 |
|
|
|
We can see from what James said above that it is necessary that we, as ambassadors for Christ, watch what we say. While James mentions the very real need to bridle the tongue, the tongue is not the root of the problem. Taming the tongue is a matter of taming the mind. If the mind is right the tongue will be right. == 1. ============================== Matt 15:11 - Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Matt 15:18 - But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. Question: What does 'defile' mean? Read: 2 Cor 6:17 == 2. ============================== James 3:5 - Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Question: How could it be that the tongue defiles the whole body (verse 6)? Question: In general terms, what are some things that we say or ways that we talk that grieve the Lord and damage our testimony? == 3. ============================== Luke 6:45 - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Question: What constitutes a 'good' man? Read: Galatians 5:19-24 Question: What are some examples of 'good' treasure of the heart? Question: What are some examples of 'evil' treasure of the heart? == 4. ============================== Matt 15:19 - For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Question: Obviously evil thoughts can come from the heart, but how can evil deeds come from the heart? == 5. ============================== James 1:14 - But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:15 - Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Question: What do these verses teach about how we might avoid sin? == 6. ============================== Php 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Read: 1 Cor 2:16, Php 2:2-8 Question: How does the above verse relate to Matthew 15:11&18 above (point #2)? == 7. ============================== Heb 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Question: Can we ever praise God too much? Read: Matt 7:16-20, Matt 5:15, Psalm 150:2 Question: Why should we praise God? == 8. ============================== 1Thes 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Question: Can we ever thank God too much? Read: 1 Chron 29:11-13, Dan 2:23, 1 Sam 2:1, Psalm 13:5 Question: What are some things we should thank God for every day? == 9. ============================== Eph 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph 5:12 - For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. Question: What does verse 12 mean - in your own words? == 10. ============================= When we become saved we need to substitute good habits for the lifetime of bad habits that God wants to deliver us from. Matt 12:43 - When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. While the above verses in Matthew 12 refer more to a person who tries to reform without being converted by God, they also can be applied to Christians who do not keep themselves busy about the Lord's work. Question: What are some of the things Christians should be doing on an everyday basis that are considered "doing the Lord's work"? == 11. ============================= 1 Tim 5:13 - And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. Question: What can happen when we are NOT busy about the Lord's work? == 12. ============================= Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Question: What does it mean to sit in the seat of the scornful? (see Psa 69:12 & Hos 7:5) Question: What is a great way to avoid sitting in the seat of the scornful? == 13. ============================= Psalm 101:1 - I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Read: Luke 11:34 Question: What is a very common way that our mind becomes defiled? == 14. ============================= Psalm 101:4 - A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. Question: Based on Psalm 101, what are things that a Christian should do or not do in order to tame his or her mind? |
| |||||||||
