WISDOM OF SELF -CONTROL

TEXT: James 3:1, 4:6

MEMORY VERSE: ”The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy’  James 3:17

CENTRAL TRUTH: God ’s word requires believers to exercise self control

INTRODUCTION

Many people in today’s society have made seeking pleasure the goal of their lives. They feel this is their right. They will often ignore legal standards and strain close relationships in their efforts to fulfill their desires.

The attitudes of the world can creep into the church. Believers sometimes lose their focus on the mission of the church to evangelize and disciple people and begin to act in a self-centered. When this happens, conflict, division, and ungodliness begin to destroy individuals and churches.

This lesson reveals the importance of having self-control. For the believers self-control is not optional. God’s Word demands that believers allow the fruit of the Holy Spirit to control their lives.

As we look at this week’s lesson, let the Holy Spirit examine our lives. Perhaps we have allowed the attitudes of the world to creep in. Let God's word and the Holy Spirit provide the help we need to make sure our lives reflect the disciplined life of those who are followers of Jesus Christ.

l. CONTROL YOUR TONGUE: James 3:1 -12

We are enjoined to respect the tongue’s power and be mindful of the speech we make. James admonished believers about the responsibility that goes with being a master (KJV teacher, NlV) a person who uses his or her tongue to instruct others (James 3:1). Apparently some believers wanted to become teachers with authority and prestige. But with leadership also comes responsibility and accountability.

While all believers will be judged, God does require more from those who have a place of authority within the church. Having professed an understanding of God’s word, teachers are required to obey it. Also, teachers who teach God's word and later fall away bring harm to the body of Christ. ' " " .

Teachers are not the only ones who need to watch their lives. One way believers can sin is with their speech. The believer who controls his tongue; is “perfect” that is, spiritually mature and has control over other areas of life.

Conflicts often start with a minor disagreement. If this disagreement is not resolved in Christian love, heated words may erupt. As people take sides the division becomes worse,

sometimes people gossip to others and try to draw others into the conflict.

The Psalmist prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O Lord ” (Psalm 19:14). Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The only way we can control our speech is to make sure our hearts are right with God. Even when people say things against us, we can respond with a soft answer (Proverbs 15:1) only by allowing the peace of God to rule our lives (Col. 3:15), will this kind of cation take place.

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2. CONTROL YOUR ATTITUDE: James 3:13-18

Christian are called to avoid worldly wisdom and use godly wisdom. According to James, those who are wise exhibit their wisdom through their good conversation"(3:13) . The word “conversation" describes the total lifestyle of a person, not just his words. All that this wise person does because he has a good "conversation” way of life is to be done with “meekness” (KJV; “humility" NlV). Meekness includes the idea of gentleness. The term was used of horse to submits itself to the bit. it indicates strength under control. Those who are truly wise exercise self control over their total lifestyle through the spirit’s power.

The characteristics described in verses 13 16 come when we allow selfish motives and bitterness to control us. We must allow the Holy Spirit to examine us and cause His fruit to grow in us (Gal. 5:22.23).

In contrast to wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and devilish, James described a “wisdom that is from above" (James 3:17). In verse 18, James summed up the results of godly wisdom. Righteousness cannot be produced from seeds of bitterness and selfish pleasure. Righteousness grows where, there is peace. Those who love peace will work to create a place where peace can reign.

3. CONTROL YOUR DESIRES: James4: 16

Don't live for pleasure but ask God for grace to live for Him. Conflict IS a part of life. Not all conflict is wrong, though, sometimes conflict can help people work together to solve problems (Acts6: 17.)

Sometimes differing opinions are the basis for conflict. At times, personality differences can ‘ cause conflict. At other times, people may want their own way and are not willing to yield to the wishes of others

According to James, more serious conflicts “fights and quarrels (N IV) comes from sensual lusts or desires for pleasure (James 4:1-3). When wrong desires becomes the ruling force in our lives, it brings an inner conflict with our consciences. This warring within often makes people miserable and can cause them to strike out at others.

It is evident believers do not get what they want when they ask “amiss” (verse 3). They ask for themselves with wrong motives. They try to use God as the means to gratify their desires. God has promised to meet needs, but He will not provide so as person can squander His supply on selfish desires.

Some people will not admit that their selfish desires and seeking after pleasure can affect their relationship with God. But James stated that those who follow this lifestyle are guilty of spiritual adultery (James 4:4). Just as adultery can destroy one’s relationship with one's spouse, friendship with the world can destroy one’s relationship with Christ.

CONCLUSION
Having self-control is more than personal effort. As believers self-control begins when we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. The Holy Spirit will use God's word to discipline us and teach us the right way.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION 

1. Why do teachers have a greater responsibility?

2. In what ways can our speech destroy others?

3. How can believers ensure their speech builds up others?

4. How can believers avoid being influenced by worldly wisdom?

5. How can we tell if wisdom is from above?

6. Why does God sometimes not answer prayers?

7. Why is it dangerous for believers to follow after worldly pleasures? 
My name is Ubong Kingsley Nsini. I am a preacher in Bible Christian Evangelical Church Inc. I am called by God to preach His good news and to help other preachers spread the good news all over the world.

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