Sunday School Lesson
June 12
Lesson 2 (KJV)
GOD FORETELLS REDEMPTION
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 49:1–17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:1–17
ISAIAH 49:1–13
1. Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
2. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
3. And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
4. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.
5. And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
6. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
7. Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
8. Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
9. That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
10. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
11. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
12. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
13. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
KEY TEXT
Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages.—Isaiah 49:8
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify the servant.
2. Describe the function of the text as part of Isaiah’s “Servant Songs.”
3. Identify one way to be a better servant of the servant.
HOW TO SAY IT
Babylon
Bab-uh-lun.
Gentiles
Jen-tiles.
Isaiah
Eye-zay-uh.
Sinim
Sin-ihm.
Introduction
A. The Right Time
Young people are constantly in a state of impatiently waiting for “the right time,” which often feels like it will never come. They wait with eager anticipation for the day they can attain a learner’s permit as a step to having a driver’s license and maybe even a car. This taste of freedom may also come with new responsibilities as the new driver begins working and paying for gas and insurance. High school graduation looms large—and with it the need to successfully complete entrance exams, essays, and other prerequisites to begin college, trade school, or a chosen profession. Awaiting the right time (and the right person) to marry is also a source of anxious waiting. In all, young people desire to have the independence and freedom of adults—although whether they still want that when they also receive the responsibilities is open to debate!
Israel was also waiting impatiently, waiting for God to act (1 Peter 1:10–13). And while their freedom in Him would certainly come with responsibilities, that day would also be one of great joy. All this would be accomplished through one servant eager to do God’s will.
B. Lesson Context
In the book of Isaiah, there are four poems about the Messiah (Isaiah 42:1–9; 49:1–7; 50:4–9 [or through 50:11]; and 52:13–53:12). They are called “Servant Poems” or “Servant Songs.” A fifth passage, Isaiah 61:1–4, is sometimes added to the list because its content is very similar to the others, even though the word servant is not used in it. Our text today is from the second Servant Song. It is more than a poem about a servant. It is a prophecy about the work of Jesus, the Messiah. It is He who is the servant in the Servant Poems.
This Servant Song begins and ends with an appeal, not only to Israel but also to the nations of the world. The last three verses of Isaiah 48 exhort the people to flee from Babylon, and assurance is given that God will care for them as they travel. What’s next?
I. Identity of the Servant
(ISAIAH 49:1–5)
A. Called by God (vv. 1–3)
1a. Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far.
The speaker—the servant—is not yet identified (see Isaiah 49:3, below). The exhortation to listen is a necessary precursor to receiving any news (example: Exodus 23:21–22). Though hearken means the same, their use together emphasizes that just hearing words will not be enough; the information must be believed and acted on. Without appropriate action, the act of listening remains unfulfilled. Isles and ye people refer first to scattered Israel but also to nations that are outside of God’s covenant people.
1b. The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
What could give a person more confidence in a calling than to know the Lord hath called … from the womb? God’s plan is not haphazard or slapdash; it’s not being made up as humanity progresses, without an end in God’s mind. Rather, God knows His intentions for the servant even before his mother was aware she was pregnant (see Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21)!
Shakespeare asked, “What’s in a name?” In the case of this servant, quite a lot! More important than revealing the name itself is the fact that God made mention of it. We’ve all experienced greeting someone who has clearly forgotten our name. It’s not an unforgivable error, but it can have the effect of making the unnamed person feel unknown, anonymous. But God knows each of our names, and He cares about each of us personally, intimately, in ways that are not possible for unnamed masses.
2a. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword.
In context, the sharp sword in a prophet’s mouth likely refers to the words God calls His servant to speak prophetically. God imbues these words with authority (see Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). Although Jesus’ words bring peace when accepted, they also act to divide the righteous from the unrighteous (Matthew 10:34–39).
2b. In the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me.
The shadow of God—whether his hand or His wings—is one way to speak of the safety of being in God’s care (examples: Psalms 63:7; 91:1; Isaiah 51:16). Like a polished shaft God kept the servant safe and at the ready so that when his task came, the servant would be perfectly able to accomplish his work. In conjunction with the image of the sword, this implies judgment to those who do not accept the words the servant speaks.
