OBJECTIVE:

This lesson will teach the kids about how our speech can be helpful or harmful, and encourage them to use self-control and honor the Lord with their words.

Scripture Passage:

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight reign on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." - James 1:26 (memory verses)

"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

In the Word

Have you ever said something and then later wished you hadn't said it? Maybe it was something unkind, and it ruined a friendship, or perhaps you were disrespectful to your parents and got in trouble. The Bible says that our words can be dangerous. Once we say something, it's hard to take it back, which is why we must be very careful with out words.

Last week, we read 1 Timothy 4:12 and learned that even as young people, we can set an example for others of how God wants us to live. One way we can set that example is with our words.

The book of James tells us that our words are powerful. When we use them the right way, they can do great things. For example, we can tell the truth, encourage others, give thanks, worship God, and share about Jesus with others. But when we lie, complain, or use our words to hurt people, they can do a lot of damage.

James 1:26 compares our words to riding a horse. Horses are wild animals that like to run free and go wherever they please. When a person wants to ride a horse, they use reins to make sure the horse goes where the rider wants, not where the horse things is best. The same way, we need to let God and His Word control the things we say. If we aren't careful with our words, they can easily get us into trouble.

As believers, it is especially important to watch what we say. James tells us that we shouldn't call ourselves Christians if our words don't match our faith. We can't use our words to praise God on Sunday and then say things that are unkind to others the rest of the week. In fact, James 1:26 says that if we think that we are religious (which means that we are really holy and pleasing to God) but we can't control our tongue, we are lying to ourselves.

One of the biggest dangers we face in our words is speaking without thinking. When we get frustrated or things don't go our way, the first thing we want to say is usually not good. We can avoid a lot of trouble by simply stopping to think before we speak. When you want to say something, first ask yourself: is what I'm about to say true? Is it kind? Does it please God? If not, you probably shouldn't say it.

None of us will be perfect in our speech. We all have room to grow. But we should all make it our goal to remove sinful speech from our lives and use our mouths in a way that pleases the Lord. 

On the Court

  • When things don't go your way during the game, your first reaction might be to speak out of anger or frustration. Instead, use self-control, think before you speak, and make sure your words are pleasing to the Lord.
  • Use your words to encourage other players when they play well. 
  • Be sure to thank the coaches and refs after the game today.

Off the Court

  • It's easy to get in trouble when you talk without thinking. Before you speak, ask yourself if what you're about to say is true, kind, and honoring to God.
  • Don't complain to your parents. Instead, make it a point to thank them for what you have. 
  • Praising the Lord, praying, and telling others about Jesus are some of the best ways we can use our tongues. 

The Game Plan

  1. Review las week's memory verse, 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Give a ticket to any player who can recite it.
  2. Learn and memorize James 1:26 with your team. Encourage them to practice the verse over the week.
  3. Put an emphasis on the way your team speaks this week. Make sure that you honor the Lord with your words.