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| EXPLORE THE BIBLE: (20–25 minutes) Make sure that everyone has a Bible. Ask for a volunteer to read the passage from James while everyone else follows along. When he/she has finished reading, lead them in a discussion of the following questions, while referring back to the passage for reference. • How are a bit in a horse’s mouth and a rudder on a ship similar? Why does James compare these things to the tongue? Do you think it’s true that something as small as your tongue can change the whole direction of your life? • Think about all of the wild animals that have been tamed by humans. What do you think would be the hardest animal to tame? Ex: elephants, lions, tigers, killer whales, etc… Why do you think that James says that “no one can tame the tongue?” • James compares the tongue to a “spark” and “fire.” Why? • Look at verse 9. How is praising God and cursing people with the same tongue inconsistent? Is cursing other people the same as cursing God? How? • Why does James use the metaphor of a spring in verse 11? How does the condition of the spring influence the water that flows from it? APPLY: (5–10 minutes) Share your personal story of being hurt by someone else’s words, or hurting someone else with what you said. Invite students to share their own personal stories. Then say: “We’ve already talked about how certain tastes just don’t go together and you definitely don’t want them in your mouth at the same time. James says that what comes out of our mouth is the same way. Praising and cursing shouldn’t come out of the same mouth, just like fresh and salt water can’t come from the same spring. So, how do we get control of our tongues?” Continued... |
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