PROVEN: A Faith that's Prudent, Pracitcal, and Patient 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 (1:2-15) Responding to the Word (1:16-27) Holding faith in Jesus Christ in a way that’s consistent with true faith by: (2:1-26) Not showing partiality (2:1-13) Not diminishing works (2:14-26) Showing faith by works… …by taming the tongue (3:1-12) 3:1-5a The tongue has great potential for good. 3:5b-12 The tongue has great potential for evil. Introduction: Why is the tongue’s potential for evil so important? Because the tongue has potential for pure wickedness (vv. 5b-6) Because the tongue cannot be mastered apart from Christ (vv. 7-8) Because a double tongue is inconsistent with the believer’s new nature in Christ (vv. 9-12) What do your words reveal about your heart? How does your union with Christ change the way you speak about your trials and temptations?