Title Beware of Words/James 3:1-12
Be careful with your words/James 3:1-12
Key Verse: “We all make many mistakes, and if anyone makes no mistakes in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle even his whole body” (James 3:2).
We are walking the steps of mature saints with the book of James. At the time when the book of James was written, the saints were going through great tribulation and trials. Nevertheless, James says that we must endure hardships. I paradoxically. Comparing with our beliefs today, we feel that we are in a very comfortable position. As the structure of society seeks more comfort and stability, our faith keeps getting more and more comfortable. “You say I am rich. You say you are rich and need nothing, but you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17).
Then, what is James, who was ministering in the Jerusalem church, which is the root of the church, saying to the saints of today, 2000 years after that in chapter 3?
First, we emphasize to be careful with our words (3:1~12).
Animals can bite their bridles to close their mouths. However, no one can forcibly close their mouths. That is why humans make many mistakes with their mouths. In order to live as a mature personality, you must first be careful with your words.
“Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD, and keep the door of my lips; let my heart be inclined to evil, and do evil with those who do iniquity, and let them not eat their essence” (Psalm 141:3-4).
I have attended an Anglican retreat before. Among their programs, there is a silence training. Usually, this training continues for about a day (24 hours). We also need oral training. In May 2001, former Attorney General Ahn Mo was Minister After taking office as a member of the public, he resigned after 43 hours. He resigned after receiving harsh criticism from public opinion after saying 'the glory of the family' and 'the castle is a ruin'.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth with His Word. The words of the saints who have matured in faith must be creative. Let's talk about life. Let's talk about healing. Let's talk about faith.
Second, we must distinguish between the wisdom from above and the wisdom of the world (3:13-18).
The members of the Early Church who were scattered all over the world due to the tribulation of Jerusalem will be exposed to various forms of culture. To the saints who have to live in the midst of a culture of anti-belief, although beautifully packaged, James prays that they will have discernment through wisdom from above. are appealing.
What is wisdom from above? Holiness, peace, tolerance, obedience, compassion, it is full of good fruits (verse 17). What is worldly wisdom? It is bitter times, quarrels, boasting, and false prejudices (verses 14-17). It is the enemy. The wisdom of wisdom is to know God (Proverbs 1:7). A person of mature faith is one who has the wisdom of heaven.
It is said that the 21st century is the age of information and technology. Through the mass media, knowledge is overflowing like a flood. The scope and quantity of knowledge is increasing. What kind of knowledge should we and our children have?
Prayer: Lord, be careful with your words, and in the flood of knowledge you may have wisdom from heaven. Amen.
Lord's Prayer