The Power Of The Tongue Series

Sermon Series-“Not Your Favorite Sermons”

Message #1--"POWER OF THE TONGUE!"

TEXT: James 3:1-12-My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 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. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

INTRODUCTION: Imagine a weapon so powerful that it makes the atom bomb look like a toy! This weapon has the potential to literally bring anguish into the life of every human being on the planet ... but without necessarily destroying them physically. This weapon could however, produce scars that last a lifetime ... scars that may never heal properly. This weapon is available to the poorest as well as the richest of nations ... in fact, even individuals have access to this weapon ... there are few laws against the possession or use of this weapon. No weapon that now exists, or will exist, will have the deadly potential of this ancient weapon ... it is as old as man himself ... the weapon is THE TONGUE!

TRANSITIONAL STATEMENT: The Bible teaches us that our tongue has great power ... to heal or to destroy, to bless or to curse ... we are to be wise in the use of this member of our body ... it can bring pain or pleasure ... it's all in how it is used!

"I have often regretted my speech, never my silence." (Publius, a Greek sage)

I. TONGUE'S POWER

James 3:1-5-My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 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. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things;

A. Historical James 3:1

1. Speech is an awesome and powerful ability ... it is in this sense that James cautions those who would desire to be a speaker ... or a teacher.

a. Words can have such great power, for this reason there comes with speech great responsibilities!

b. Those who speak to others will be held to a higher accountability by God!

2. Why such a warning ... how can language be so powerful as to warrant this warning?

a. Think about history and some of the great movements of this planet:

(1. Nebuchadnezzar boasted with words on how wonderful and strong he was ... he became like an animal for 7 years from such boastful words!

(2. Alexander the Great spoke such bold words also ... and almost conquered the world ... yet he died a young man.

(3. Napoleon Bonaparte motivated great armies ... but lost in the end.

(4. Hitler mesmerized an entire people by his speeches ... and convinced huge crowds to commit horrible crimes against humanity!

(5. Winston Churchill inspired a ravaged Britton to keep fighting ... until victory!

(6. John F. Kennedy moved the USA by his speeches and vision!

(7. No words have moved this planet however like the LIVING WORD ... "THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH" ... this truly speaks of the power of the tongue!