Review: James writes, in the early years of the church, to help believers understand the dynamics of a proven faith—a faith that’s practical, prudent, and patient in and through all of one’s life, which includes: Responding to Trials (James 1:2-15) Responding to the Word (James 1:16-27) Holding faith in Jesus Christ in a way that’s consistent with true faith (James 2:1-26) Not showing partiality (James 2:1-13) Not diminishing works (James 2:14-26) Showing faith by works… …by taming the tongue (James 3:1-12) Introduction: How can I know my claim to (have) faith is real? How important are works to my claim to (have) faith? Showing Faith by Works… …by Taming the Tongue, pt. 1 (James 3:1-5a) A Caution for Teachers: “Not many of you should become teachers…” (3:1) “…judged with greater strictness” (3:1) James’ Main Encouragement: “For we all stumble in many ways.” (3:2) “And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (3:2) “Those who reach a point in their life where they rarely stumble in their speech are mature indeed, because it is the epitome of maturity to have self-control even over that most difficult aspect of life to control. Thus, the point is not that a person who controls the tongue is totally and perfectly blameless, or that such a one has achieved total moral perfection. That would either contradict the previous clause (“we all stumble”) or be purely hypothetical (which does us no good). James’s meaning is that such a person has truly ‘grown up’ in faith, behaving in accordance with adulthood, in distinction from children, or childish adults who have yet to achieve self-mastery.” ~ Dan G. McCartney Illustrations: “…bits into the mouths of horses” (3:3) “Look at the ships also:” (3:4) “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” (3:5) Spiritual maturity develops through right response to trials, is enhanced by right response to the Word, and is evidenced by the right use of the tongue.