SOME POLISHING NEEDED
I was already serving in my first full-time ministry when I realized I didn’t know everything. One of the elders, Arnie, was a man of great wisdom and patience. When frustrated by a problem or perplexed by a church member, I went to Arnie for counsel. He would calmly help me look more deeply (and more graciously) at the people I was called to serve. While I had seen myself as an arrow aimed at the target of truth, there was still much work to be done so I could fly true. Arnie was one person who polished and prepared me to faithfully answer God’s call.
Isaiah spoke of the servant’s preparation. For 30 years Jesus was on the path toward the cross. When the time came, Jesus stayed true to His purpose and the Father’s will. The empty tomb proves that Jesus’ preparation had been complete. Who (or what) is preparing you to remain true to God’s will?
—C. R. B.
3. And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
The Lord names the speaker His servant (see Lesson Context). A few explanations can be given for why Israel is named. One view is that Jesus is the true Israel, and this is simply a figure of speech. Because Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan to bless all nations (Genesis 12:1–3), He represents the pinnacle of all the nation of Israel was meant to be. Another possibility is that God does speak here to the nation as the people in whom I will be glorified. If this is this case, then Israel would be fulfilled in the church, which has taken up Israel’s spiritual mantel and carried the good news of the Messiah into all the world. And because the church is Christ’s body, empowered by the Spirit, ultimately the servant really is Jesus.
B. Confident in God (vv. 4–5)
4. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.
Is there any more discouraging feeling than to look at one’s work and feel that you have laboured in vain? Because God’s definition of success is not a conventional, earthly definition, faithful servants can be discouraged. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed what God wanted him to say (2 Chronicles 36:12). But from a human standpoint he failed—because Judah did not repent and went into captivity, and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians (36:15–21).
Jesus also experienced discouragement: when the disciples experienced fear in place of faith (examples: Matthew 8:26; Luke 12:28), when His friends fled and betrayed Him (Mark 14:43–72), and when He hung on a brutal cross to die in excruciating pain (Matthew 27:46; see Psalm 22). But Jesus had even more reason than Jeremiah for confidence that His work and the judgment of His work were in God’s hands. Human understandings of Jesus’ work were nothing compared to knowing that the Father would reward His Son for His faithful ministry and sacrifice.
What Do You Think?
How will you keep your eyes on the big picture of God’s plan during times of disappointment?
Digging Deeper
What biblical promises regarding God’s plans for the future help keep you focused?
5. And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
The womb recalls Isaiah 49:1b, while the servant’s future glory points back to 49:3. This repetition is one way Isaiah expressed the confidence the servant would feel; repetition of this nature is typical in Hebrew poetry. My God shall be my strength represents a reversal of 49:4. Whereas the servant had felt that his strength was wasted, with God that strength would be renewed and sustained (Isaiah 12:2; 33:2; 40:29–31; etc.).
In this verse the words Jacob and Israel are used interchangeably, as they were in the book of Genesis. Sometimes the word Israel in the book of Isaiah means only the northern kingdom of that name, as distinct from the southern kingdom of Judah. At other times, however, the word Israel refers to all the Jewish people in both northern and southern kingdoms together. At this time the servant could only anticipate gathering Israel together, and its redemption would glorify God’s name.
II. The Lord’s Plan
(ISAIAH 49:6–13)
A. Call to All (vv. 6–7)
6a. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel.
The last verses of the printed text primarily concern a gathering of God’s people, but which one? Some scholars see this passage as further comments about the return from Babylon that took place after Persia’s Cyrus the Great captured Babylon. Others think that the reference to the Gentiles in Isaiah 49:6b (below) is a strong reason to interpret it as referring to believers around the world who come to Christ during the church age. A third option is that this is a prophecy about a return of Jews to Israel in the millennium that is still in the future. These differences may be matters for discussion, but they should not evolve into dissension and division. The main thing is to remember that from Isaiah’s perspective this is a prophecy involving the servant of the Lord. The fulfillment is certain.
