FROM BOATS James 3:4
A.
Power essential for movement.
(whether steam, motor, or sail, force is necessary).
B.
Movement essential for control.
(Likewise we must be moving and doing before there is self-control).
C.
Directed control on a small rudder.
(Haphazard control would get nowhere. Our lives must have direction and goal). (With proper power, movement and direction, a small effort will control a large life).
THE WORLD OF INIQUITY James 3:6 (Introduction: That's a lot of sin!)
A.
The many kinds of sin promoted by the tongue.
(Lust of the flesh, of the eye, pride of life).
B.
The world-spread misuse of the tongue.
(Universality of lies, national lies, etc.).
C.
The amount of sin promoted by a single tongue.
(A life ruined, a family, a church, a community, a nation).
Conclusion: Why did God give us such a powerful member?
Its proper use. to praise Him and spread the Gospel.
THE BURNING OF NATURE James 3:6 (Introduction: Nature's life process).
A.
Sin grows through being fed by many tongues.
B.
Sin kills with its terrible destruction and wages.
(People who enjoy death and corruption thrill with sin's processes).
C.
The tongue gives rebirth to sin, starting the cycle of growth and death again. (Illustration: the tale-bearer).
PROMPT DESTRUCTION James 3:6
A.
BURNING PROCESS of the tongue.
... like a forest fire, feeds itself and grows.
B.
All-inclusive DESTRUCTION of the tongue.
... a world of iniquity.
C.
Peculiar QUICKENING nature of the tongue.
... Sets in motion a process of giving birth to new sin.
... the wheel of nature.
Conclusion: The tongue is made for quickening life instead of quickening death; for progress instead of the burning process, for construction rather than destruction.
WHEN THE LION-TAMER RUNS James 3:7-8
A.
Lion-Tamers usually do not run.
... every kind of beast has been tamed.
B.
A wild untamed beast is to be feared.
... His action is unpredictable.
... He is a man-killer.
... Death alone stops him.
C.
An uncontrolled tongue goes untamed. (application).
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UNCONTROLLED TONGUE James 3:8
A.
Untamed.
B.
Restless Evil.
C.
Full of Poison.
MR. TWO-FACED James 3:9-12
A.
The face worn before God.
B.
The face worn before some men.
C.
The inconsistent action against nature and reason.
OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH James 3:9-10
A.
Blessings for the Father.
B.
Cursings for the Father's image.
C.
Sweet words of love and vile filth of vessels of dishonor.
(See 2 Timothy 2:20-21).
TONGUE-PAINTED PICTURES James 3:1-8
A.
Professional Wreckers. (James 3:1-5).
B.
Sin's Hot Spot. (James 3:6).
C.
Lion-Tamers in Flight. (James 3:7-8).