Lesson 44
Summary 3:2
1. James states an
axiom - universal fact for believers - We all stumble in many ways. (sin nature
leads in many ways besides the tongue)
2. Other scripture
supports the fact that men stumble in many ways:
1 Kgs
3. For anyone to say
otherwise (sinless perfection) are liars and BD - DVPT is not in them. 1 Jn 1:8,10
4. James honestly
includes himself as one who has stumbled with the tongue.
5. But notice it does
not disqualify him from being heard - not a consistent pattern of his
life. (He was not indifferent to it.)
6. Believers who
bridle their sin nature, who are consistent doers of the Word will move toward
maturation and reap great reward at the JSC.
7. The ability to
curb or control the abuse of the tongue (S/O/T) is a matter of great
significance in CWOL - has great impact.
8. One reason its so
important is that it is an area that one comes in contact with which
demonstrates their faith in action or the lack there of.
9. Those who are
especially clean w/respect to the sins of the tongue (gossip, maligning, lying)
demonstrate that they are consistently overruling the sin nature.
10. One's ability to
curb the S/O/T is a measure of their ability also to bridle the body with the
indwelling sin nature and its various lust patterns.
11. Handling the
tongue is a sign of spiritual maturation.
3:3 Illustrates the
power and control of the Tongue - vs:3-4
The analogy is to show us what can be
accomplished in spite of the strength and power of the sin nature - our human
fallibility.
Now if we put the bits into horses mouths (1cc and we do) so that they may obey us,
we direct the their entire body as well.
Summary 3:3
1. There is a
parallel between controlling a horse and controlling the tongue of man.
2. The bit has to be
placed in the mouth of the horse at first against his will.
3. The result of the
use of the bit is that the entire body and strength of the horse is brought
under control and focused for productive service.
4. This implies that
if the believer applies the correct pressure to the tongue he will also master
the body as well.
5. The result will be
that he will present for service his members (body) as instruments of
righteousness.
6. One of the
objectives of BDRS is to become the tool under G/H-S's rulership - leading that
applies the correct pressure to control not just the tongue but also the body.
7. The pressure point
is the sin nature - battling its constant attempts at gaining control of the
real you. Gal 5:17
3:4 2nd illustration - the ship
Behold,
the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds,
wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
- The course of one's
life is either influenced by the sin nature and its desires or by God the Holy
Spirit as He illuminates the implanted word and therefore empowering your life.
Summary 3:4
1. JAMES very vividly
draws our attention to the power of little things in this 2nd illustration.
2. He contrasts the
smallness of the rudder with 2 much greater factors;
#1 - is the comparative size of the
ship
#2 - and the strong winds
encountered at sea.
3. As compared to the
ship the rudder is very small just as the tongue is in relation to the body.
4. That tiny rudder
directs the course of the ship for good or bad.
5. By the slightest
pressure of the helmsman on the control of the rudder he could alter the course
and destination of the ship.
6. The direction of
the ship is at the will of the pilot.
7. Even though a goal
or destination is established the pilot must be alert exercising self control -
making decisions and course corrections to adjust to the changing conditions
faced.
8. The individual
believer has daily to choose whether to overrule the sin nature and its
manifestation through the tongue or not.
9. Those who do,
direct their lives to the proper goal of
maturation being spiritually well balanced. (1:3-4)
10. Momentary lapses
from the course can be corrected for and the goal still reached. (takes longer
to get there)
11. The tongue like a
rudder follows the will of the one directing it.
12. A tongue that is
communicating nothing but evil or human viewpoint is directing a life that is
out of control and headed for disaster.
13. The volition of
the positive believer determines whether his life will be adversely influenced
by the circumstances - chp's & the tests - all the external forces faced in
one's life.
14. The content of
one's speech points to where the life is headed.
-
As goes the rudder so goes the ship.
-
As goes the tongue so goes the life.