Series: Jesus’ Half Brother- James [#6]
WHEN I SPEAK…
James 3:1-12
Introduction:
Have you ever squeezed too much toothpaste out of the tube and then tried to put it back? It’s impossible to put it back. The words we speak are the same. Once you have said it, it is said. You can't put the words back in your mouth any more than you can squeeze toothpaste back into the tube. That is why we need to be very careful about the things we say. The Bible says, "He who holds his tongue is wise."
“Big ears”, “Dumbo”, “Mickey Mouse”- Were just a few of the names that I was called growing up. When I was a 2nd grader, I tried to tape my ears down. Every time I would come home crying about the names I was called, my mom would say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones; but words will never hurt me”. My mom has told me many things that are correct; but this one is a lie. Words can hurt. The Bible says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword." Our words can cut like a knife. They can hurt others. We all know that God hears every word we say, and he knows every thought we have in our mind. It is very important for us to be careful about the things we think and say.
James 1:26-27
1. When I speak what do others learn?
When I speak…
* Do they learn that I’m real in my religion or I’m a fraud?
Are you an open book for the ways of Jesus or the Devil? Do you practice what you preach?
James 3:1
When I speak…
* Do they learn about Jesus Christ?
Your words teach others about who matters most in your life. There is a caution given here to teachers. Be careful what you say because you will be judged more strictly. Which statement best fits your life- People come to me when they want to hear about Jesus or people come to me when they want to hear about someone else?
James 3:2-4
When I speak…
* What do they learn about my priorities?
Your words show what matters most to you. What you think about and talk about all the time control you. Are you controlled by things of God or of the world? People can tell by your conversations.
James 3:5-6
2. When I speak what happens to others?
When I speak…
* Do others get burned?
James 3:7-8
When I speak…
* Do others get poisoned?
James 3:9-12
When I speak…
* Do others get confused?
Conclusion:
Apparently, people can tell a lot about you from the words that come out of your mouth. What do your words say about you?