Nothing in the history of the tribes of Jacob suggests that restoring the people would be a light thing. The people struggled with faithfulness throughout their days in Egypt, the wilderness, and the promised land. Indeed, though Israel had been a united nation, idolatry contributed to their fracturing into the northern 10 tribes and southern 2. The way God speaks to the servant here suggests that not only Judah would be restored, but all the tribes. The 10 had been lost in Assyria or assimilated into people later called Samaritans for generations by this point. This was a huge task, easy only for the Lord to accomplish.
6b. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
The affirmation is made that the Lord’s plan was for the message of redemption in Christ to include Gentiles as well as the Jews (see Isaiah 49:3, above; also lesson 4). Paul and Barnabas cited this verse as a justification for their decision to turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46). Later Paul would write in Romans 1:16 that the gospel was to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles. This salvation has a far reach, including the entire earth.
What Do You Think?
How do you participate in extending to the world the invitation to experience God’s blessings?
Digging Deeper
What changes could you make to more faithfully carry out the gospel mission or to amplify the good work you are already doing?
THE MOST SEGREGATED HOUR?
Is 11:00 am on Sunday morning still “the most segregated hour of the week” in the United States? When my wife and I moved to a new city, we searched for a congregation that would reflect the racial and ethnic makeup of the diverse community we were joining. And we found it! The American church is making progress.
In Israel’s day there was a different kind of “us vs. them” spirit. Israel was to be careful not to mix pagan Gentile practice with the proper worship of the Lord. But that situation would also have made it difficult for Israel to comprehend that the Lord wanted the Gentiles to come to Him.
Isaiah said that the Messiah—the Servant—and His people would bring a saving light to all the peoples of the world, uniting them under the banner of the gospel. Jesus did His part to bring humanity together. We can do more toward completing the task. What, specifically, do you need to start doing in order to honor our task?
—C. R. B.
7a. Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers.
What the Lord does flows from His character, and the titles attributed to God result from His actions. The Redeemer of Israel acted to free the people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6:6; 15:13; etc.). God chose Israel as His special people, but whether they acted in holiness or not, God remained the Holy One (2 Kings 19:22).
God’s titles here emphasize His power and majesty, fidelity to His promises, and His sole claim of holiness. This is the Lord who addressed one whom man despiseth and the nation abhorreth. Being rejected by so many could make the servant wonder if God had also rejected him.
7b. Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
Effectively, the rejection of “man [and] nation” (Isaiah 49:7a) is here dismissed. Both kings and princes will heed the servant’s words. As with any success in ministry, it is not based on the charisma or magnetism or leadership qualities of the preacher or missionary. Success is not the result of ironclad apologetics or perfect servant ministry. The reason people respond with worship when hearing the gospel is because the Lord … is faithful.
B. Day of Salvation (vv. 8–12)
8. Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages.
The acceptable time and day of salvation are parallel terms here. Both denote the time when God would hear His people and act again on their behalf. In the short term, this would be seen in the people’s return from Babylon. Ultimately, however, this day is fulfilled in Jesus. Paul quoted this assertion in 2 Corinthians 6:2 in reference to a person’s accepting the invitation of salvation in Christ. There is no bad time to accept the gift of salvation!
The promise is primarily to the servant, but it extends beyond that to include a covenant of the people. Though we might expect this was a promise made with Israel, context suggests instead that the nations are intended here. God would work in them to bring about His promise of restoring the people. To establish the earth and to cause to inherit the desolate heritages once again should be read as parallel terms. This promise recalls the land distributions made by Joshua after Israel had completed the basic conquest of the land (Joshua 14:1). Judah had been left bereft after the exiles went to Babylon, but all that land would be reassigned and renewed.
9a. That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves.
This concept directly relates to God’s role as redeemer (see Isaiah 49:7a, above). The imagery continues the idea that those who are oppressed or in darkness may shed their fears because God has chosen to rescue them (9:2).
9b. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
The imagery from here through Isaiah 49:11 (below) is of herds coming home. A shepherd would expect to find greener pastures in valleys, near flowing streams of waters. But the abundance God promises through the servant is so great that vegetation would grow even beside the busiest of ways and in all high places that otherwise might be desolate, rocky, and too harsh for pastureland. This last phrase is also noteworthy because idolatry was frequently associated with high places (examples: Leviticus 26:30; Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 12:2). But God’s promise is that His own faithful people will be able to eat safely in places that had previously been polluted by idolatrous practices. The entire creation is God’s, and He will reclaim it from the evil that has invaded it.
10. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
It’s easy to read these promises from a spiritual point of view, assuming that hunger and thirst are metaphors for the longing for God. Isaiah’s original audience, however, would have looked forward to security against scarcity, especially following exile in Babylon. Protection from heat and sun might suggest that the people would not need to work through the noon hour, when conditions like heatstroke are more likely to occur. And there would be no search for water because the servant guides them by the springs of water (compare Psalm 23). Keeping with the imagery of herds returning home, there would be plenty to graze on and the heat would not sap their energy. Water would run plentifully.
Jesus fulfilled this verse both literally and figuratively (Luke 4:16–21; John 6:35). His encounter with the Samaritan woman speaks to His power over spiritual thirst (4:10, 13–14). And one need only look to the feeding of the 5,000 to realize that Jesus is more than capable of alleviating hunger (Matthew 14:13–21).
What Do You Think?
What relationship do you see between having your physical and your spiritual needs met?
Digging Deeper
What encourages you to trust in God even when you feel you lack what you need?
11. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
A traveler approaching a mountain in ancient times had three options: go over it, go around it, or turn around. Going over might be the most direct route, but all sorts of dangers are found on the heights. But when the servant led the people, even in the mountains there would be a safe way across. The highways here likely refer to desert roads that would have been sunken; raising them made them less treacherous to follow.
12. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
Two directions are given as starting points for the pilgrims who make this journey from far. This could imply the return of the 10 tribes of Israel that disappeared north into Assyria and the arrival of Gentiles from the Mediterranean to the west. The exiles in Babylon would return from the east. The land of Sinim could refer to a country even further east than Babylon. But more likely it refers to land near the southern border of Egypt, as suggested by a copy of Isaiah found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. So by explicit citation and by implication, all directions are covered; people will come from everywhere.
C. Call to Joy (v. 13)
13. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
Sing, be joyful, and break forth into singing are parallel terms here. The repetition once again emphasizes that joyful song is the correct impulse following God’s works. In Hebrew thinking, the sky contained several layers of heavens (Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27; etc.). These heavens rested on the mountains as a ceiling is supported by firm pillars; the earth sat beneath. Isaiah calls all creation to enter into praise when the Lord announces His intentions to comfort his people and have mercy upon his afflicted. Paul picks up this theme, declaring that creation still suffers until God’s people are revealed (Romans 8:18–22).
What Do You Think?
What role does worship in song have in your personal devotional time?
Digging Deeper
How can God’s creation inspire you to worship, even if you find yourself away from nature?
Conclusion
A. Speak and Sing
At the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to offer salvation to all who accept Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 5:6–8; Galatians 4:4–5). The call is to those who are in our families and communities and also in far distant villages we will never visit or even know exist. Our responsibility in the time of salvation is twofold: to proclaim the good news to all (Matthew 28:18–20) and to worship God with all creation. We are comforted, and we experience mercy. Therefore sing to God! And spread the good news throughout the earth.
What Do You Think?
What in today’s lesson encouraged you? How will you share that encouragement?
Digging Deeper
What challenged you? How will you meet that challenge in the week ahead?
B. Prayer
Lord, thank You for Isaiah’s prophecies and the ways that Your Son, Jesus, fulfilled them. Make us people who call captives to freedom in Christ and whose faith in His care is unwavering. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
The day of salvation is now!
June 19
Lesson 3 (KJV)
GOD’S PEOPLE SHALL PROSPER
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 49:18–23
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:18–26
ISAIAH 49:18–23
18. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.
19. For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
20. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.
21. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?
22. Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
KEY TEXT
Thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.—Isaiah 49:23
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List one or more ways by which people will know that God is the Lord.
