James 3 Series

Opener:

Well Good Morning Church! We are so excited that you have decided to join us here this morning. What a blessing to be here worshiping the Lord together!

Those that are watching online, Welcome, we are so happy that you have joined us here this morning and those that are watching the replay!

We are continuing our sermon series in the book of James here this morning. During our first installment of the series, we learned that James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote this book to the twelve tribes of Israel that were scattered around. Duly noted, this book was the first written in the New Testament. We learned that through our trials and tribulation, we are called to count it all joy. We talked about how we are called to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Last week, we talked about James Chapter two. We talked about that as believers; we are not to show partiality towards others. This partiality or favoritism in the eyes of God is a sin. We talked about having an active faith in the Lord and that this faith saves us from the enemy. We talked about how walking by faith will cause us to produce good works in our lives.

This morning, we are talking about James chapter three. James chapter three opens with a warning. It warns that not many should be teachers as teachers shall be held to a higher standard and will be judged more strictly.

James further goes on to talk about the power of words.

American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent and evil they become in the hands of someone who knows how to combine them.”

Yes, words can be evil and destructive. Honestly, if you’ve ever lived through the Junior High years you know just how true this is. But words can also be life giving, creative, and wonderful. Simply think for a moment about a time when someone spoke encouraging and life-giving words to you. Wasn’t it absolutely amazing!?!

In fact, we know from the book of Genesis that God literally spoke the world into existence. And Psalm 33:9 says, “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” Words are powerful! Words have meaning. An ill-timed or perfectly timed word spoken to another can impact them for their entire lives. Think about that for a moment… You can change the trajectory of another person’s life, simply by the way you speak to them.

I. Warning to Leaders

A. Not many teachers

a. If you have your bibles, turn with me to James Chapter three starting in verse one: James 3:1-4 (NKJV) My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

b. This particular text is a warning to church leaders. It is a warning for pastors, missionaries and those that preach the Word of God.

c. Those that are teaching God’s Word must know that this is a great responsibility and they will be held to a higher standard.

d. Therefore, take this responsibility seriously, one with a Godly fear.

e. James is acknowledging just how serious the situation is by revealing the weight of that responsibility he or she carries.

B. Practical examples

a. James goes on to give three practical examples (Verses 3-5) about how something large and powerful is controlled by a comparably tiny thing.

b. A horse’s bit, the rudder of a ship, and even a small fire are all used to make a big point. All of these things are ultimately under the control/will of something else.

c. It’s a good reminder that we do have a role to play in all this—we have a responsibility over our words, our tongues, and the choice to use them for profit or destruction in the kingdom.

d. And what is the potential for disaster here? Why is this such a big deal? Just read verse 3:6 and think about all the ways the tongue is described in one verse:

i. Is a fire

ii. A world of unrighteousness

iii. Set among our members (All the “members” of our bodies)

iv. Staining the whole body - This one member has the ability to stain and pollute all other members of the body.