CONTROL YOUR SPEECH

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW James' teachings regarding the power of the tongue; CONFESS our inability and shortcomings in governing our thoughts and verbal expressions; and COMMIT to changing in order to better please God. 

FOCAL VERSES James 3:1-12

KEEP IN MIND

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:10). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Discipline of the Tongue (James 3:1-4)

2. Destructiveness of the Tongue (vv. 5-6)

3. Defiance of the Tongue (vv. 7-8)

4. Duplicity of the Tongue (vv. 9-12)

IN FOCUS STORY

Rashanna sat at the lunch table but didn't touch any of the meal in front of her. Her co-workers Kristine, C.J., and Shirley were recounting the BIG event in the accounting department. That morning, one of the other employees, Lauren, was called into a closed door meeting with her boss. It became clear that Lauren had been fired when she came out of her supervisor's office in tears. She hastily gathered her personal belongings from her desk and left the building without speaking to anyone. Now at lunch, Kristine, C.J., and Shirley were sharing the office gossip about what really happened.

Kristine was speculating that Lauren's termination involved an "office romance." Rashanna was puzzled. Before today, Lauren had simply been a quiet co-worker. Now that something terrible had happened, she was the object of ugly office gossip and speculation. Rashanna decided....

In today's lesson, we will learn that failure to bridle our tongues can cause great destruction and undermine our witness for Christ. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

The Book of James. Although there are four men named James mentioned in the New Testament, many scholars agree that the writer of the New Testament book is most probably the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3), also referred to as James the Just. Interestingly, James did not initially believe his brother's messianic claims (John 7:5), but it appears his conversion occurred following Jesus' Resurrection appearances (1 Corinthians 15:7). Once convinced, James fully embraced Christianity and became one of the leaders of the early church in Jerusalem. 

James described his audience as "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1). From this we may reasonably conclude that what James teaches is applicable to all Christians. He was probably addressing the Jewish Christians who had fled persecution and were now living abroad in other countries. Acts 11:19 provides a description of how the Christians, who were persecuted in connection with Stephen. fled as far Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. These exiled Christians quickly found themselves impoverished (James 5:1),  victims of lawsuits (2:4-6), and oppressed by wealthy landlords (5:4). James encouraged the believers to continue to grow in their new faith, insisting that they not share their loyalty. They must either choose God or the world. James taught that their Christianity stemmed from a genuine wisdom. He also emphasized that good actions will naturally flow from a Spirit-filled life. 

Written in about A.D. 45, the book of James is probably the oldest book of the New Testament. According to the historian Josephus, James was martyred in approximately A.D. 62. 

BACKGROUND

During the time of this writing, religious leaders were no longer ignoring the new Christian church. Although they were still a part of Judaism, Christians were now being singled out, and the persecution of Christians had begun in earnest. Two other men named James mentioned in the New Testament (the apostle identified as the son of Zebedee and the brother of John, and the apostle identified as the son of Alphaeus) had been martyred. Similarly, Stephen had been stoned to death for his faith. In this increasingly hostile and dangerous atmosphere, it is not surprising that many Christian were abandoning the faith.

Internal strife was also taking place within the church. Christians were dealing with doctrinal arguments false teachers, power struggles, gossip and slander. The Christians were being encouraged to pursue self-fulfillment. During this time, many philosophers believed and taught the importance of knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Very little importance was placed on putting knowledge into practice. They mistakenly taught that the way to spiritual enlightenment was through knowledge. James wrote to combat this mind-set. Faith, not knowledge is key. Our faith is rooted in our hearts; it is faith that transforms us into "doers." Man, James insisted, must seek to attain the will of God. Only then can he bring about a change in his life and in the life of the church. 

The remaining apostles, as they had been instructed to do, were off on missionary efforts. It was left to James, as leader of the Jerusalem church, to encourage the Christians and to provide much needed instruction to sustain them during this period. of persecution. Like the excellent pastor he was, James taught the believers to keep their eyes on Christ, not their situation, and to continue to live lived that reflected Jesus

Christ and His teachings. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. How does James tell us that teachers will be judged (James 3:1)? Does this only refer to Bible teachers and licensed ministers?