2. Tell how the meanings of one or more lines of the text are clarified by a parallel thought (s) that follows.
3. Identify and correct a personal misperception of what it means to “prosper” in a biblical sense.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Reversal of Fortune
B. Lesson Context: Historical
C. Lesson Context: Literary
I. Promise of Restoration (Isaiah 49:18–21)
A. Ornamentation (vv. 18–20)
Desolation and Ruin
B. Disorientation (v. 21)
II. Explanation of Restoration (Isaiah 49:22–23)
A. Foreigners Called (vv. 22–23a)
B. Hopeful, Not Shamed (v. 23b)
Numble Pie
Conclusion
A. Change of Address
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Artaxerxes
Are-tuh-zerk-seez.
Babylon
Bab-uh-lun.
Belshazzar
Bel-shazz-er.
Cyrus
Sigh-russ.
Darius
Duh-rye-us.
Diaspora
Dee-as-puh-ruh.
Ezra
Ez-ruh.
Gentiles
Jen-tiles.
Isaiah
Eye-zay-uh.
Jeremiah
Jair-uh-my-uh.
Jerusalem
Juh-roo-suh-lem.
Judah
Joo-duh.
Medes
Meeds.
Micah
My-kuh.
Nabonidus
Nab-uh-nye-dus.
Persians
Per-zhens.
Zion
Zi-un.
KID’S CORNER
Words Unlike the Worldly
Sunday, June 12, 2022
James 3:1-12
James 3:1-12
(James 3:1) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
The crowds evaluated Jesus’ teaching and declared that He taught with authority. Yet, His enemies tried to entrap Jesus as a teacher with various questions, and at one point Jesus said His teaching was wiser and greater than King Solomon’s teaching. In Luke 11:31, we read these words of Jesus, “The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here!”
God condemns false prophets and teachers because they can mislead people away from God and the truth and into believing and practicing evil. After they begin practicing evil, they can influence their families, friends, and neighbors to practice evil also. Those who teach will be tested and evaluated more strictly than others, because teachers have more influence over more people than those who do not teach. Teachers must live according to what they teach or be judged hypocrites. Jesus warned His disciples to beware the “teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:12). Jesus also warned the Pharisees, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them” (Matthew 23:13).
(James 3:2) For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
People can make mistakes that are unintentional errors in facts and judgments; these mistakes are not sins, but these mistakes can lead others into sin. Some intended “mistakes” are the result of sinful behavior and thinking, and they can cause much harm. Some mistakes are unintentional and made because people have limited abilities and foresight, but they can still cause harm. Someone may mistakenly think they are saying one thing when something else comes out of their mouth instead. Though mistaken statements may not be sinful, they may still cause harm or mislead someone. Only God speaks and acts perfectly all the time. Jesus Christ is our example of perfect speaking and acting. The Holy Spirit can help people understand the Scriptures and influence them to say and do much good. What we say is the most difficult part of our lives to control. It is easier to obey any one of the Ten Commandments than to speak perfectly or speak without sin all the time. We can move our tongues so easily and quickly, too easily and quickly. Therefore, as Christians, whenever we teach or give advice, we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to help us do so without making any mistakes. And if we do make a mistake that the Holy Spirit would delete that mistake from the minds of our listeners (or readers) or help us correct our mistakes as quickly as possible and ask forgiveness.
(James 3:3) Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
James used an illustration familiar to those who received his letter. They knew how riders or chariot drivers put bits in the mouths of their horses to lead them. If believers can always keep their mouths perfectly in check, they also have the power to choose how to use their bodies, because keeping their mouths perfectly in check is far more difficult than controlling their bodies. People can often keep their bodies out of trouble by keeping their mouths shut. We need to pray and ask God to put a figurative bit in our mouths to guide our thoughts. words and deeds.
(James 3:4) Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
Today, someone might illustrate James’s teaching by comparing the tongue to the small steering wheel of a car or bus. The driver can use that small wheel to take people wherever he wants them to go by turning it. Small things can create or move big things. Small deeds can bring big results. Small short words can work great good or great evil. We need to pray and ask God to pilot our lives and our mouths and guide us where He wills. We need to pray that God will help us “will that we will always and only do the will of God.” Our study of the Bible enables us to learn the perfect will of God for everyone, and we can pray that the Holy Spirit will help us apply the Bible’s teachings every day in every way.
