Discussion 7 – The Tongue and the Eye
Pray
Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.
Review
Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?
Watch
Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.
Read
For each section of verse below: One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
Re-read
Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc.
Retell
One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build knowledge towards understanding and wisdom. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.
The Tongue: Unruly member
James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
- How is the ability to bridle one’s tongue tied to religion?
- How is it possible to deceive one’s own heart!
- Why is the ability to control one’s tongue important in our pursuit of holiness?
James 3:8
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
- What does scripture mean when it says the tongue is full of deadly poison?
- What makes the tongue an unruly evil?
- What makes the tongue difficult to tame?
- Is it possible to tame the tongue?
Matthew 15:18
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
- How does what we say reflect what is in our hearts?
- Is it possible to say something that doesn’t reflect what is in our hearts?
- How does what we say defile us?
- How can we ensure that what we say reflects our pursuit of holiness?
Talebearing/Gossip
Proverbs 26:20,22
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:
so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds,
and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
- How does the lack of a talebearer stop strife?
- What does it mean that the words of a talebearer are wounds that go down into the innermost parts of the belly?
- Describe a time when you have been the victim of a talebearer?
Psalms 101:5
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:
him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
- What does it mean to privily slander one’s neighbor?
- What would provoke someone to talk badly about another?
- What is a high look and a proud heart?
Proverbs 6:16,19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate:
yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
19 A false witness that speaketh lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren.
- How can knowing what the Lord hates help us in our pursuit of holiness?
- Describe a time you have witnessed the destruction caused by a false witness?
- What does it mean to sow discord?
The Importance of the Tongue
James 3:2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
- What does it mean that we offend all in many things?
- What is the benefit of not offending others with our words?
- How can being able to bridle our whole body benefit our pursuit of holiness?
Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
- How can we ensure our words are acceptable to God?
- What makes the meditation of our heart acceptable to God?
- How can acknowledging or personal relationship with God help in our pursuit of holiness?
Colossians 4:6
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
- What is the difference between speech with grace and speech without grace?
- What does it mean to season our speech with salt?
- How can knowing our audience impact how we speak to them?
The Eye: The Gate of the Soul
Psalms 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
- How can we protect our eyes from wicked things?
- What can we do to protect ourselves from others who partake in evil?
- How can controlling what our eyes see guide our pursuit of holiness?
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
- Can something appear evil but not actually be evil?
- How can we be more aware of the appearance of evil?
- How can associating ourselves with the appearance of evil hinder our pursuit of holiness?
Matthew 6:22-23
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
- What does it mean for our eye to be “single?”
- How can we make sure our bodies are full of light?
- What might be some characteristics of the light in us that is actually darkness?
- How can we we differentiate between the true light and light that is actually darkness?
Isaiah 33:15-16
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly;
he that despiseth the gain of oppressions,
that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes,
that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood,
and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
He shall dwell on high:
his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks:
bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
- What are the benefits of walking righteously?
- What are some characteristics of upright speech?
- What steps can we take to protect our eyes and ears from evil?
- In what ways will this lesson impact your pursuit of holiness?
Next Week: Pursuing Holiness – Lesson 8- The Temple of the Holy Spirit
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