James 3:6 on T.A.P.

TEXT: James 3:6


Theology

• The tongue has 5 Characteristics:

1. Fire, and we know fire consumes, leaves long lasting effects (i.e. scars, callousedness) and generates fear.
2. World of Iniquity, meaning it is “larger than life” and against God
3. It has the ability to defile/stain the entire body, meaning what starts out as a little bit of sin it has the ability to spread like an infection throughout the entire body of believers.
4. Therefore it will set on fire the course of life, meaning a teacher’s teaching of Jesus, if taught wrong, will not only set on fire one’s entire life but also the lives of others in the Body of Christ.
5. This fire is sourced from Hell (Ghenna), where waste and useless things that one wants anyone to have is burnt to be utterly destroyed. Ghenna (Hell) is where executed criminals were burnt. This place smelled really bad and the stench will carry. A teacher/preacher who shouldn’t be teaching/preaching will leave a stench of hell in your life and it will follow you around. Just like a smoker doesn’t know they smoke, but someone who doesn’t smoke will know if someone was smoking around them, because the stench is “stuck” on them and will follow them around until they clean themselves.

Application

• Hebrews 5:12 tells us we are all teachers. We must ask ourselves who is watching our life and speech and do we “Walk the Talk”? So, who do you teach? A younger brother or sister? Does the youth ministry in your church “look up to you”? What about unbelievers – what about your life are you “teaching” them?
• 1 Peter 3:15 tells us that we need be able to explain why we believe what we believe. This is a great question for those who serve in ministry in the youth group, or AWANA’s or another ministry. If a child came to you and asked you to explain the Gospel – could you do it? Better yet, can you do it with scripture? What verses would you show them? What if they asked if you “Why did Jesus have to die”? Could you show the person with scripture? Notice, I am not asking you to “know” the answer – that is implied and we can all “know” the answer, but can you show it with scripture? How sad it is for a people to pass the buck on all the spiritual questions about Christianity to their pastors.
• What would you do if your child came to you and told you they don’t believe Jesus is God? Could you show them scripture indicating He is?

Prayer

• Adore God today about your salvation and opportunity to open the revealed Word. Praise God for revealing Himself in the person of Jesus Christ.
• Confess to God your life. Confess He is right in all things and you desire to grow.
• Thank God for the teachers, pastors, elders, deacons you have in your life today and praise Him for the leadership you submit to.
• Ask God to grow you by the living and active word.

Grace & Peace, You Are Loved,
Judson

---