Grow Group Questions – March 3, 2024
Announcement: (Please read as a group before discussion)
Our challenge to you this week is to answer the questions with a willingness to examine the power of your tongue in relationship with others.
Icebreaker: What is one of your most memorable verbal “bloopers?”
Sermon Discussion – James 3:1-12
- What do the three illustrations here (horse’s bit, ship’s rudder, fire’s spark) each reveal about the tongue’s power?
- Why do you think he emphasizes the negative example of the fire so much more than the positive examples of the horse’s bit or ship’s rudder?
- (Matthew 15:11, 18-19)
- How does what we say reveal what is in our hearts?
- In verse 11 James says that cursing others and blessing God “Should not be!”
- Why do you think James says this in such an absolute way?
- In what ways do we justify our “cursing of others”?
- What might it say about our hearts or faith if it does exist?
Going Deeper
- James emphasizes the importance of consistency in speech for Christ-followers.
- Why is it significant that our words align with our beliefs about God?
- How can our speech reflect our faith positively or negatively?
- What are some potential reasons why people hurt others with their words?
- How can understanding these reasons help us approach situations with empathy and compassion rather than judgment?
- Consider the analogy of the broken sewer pipe and sump pump.
- How does this illustration relate to the idea of addressing the source of our speech problems rather than just treating the symptoms?
- What practical steps can we take to address the root causes of harmful speech?
Pray
Reminder for next week: Read James 3:13-18