(James 3:5) So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
Some people use their tongues to brag or tell lies about themselves and their accomplishments. Some teachers may use their tongues to prove they are better or smarter than others (especially their students). Small boasts can lead to big problems, especially when one places their trust in someone who has misrepresented their abilities and experience. For example, a surgeon who tries to perform surgery with a falsified medical license can do great damage and even murder their patient. A “small” lie can lead to a “big” deception that creates great harm as it misleads many. The devil can manipulate a false prophet and enable them to perform great exploits in order to mislead those who believe their teachings.
(James 3:6) And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
James wrote about what can happen when someone does not carefully control what they say. Even if they try to prayerfully control what they say, they can speak mistakenly or angrily and set events in motion that far exceed what was actually or originally said or intended. Evil people can say or do things to believers that can influence them to say something that stains them and creates a cycle or escalation of sinful words and actions.
(James 3:7) For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
Both domestic and wild animals have been tamed by human beings, and God gave human beings dominion over all the animals. In Genesis 1:26, we read, “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’” People have often watched amazed when some animals have responded to their trainers in ways thought impossible; but these trained “animal acts” are easier to achieve that the taming of a human tongue.
(James 3:8) But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
Only God can tame the human tongue; however, God will only do so when we place ourselves under His dominion as our Lord and Savior. Apart from God’s help, a person cannot tame their tongue, and with their mouths they will say evil or hurtful words even unintentionally sometimes. Goodhearted people will sometimes say destructive words in the heat of flaming anger, and it can poison a relationship forever. James wanted to impress upon believers how important it is to guard our emotions, emotional responses, and emotional words for they can do so much harm.
(James 3:9) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
James wrote to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Though made in the likeness of God, human beings have not perfectly obeyed God. In this life, even believers in the Lord Jesus Christ do not live and speak perfectly. Even though believers do not speak perfectly, and know they do not, they cannot use their human imperfections as excuses for not changing or for not trying to change—with the help of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and reading the Scriptures. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ may bless God with their prayers, songs of praise, and worship. Unhappily, they may also misuse their tongues to gossip and say things about others that are evil or untrue. Believers who have been wronged by others can also sin by cursing them instead of praying for those who have wronged them to change and do right. In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus commanded, “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
(James 3:10) from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Believers ought not to both bless and curse. Because they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, Jesus can guard their mouths if they let Him. Christians should aim to bless everyone. Cursing shows a lack of maturity or self-control. Some who claim to be Christians take the name of the Lord in vain, and they must strive to overcome this evil habit, even if those around them do not refrain from misusing Jesus’ name.
(James 3:11) Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
Naturally, a single stream from a single source cannot pour forth two different types of water at the same time from that single source. Water can begin to flow fresh and clean, but that water can become polluted as it flows downstream. At the source, pure water is not polluted. Likewise, Christians should not both bless and curse. If their hearts are right with God, they will not curse others but always strive to bless them.
When the Holy Spirit comes to live within the heart of a believer in Jesus Christ, pure speech and a pure life pours forth from the Holy Spirit. However, if a believer is not careful their thoughts, words, and actions can become polluted with impurities they have added to their beliefs and thoughts or errors they have learned from others. We must pray and ask the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts (including our thoughts and choices) pure. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus promised, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
In 2 Timothy 2:22-26, Paul wrote: “Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”
(James 3:12) Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
James once again appealed to people’s commonsense or ability to reason when he wrote to encourage Christians to control themselves or put themselves prayerfully under the control of the Holy Spirit so they will understand and behave according to the Scriptures. People reap what they sow. Grapevines produce grapes, not figs. Adding salt to water will not make the water fresh. Believers need to pray for God’s grace to help them not add anything that is impure to their lives and to resist any temptations to do so.
Words Unlike the Worldly
Sunday, June 12, 2022
James 3:1-12
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:9-10— KJV).
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way (James 3:9-10—NASB).
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” (James 3:9-10— NRSV).
