James 3: Controlling Speech
Words have power—to build up or tear down, to bring peace or cause harm. In James 3, Pastor Josh shares why our words matter and why it’s so hard to control them. This message reminds us that taming the tongue isn’t about trying harder—it’s about letting God shape our speech through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Pastor Josh shared about speaking hurtful words to his mom as a young boy. If one or two are willing, share a relatable story or moment.
2. Read James 3:1–12. In your life, or in the world around us today, discuss how you have seen the destructive nature of speech.
3. Read James 3:13–18 and discuss the real-life impact in your home, our church, and community at large if our speech were more heavily shaped by God instead of the devil.
4. Pastor Josh challenged the church to pick one of these three verses to memorize and practice this week. Which one will you work on memorizing, and how might you apply it to your speech this week?
Psalm 19:14 (HCSB) – May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Proverbs 18:21 (HCSB) – Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Ephesians 4:29 (HCSB) – No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
5. Take a quick trip around the circle. Have everyone concisely share their takeaway from the discussion, and then have one person close in prayer.