REFLECTION: James 3:1-12 – “The Taming of the Tongue”
It’s very easy to get yourself into a ton of trouble if you are not careful with your tongue. A current example would be Donald Trump’s accusation during the presidential debate that Haitian migrants are eating pet cats and dogs in Springfield. It has set the internet alight and caused rioting and bomb threats in Springfield. A careless word can start a war or break a relationship. How can we gain control over our tongues and the words that we say? James highlights for us the danger of the tongue and warns us of its danger. We will also look at how we can tame the tongue. Here is an outline.
1.The key is in taming the tongue:
a. Those who teach will be judged with greater strictness (1)
b. Control your tongue and you control your whole being (2-5).
2. The peril of the loose tongue.
a.The tongue is like a fire that sets our whole existence ablaze (5-6)
b. Every species has been tamed by humans, but no one can tame the tongue (7)
c. The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (8)
3.Getting to the root of the problem.
a. With it we bless the Lord and we curse those made in the likeness of God (9)
b.This ought not to be so. Can a fig tree bear olives? (10-12)
c. How can we fix our problem at its source?
To Think About: Think of a time when you have let loose words damage a relationship, a situation, or even your own reputation. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in you to produce greater self-control. Confess your sins to God and experience his cleansing.
HYMNS
TIS 106 Now thank we all our God
10,000 Reasons
TIS 90 I’ll praise my maker while I’ve breath
TIS 599 Take my life and let it b
NEW STUDIES STARTING THIS WEDNESDAY: The Wednesday night growth group is about to start a new series of studies going through the book of Philippians. Jane will be leading the study. Come along for a great time of fellowship and learning together from God’s word. Starts 7:30pm in the Supper Room and finishes at 9pm. All are welcome.
CHURCH PRAYER MEETING: We have a prayer meeting for the church on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the Supper Room. There will be a prayer meeting this Monday to pray for the world, the church, and the sick. We would love to see you there. Prayer is the engine room of the church and the key to our growth. Prayer is not just an optional extra for a few. It is for all believers and we need you to pray with us.
WEDNESDAY SERVICE CANCELLED FOR THIS WEEK: In anticipation of the demolition of the Parish Centre hopefully starting early next week, the Wednesday service is tentatively cancelled for this week due to the risk involved in the removal of the asbestos. Should the works be delayed, we will have a service. I hope to confirm on Sunday.
UPDATE ON THE BUILDING PROJECT: After a long period of delays, we are about to enter a period of activity. Over the next two weeks we hope to see the carpark finished, the new sewage connected, and the Parish Centre demolished. Graeme will be presenting an important update on the building project this Sunday during the announcements.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 28th September – Samoan Youth
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 29th Sept: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; Psalm 124; James 5:12-20; Mark 9:38-50
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: The Parish of St Paul's, Inverleigh w. St John's, Bannockburn and Church of the Epiphany, Meredith; Ministry with the Aboriginal people of Australia; Archdeaconry of Melbourne: Augustine’s Mentone – Pastoral service; Emmanuel Anglican Church–Pastoral service; St John’s Camberwell–Pastoral service; All Saints’ Lorne–Pastoral service ; Emmanuel Anglican Iranian Congregation Dandenong North–Pastoral Service; Longbeach Anglican Parish–Pastoral service; St George’s Reservoir– Iranian congregation; The Church of North India; Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Sylvia, Fay, Natasha, Betty, Rosalind, Patty, Melenny, Shereen, Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Kanthi, Monty & Amy
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