James wanted Christians to not only say they were Christians but also live like Christians. One way to live like a true Christians is to be careful how we use our tongue. We will all make mistakes with our tongue from time to time. But making mistakes as a true Christian is far different from using our tongue as those of this world use their tongue—as a weapon to destroy others in a variety of ways. Think of the damage done in the world by those of this world who do not use their tongue as James says Christians should use their tongue. Think of the damage done by those in places of worldly influence who tell lies whenever it suits their purposes. Think of the damage done by those who defame the character of others or mock others. When they attack someone with their tongue, they sometimes hope others will not think about any ideas other than their own. Some simply hate those who differ from them. Those of this world do not praise God; instead, they curse those who do not agree with them. A Christian should never be seen as just another worldly person who curses or uses God’s name to manipulate others. Everyone is made in the likeness or image of God; therefore, Christians need to treat people with the respect that Jesus showed others. Think: If Jesus would not say it, we should not say it.
Thinking Further
Words Unlike the Worldly
Sunday, June 12, 2022
James 3:1-12
Name ___________________________________
1. What reason did James give when he advised that not many believers should become teachers?
2. Name two things that James compared the tongue to that his readers would understand?
3. Where you live today, name two things that you might compare the tongue to that people should understand?
4. How can the tongue be compared to a small fire started in a forest?
5. How can the Holy Spirit make a difference in a Christian’s life?
Discussion
1.What reason did James give when he advised that not many believers should become teachers?
Teachers will be judged with greater strictness and we all make mistakes.
2. Name two things that James compared the tongue to that his readers would understand?
James compared the tongue to the bit in a horse’s mouth and the small rudder on a ship that directs the horse and the ship. The tongue may be compared to a steering wheel on a car, bus, or truck that steers moving vehicles. If we used the tongue, the bit, the rudder, and the steering wheel rightly much good could be accomplished and much evil prevented.
3. Where you live today, name two things that you might compare the tongue to that people should understand?
Some “small” statement that is evil or unjust can spread and harm many people, just as a small fire can get out of control and burn down an entire forest. The tongue could be compared to a cellphone or a smartphone that is small but can spread people’s thoughts and words around the world.
4. How can the tongue be compared to a small fire started in a forest?
One person can neglect to put out a campfire or throw down a match and that fire, if not put out quickly, can burn down many square miles of forest, homes, businesses, and towns. It can kill plants, wildlife, ruin the habitation for wildlife, and kill people (even those trying to put out the fire). The tongue can do untold damage and must be quickly corrected.
5. How can the Holy Spirit make a difference in a Christian’s life?
The Holy Spirit can help us think God’s thoughts as we read the Bible, and the Holy Spirit can slow down our speech and help us not get angry when provoked so we do not misuse our tongues. I am sure you can think of other ways too.
Word Search
Words Unlike the Worldly
Sunday, June 12, 2022
James 3:1-12
Name _________________________________
X E L S T S A O B V C T P Q S
J G D F M Y J Y T D X Q J U W
N C M I R F T W N V W U S I P
W D U A U I A Z E F D E K L D
X S R N U G T L A G J L V Y O
G S A Q P Y D K E U M A G E D
A E I B E I D V G D Y L C J R
Y N S F R F K O Y W C O N L T
I T E B S O P I B I B Y M J C
R C K D S E Q K R E D D U R E
P I A B E U R V Y H T N Y D F
A R T K L G C P K L D J Z H R
Z T S F B N R E H C A E T V E
H S I Z K O A M G P Z N D M P
F X M T J T P T W E M A T H Z
Teacher
Judge
Strictness
Mistakes
Perfect
Body
Bridle
Obey
Guide
Rudder
Tongue
Boasts
Iniquity
Tame
Bless
True and False Test
Words Unlike the Worldly
Sunday, June 12, 2022
James 3:1-12
Name _________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Whenever you teach, people always accept and believe all you say without criticism; the same with all teachers. True or False
2. A lot of people speak perfectly and never make a mistake. True or False
3. All of us make many mistakes. True or False
4. It takes a big rudder to guide a small boat. True or False
5. Christians should use every opportunity to boast about their achievements for fear no one else will. True or False
6. How we speak can do great damage, but our speech can also do much good. True or False
7. James wrote that no one can tame the tongue, and he described the tongue as a restless evil, full of deadly poison. True or False
8. Christians should use their tongues to bless the Lord Jesus Christ and their Heavenly Father. True or False
9. People are made in the image of God; therefore, a Christian should not curse anyone. True or False
10. Our mouths should speak only pure thoughts that the Lord Jesus can bless. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True