2. The ability to control one's tongue is a sign of what (v. 2)?

3. In what ways does James say our lives are controlled by what we say (vv. 3-5)?

4. How does James describe the tongue (vv. 6-8)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. James used three metaphors for the tongue: a horse's bit, a ship's rudder, and fire. Why do you think he emphasizes the example of fire so much more then the other two?

2. James 3 identifies at least five things the tongue is or is able to do (vv. 6, 8). Identify those and determine the best way to avoid engaging in each.

3. In the In Focus story, Rashanna must make decision. What is her next move and why? Support your answer with Scripture if possible. 

LESSONS IN OUR SOCIETY

In a society that craves celebrity gossip, welcome offensive tweets, and ignores bullying by social media, what is our Christian responsibility to control our tongues? Does the book of James (or other Bible passages) also compel us to speak out against injustice-locally, nationally, or globally-caused by the words of others?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. What a wonderful gift speech is. Christians have the ability to exhort, coach, and build up other believers through our speech. Similarly, our words provide the vehicle to lovingly counsel the lost and to soothe and console the suffering and bereaved. This gift of speech is most perfectly employed when we speak words of truth and witness to other of God's plan of salvation. Given Holy Ghost at work in our lives, what would cause us to use speech negatively?

2. Many Christians would never imagine causing someone physical harm. Yet this is exactly what we do when we say thoughtless, careless, and unkind things to or about others. We verbally murder the character and reputations of others when our speech is unrestrained. Each day offers us a challenge to not only walk in the will and with way of our Lord, but also to speak in ways that glorify Him and encourage others. What plan can you create to bridle your tongue on a daily basis? What triggers should you avoid in order to keep the plan?

(Except from The Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World)

SHOW YOUR FAITH BY YOUR WORKS

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW the connection James makes between faith and works; EXPRESS what it means to declare one's faith through actions or works; and IDENTIFY people in their heritage and their church who have lived out their faith in action.

FOCAL VERSES JAMES 2:14-26

KEEP IN MIND

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Vain Faith (James 2:14-17)

2. Faith on Display (vv. 18-19)

3. Examples of Faith (vv. 20-26)

IN FOCUS STORY

A Few Who Put Faith Into Action

(Adapted from Hebrews 11)

* Abel - Offered God a more excellent sacrifice.

* Noah - Prepared an ark for the saving of his house.

*Abraham - Went out, not knowing where, and traveled to the land of promise.

* Isaac - Blessed Jacob and Esau.

* Jacob - Though dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshipped.

* Moses - Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter and led the people of God.

* Rahab - Received the spies with peace.

 

Why Not Us? Can't We...

* Subdue kingdoms?

* Bring Justice?

* Stop the mouths of lions?

* Fight valiantly?

* Put the enemy of flight?

* Help our brothers and sisters?

Can't we represent Christ by actions of faith?

Believers is Jesus Christ must exhibit faith by our actions. Today we learn that there is a divine relationship between faith and works.

PEOPLE, PLACE, and TIMES

Faith and Works. Faith is belief and trust in Jesus Christ. Works are character traits of faith. Character traits of faith are elements of unconditional submission to God and His Son, Jesus Christ: "You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,, gentleness, and patience" ( From Colossians 3:12, NLT). Works contain the love of God. God's love is displayed when we respond to the needs of others: "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father" (v. 17, NLT).

Faith without Works. One still has a belief and trust in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. However, instead of one's actions displaying the love of God, the behavior reflects earthly, sinful things. "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, 'Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well' - but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?" (James 2:14-16, NLT).

BACKGROUND

This is a continuation of James' letter to the believers on why the actual practice of one's faith in day-to-day living is more important than one's statement of faith. With the completion of teaching on the practice faith, James shifted to the underlying principles of faith's lifestyle - the attitude of faith followed by actions of faith. James clearly states, "Faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (from James 2:17, NLT).

