CELL NOTES 26.11.07

ICE BREAKER

Whom did you quarrel with most, when growing up?

THEME

The tongue

Reading. James 3 : 3 – 12

SERMON OUTLINE

1) The Bible refers to the tongue in a variety of ways. Some are :-

            Speech (Job 27:4, Psalm 25:8)

            A people or race(Is 66:18)

            A sword (Ps 57:4)

            A pen (Ps 45:1)

            An arrow ((Ps 64:3)

2) Tongue is exceedingly powerful. Maasai poisoned arrow can kill an elephant.

3) James 3 : 6-8 – contrasting uses of tongue.

4) What we say reflects the condition of our hearts.(James 3 : 11-12)

5) We cannot control the tongue – we need the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5 : 22-23)

6) Jesus says we will be accountable for every word I have spoken (Mat 12 : 36-37)

7) I need to be an example in my speech (1Tim 4:12)

8) I need to listen before I speak (Prove 17 : 28)

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

1) What did God say to you on Sunday?

2) How do you feel about verses 2 & 10? How seriously do you  take v 9 in everyday speech?

3) How may you become a better listener?

4) When have words recently been a real blessing to you?

5) Is there a group member that the others may pry for, because they have to use their tongue in a particular way in the near future?

6) Spend some time talking about the group's witness

            Over Christmas

            In the following months.

7) What is the group’s vision / aim in the next 6 months?

A good way to encourage listening is to insist that whenever anybody speaks, they have to summarise what the previous speaker said, first.