ICE-BREAKER

1. Discuss how the previous discussion sessions in the Faith IRL series have gone. Is there anything you’ve discovered in this study of the book of James that has really stuck with you? Are there any changes you would like to make to the sessions to make them better or more effective? Share your ideas with each other.
2. Tell about a time when your mouth got you into a bit of trouble (maybe with your parents, your spouse, your boss, or even this group).

INTRODUCTION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 

1. Why do you think James uses so many word pictures to communicate the tongue's power to do both good and evil? Which word picture do you find most powerful and impactful?
2. In verse 2, James clearly states that we all stumble and fail to honor God in the things we say. He writes, “Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect” (NIV). The Greek word for “perfect” is teleos, which means "mature" or “healthy." Who in your life demonstrates the greatest maturity with his or her tongue? Be specific about why you chose that person.
3. In what situations do you struggle most to control your own tongue? In conversations with your children? In hurtful moments with your parents? In disagreements with your spouse? Or some other situation? What can the group do to help or support you?
4. Our speech can also have a tremendous impact on people who are not Christ-followers yet. The apostle, Peter, wrote: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). How do you respond to those who ask you about your faith? What have you learned about the importance of "gentleness and respect?”
5. In response to the question "What is the solution to controlling our tongue?” Pastor David shared three ideas. Which of these solutions — getting a new heart, asking God for help every day, and thinking before you speak — will you work on this week? Share both your answer and one practical step you hope to take this week with your group.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT 

• Thank God for demonstrating His grace toward us, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus — so that we could experience redemption and salvation from our sin.
• Ask God to give you wisdom and strength to put your faith in Jesus into action through acts of service. And in doing so, invite your heavenly Father to use those “works” to make your character look just a little bit more like Jesus each day.