The saints' attitude of faith puts God's love in motion. God's love is shown when saints open their hearts to receive the poor and those who are not like them. "So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do,  not by faith alone" (v. 24, NLT). James referred the believers to the Bible with two illustrations, one of Abraham and one of Rahab. Both believed in God, but their faith was made complete by their actions for God.

SEARCH the SCRIPTURES

1. When faith is coupled with action, what outcome can be expected (James 2:14)?

2. What argument does James 2:19 make for why just saying we believe God is insufficient?

3. Faith is dead if it does not do what (vv. 16-17 and 26)?

DISCUSS the MEANING

1. Faith in God is very important. God is pleased when we worship Him, but is faith alone pleasing to God?

2. Compare verses 15-17 to 1 Corinthians 13:1.

LESSON in OUR SOCIETY

Every day we see scandal rock our political landscape. The news, however is even more devastating when religious leaders, regardless of denomination

or faith or faith tradition, are found to be fraudulently representing Jesus Christ. What accountability does James 2 demand? What has the failure by a few in prominent position done to the collective witness of the Church?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

This week, give yourself over to prayer and seek God's revelation of where your walk is not matching your talk. Then seek God for strategies to get back on track and represent Him more fully in all aspect of your life.

(Except from The Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World)

 

 

TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW Jame's message concerning partiality and ways to avoid it; REFLECT on the full message of the phrase "love your neighbor as yourself"; and INVESTIGATE ways we might discriminate against groups or individuals and find methods to instead demonstrate the love of God. 

FOCAL VERSES James 2:1-13

KEEP IN MIND 

 "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (James 2:5).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Practicing Faith in Personal Interactions (James 2:1-7)

2. Living in Faithfulness to Our Faithful God (vv. 8-13)

IN FOCUS STORY

Standing before the congregation in his freshly laundered white robe that he reserved for when the church took communion, Elder Thomas gave the Call to Discipleship. Two men came down to the aisle to be saved.

One was well dressed; the other man was unkempt and appeared to be homeless.

The custom Elder Thomas had begun at the church was to welcome each person personally with a hug before they went to the pool. The unkempt man would reach him first and Elder Thomas knew he would have to hug him. His first thoughts was of his freshly laundered white robe. He was immediately convicted, repented, and fully embraced the man. 

Partiality contradicts loving one's neighbor as oneself. This lesson reminds us to treat everyone as Christ has treated us. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

James. Half brother of Jesus Christ. Wrote a letter to believers whose behavior contradicted their faith in Jesus Christ. 

BACKGROUND

The epistle of James is a letter written by James to remind those who had become prosperous about their foundations in the faith. The prosperous believers were identified by James has having "faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ" (from James 2:1, NLT). James used some examples from daily life to remind them of the commitment of faith they had made to Jesus Christ. James used himself as an example by first identifying himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (from 1:1). James chose two illustrations to demonstrate how partiality and ill treatment of the poor become stumbling blocks to believers and can contradict our faith in Jesus Christ. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What marks our confession of faith in Jesus Christ (James 2:1)?

2. What godly principles does our favoritism undermine (vv. 5-6a)?

3. What fault in logic does James point out (vv. 6b-7)?

4. What is the royal law (v.8)?

5. What is favoritism and what are we if we practice it (v. 9)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING 

1. How many reasons does James give in this passage for why we should not show favoritism? Are these things related?

2. Our show of favoritism and respect of people is a sign of inconsistency in our walk with Jesus Christ. What does James point to in these verses to show the consistency of God? 

3. In the In Focus story, Elder Thomas had a dilemma that he quickly overcame by the unction of the Holy Ghost. What would have happened had he hesitated to hug the man?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Injustice abounds in the United States and around the world. Differences in the way governments dole out dollars and service for education, health care, and housing are just a few of the blatant reminders of "man's inhumanity to man." If James 2 reminds us of our personal responsibility to not show respect of persons, does this passage also call us to speak out for the injustices we see being committed against "the least of these"? Why?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1.What practical advice can you discern from this passage to help you evaluate your treatment of others and avoid partiality?

