TEXT: James 3:7-11
Theology
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James quickly begins to speak about what man can control/tame (i.e. every specifies, beasts, birds, reptiles) This cross references with Genesis 1:26-30; Where God said we are made in His image (Imago Dei) and we are to rule over the fish of the sea, birds of the sky, cattle, creeping things and subdue the earth. Therefore, mankind was given the authority to rule over all creatures of the earth and creation itself.
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In Verse 8, James quickly tells us that no person can control/tame the tongue. This cross references with the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus say that what is in our hearts, we will speak. [Matthew 12:34, 15:18, 10:26]
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James also gives us two more characteristics of the tongue. It is a “restless evil” (restless can be defined as “twitchy, fidgety or impatient). This gives us the idea that this evil reacts rather than “thinks things through”; it also gives the impression that it is not comfortable.
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The tongue is also characterized as being “full of deadly poison”. As we read in James 3:6, the source of this poison is Hell (Ghenna). The idea of poison tells us it is infectious and because we have an infection it will kill us from the inside out. Giving credence to the power within us, sin. When you take this in context, you see that a human needs something “added” to it to control this power of sin. Just like the horse needs a bit and ship needs a rudder. The Christian needs the Holy Spirit synergistically working with a pastor/teacher.
Application
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There are five systematic results of those teachers who aren’t guided/controlled/lead by the Holy Spirit in their teaching/preaching.
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Religion – Read Acts 15:1-26. There were Jews who taught you can have faith but need to do add “works” to really be saved. What do you believe about salvation? What verses would you reference?
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Hypocrisy – Read Romans 2:17-24. Some people believe they are teachers and guides; yet, they do not apply the Word to themselves; the rubber doesn’t hit the road in their life. Look at your life. Do you minister to other Christians? Does your walk resemble what you talk?
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Wrong Jesus – Read 2 Corinthians 11:2-15. Some teachers want to teach for prestige and therefore, are preaching a different Jesus; thus they are not orthodox in their theology. Do you live a life that is different from what the Bible says? Read Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 to compare your life to scripture rather than another person.
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Arguments – Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7. Some teachers want to teach because they would rather argue and divide than converse and unify. This is prideful. When you speak about theology, do you tend to get into mental battles or do you have a peace in your discussions?
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Selfish Ambitions – Read 2 Timothy 4:1-4. Some teachers teach because they want the lime light. They don’t preach parts of the Bible but leave out all the “bad pr” and they stay “pc” in all their theology. When you speak about Jesus, do you let your “yes be yes and no be no” or do you water down the Gospel to include those who God doesn’t include?
Prayer
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Adore God for His clear truth in the Bible. Adore Him for those in your life that are in authority over you that use the Bible and show their love for you.
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Confess to God your love for His word and your love for Jesus. Confess any watering down of the gospel you may have committed.
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Thank God for the opportunity, today, to get into His Word and read it.
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Ask God to work in the lives of teachers, preachers, elders and deacons in your local community. Particularly mention local young adult ministries in your region.
Grace & Peace, You Are Loved,
Judson