2. If after prayer and self reflection you find that you have discriminated against certain groups or individuals, what can you do to repent and demonstrate the love of God instead?

(Except from Apostolic Light P.A.W)

HEAR AND DO THE WORD

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW the relationship expressed in the Scripture between hearing and doing the Word; EMBRACE a desire to more consistently align our faith and our actions; and DEVELOP practical strategies for acting in accordance with the Word. 

FOCAL VERSES James 1:19-27

KEEP IN MIND

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Behaving by the Word (James 1:19-20)

2. Living by the Word (vv. 21-25)

3. Representing the Word (vv. 26-27)

IN FOCUS STORY

Alan grew up in an Apostolic church. As an adult, his job allowed him to travel quite a bit, but because he was assigned to the same cities for long stretches, he faithfully attended church in those cities. People thought he was a "nice, saved young man," so he was able to seek relationships with young women in the church. However, Alan's walk was very different from his talk. He always pursued a sexual relationship with women, and when he met one who obeyed the Word of God by living sexually pure, he would immediately end the relationship. 

One day, Alan met Tracy, a beautiful young lady who loved the Lord. Alan really liked Tracy and told her that he could handle dating by her standards. After much prayer and conversation with others who knew Alan, Tracy decided that she would end the relationship because she did not discern that he was genuine in his intentions. Alan was devastated, and for the first time in his adult life, he confessed to the Lord that he needed the Holy Ghost. Ashamed and in tears, Alan went to talk to the pastor. 

Being saved requires a real commitment to holy living. In today's lesson, James calls attention to the need for those who profess Christ to live out their faith. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Dispersion. The descendants of the sons of Jacob were also known as "the twelve tribes" of Israel. This term was a symbolic reference to the Jews scattered aboard and living outside of Jerusalem. Jews were dispersed and settled in the civilized countries of the world at the time yet remained connected to the mother country.

BACKGROUND

James, the half brother of Jesus, was among the early leaders of the church and was based in Jerusalem. Although the epistle of James is placed toward the end of the New Testament, it is actually the first letter of instruction written to the church-thus the first book written. The primary audience for this epistle was Christian Jews spread across the world due to persecution because of their faith in Christ. 

The major theme of James' letter was to offer instruction for godly living in the midst of self-indulgent world. This letter is viewed as a book of wisdom and instruction for Jewish believers. James appealed for his fellow believers to put outward actions with their inward faith. Scholars believe that James wrote this epistle in the mid 40s A.D. around the time of the council in Jerusalem. He was the first martyr of the church, executed in A.D. 62. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. How does this passage advise believers to behave and why (James 1:19-20)?

2. How does this text recommend believers respond to the Word of God (v. 22)?

3. What illustration does James use to describe how people can deceive themselves (vv. 23-24)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. The Scripture points out three actions in verse 19. What are they and how are they critical to the discussion in this chapter?

2. What would James say about how we treat widows and orphans today?

3. Alan in the In Focus story was unsaved. What must he do after he receives the Holy Ghost to not be drawn back into his former behavior and to remain "unspotted" in today's culture?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

In today's lesson, James calls us to not only be hearers of the Word but also carry out God's Word in our everyday lives through word, thought, and deed. This seems like a "tall order" and can be an overwhelming idea. How serious should we be about having the religious impact expressed in verse 27? How can we achieve such a goal?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. Really listen for God's instruction through the preached Word and in your time of personal devotion and Bible study. Take time to be quiet before the Lord and hear what He is speaking to you through the Holy Ghost. Make a conscious effort to assess how your habits, behaviors, and actions line up with the Word of God. 

2. If you have not been baptized in Jesus' Name and do not have the Holy Ghost, start there. Repent and God will give you the power to address these needs. 

3. If you are saved, that doesn't mean you have reached perfection. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you continue to seek holiness that is exemplified consistently in your actions toward God and others. 

(Except from The Apostolic Light P.A.W)