Help Wanted: Relationship or Religion Series #3
Taming the tongue and putting it on fire for God
James chapter 3:1-10
Good morning everyone, glad to have you join us.
Please turn to James chapter 3:1-10.
We have been in a series on relationships vs. religion.
We have looked at what the difference of relationship with the Lord and religion is.
We have looked at the difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom.
Last week we looked at ourselves and found wither or not we were listeners or talkers. One who listens well or waits for an opportunity to talk.
We need these things to be shown to us because the world view and God’s view of everything is different.
This morning, we want to look at one of the smallest parts of the human body the tongue.
James chapter 3:1-10 Read from bible
James begins with a simple statement of truth- Those that teach the word of God will be held to a high standard. Because we have influence in those listening, we will be held to account for what we say to them.
Matthew 23 has seven woes that Jesus speaks to us and others. It is red letter addition, meaning these are the words of Jesus Himself and should be words that we are writing down for us to remember. Remember last week, take note… quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.
These Seven woes are worth some note taking…
“So you must obey them and do everything they tell you, but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach,”
Note to self- When Jesus speaks, listen and do what He says! When we speak, we will be accountable for the words that we speak and the attitude of which we speak them in.
Woe #1- Don’t be hypocrites
Woe #2- Don’t be blind to the things of God
Woe #3- Don’t clean the outside but inside be full of greed
Woe#4- Don’t Speak things of untruth into someone life
Woe #5-Don’t practice the law and avoid mercy
Woe #6-Don’t shine the outside and be full of wickedness
Woe#7- Don’t build altars for the prophets and have their blood on you because of your behavior.
Our words have immense power. They can direct, destroy, and reveal the condition of our hearts.
We should be intentional with our words, using them to guide others toward God, speak words of encouragement and blessing, and reflect His love and truth.
Today, we are going to visit a topic that is both simple and profound: the power of our words.
Religion says say what you want, when you want, and if anyone disagrees, they have the problem.
Relationship with Jesus is about pleasing God and reflecting His life into our lives becsue of what He has done for us. we are in a relationship with Him.
As Christians, we understand that words matter. They hold immense power in shaping our
lives and the lives of those around us.
Do we recognize that every word we speak carries the potential to either glorify God or grieve Him?
Words direct us and our words speak life
James compares our words to a bit in a horse's mouth and a rudder on a ship.
Small things, but they control something much bigger.
Our words can steer our lives and others'. They can guide our relationships, personal growth, and spiritual journey.
From the very beginning, we see that God Himself used words to create life. In Genesis 1:3, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
The Hebrew word for “said” here is “amar,” which means to speak or declare.
God’s words brought the universe into existence—His words had the power to create.
As believers in God’s image, our words also carry power, not on the same level as God, but in the lives of those around us. Jesus says in Matthew 12:36-37, “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Jesus tells us that every word matters.
The Greek word used for “idle” here is “argos,” meaning lazy, careless, or unproductive.
Jesus warns us that our words can either speak life or cause damage, and we will be held accountable for them.
We have the potential to plant seeds into people’s life and make a difference.
We can speak life or destruction into others.
Words can destroy and our words can heal
James also warns us about the destructive power of our words.
Like a spark, we have the potential to destroy someone with our words.
IN AN INSTANT
Wildfire that is out of control that burns through others life with destruction.
Destroying or healing- we have a choice-
Proverbs 16:24- “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
The Hebrew word for “kind” is “no-am,” meaning pleasantness or delight.
Our kind words can be a medicine for the soul, bringing healing to those who are hurting.
A small muscle that can either destroy or heal- it has the potential to help or hinder. It has the potential of being a fire for good or a fire for destruction.
A tiny spark in the wrong direction can set off a fire with good or bad intention.
Here, James warns us of the tongue’s power to cause immense damage if not controlled.
The Greek word for “fire” here is “pur,”
Yet, just as fire can destroy, it can also refine. Our words, when guided by the Holy Spirit, can bring healing and restoration.
Imagine a surgeon performing a delicate operation. Their tools have the potential to either heal or harm, depending on how they are used. Similarly, our words can be instruments of healing or tools of destruction. We must use them with care and precision.
Pastor Furtick says, “Your words have the power to bring healing and hope. Speak life over yourself and others, and watch God work through your words.” Healing words, spoken in love and truth, can mend broken hearts and restore relationships.
Gossip would be a fire spread in a negative and destructive way to others.
Pastor Rick Warren gave a great definition of gossip. He said - - - -
“When we are talking about a situation with somebody who is neither part of the problem or part of the solution, then we are probably gossiping.”
Gossip is poisonous. It’s like snake venom. It’s deadly and poisonous. It hurts and damages people. The tongue can pierce others.
James is reminding us, all it takes is a spark.
Man has been able to tame animals, reptiles, birds, and all these different things but no man has been able to tame the tongue. He calls our tongue “a restless evil.”
It’s deeper meaning is unstable or unsettled. It means at anytime it could let loose. It’s unpredictable. You never know what the tongue is going to do. It’s like a poison, like the venom of a deadly snake. Just say the word gossip - - - -
James says our words point to something deeper within us - -
(9) “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”
(10) From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Brethren, these things ought not to be so. - James 3:9-10
That’s convicting, isn’t it? We come in here and praise and worship God . . . . then we walk out the doors and say . . . “I can’t believe what he / she was wearing.” “Did you see so and so?”
To curse somebody doesn’t mean you say a curse word.
You could curse someone by saying, “You’re good for nothing. You’re a horrible person. You’re worthless.”
When we say those things we’re cursing the very people that are made in God’s likeness. James saying this shouldn’t be.
Words Reveal our heart
Your words show what's in our hearts.
James says it's inconsistent to praise God and then curse others.
If our speech is negative, critical, or deceitful, it shows that our hearts aren't aligned with God's will.
We need to ask God to transform our hearts so our words reflect His love, truth, and grace.
Words Transform
The ultimate goal of our words should be transformation—both in our own lives and in the lives of others.
Romans 12:2 -“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
The Greek word for “transform” here is “metamorphoo,” which refers to a complete and radical change, much like the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly.
Our words can play a key role in this transformation.
Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
The Greek word for “gracious” is “Charis,” which means grace or favour.
When our speech is full of grace, it reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.
Think of a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble. Each word we speak is like a chisel that shapes and moulds the people around us, including ourselves. When we speak words of truth, love, and grace, we allow God to shape us into the image of Christ.
John Piper –
“Our words carry the power of transformation. When we speak the truth of the Gospel, God uses our words to bring about change that leads to eternal life.” Our words, when rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, have the power to transform lives.
Johnny the bagger
HOW ABOUT LIFE APPLICATION
So, what does this mean for us? It means we need to be careful with our words.
Before you send that text or make that comment, think about the impact it could have.
Are your words going to build up or tear down?
Are they going to reflect God's love or something else?
That last verse is really striking, isn’t it? The tongue is small, yet, it acts as if it’s larger than life. We’ve all said things, that no sooner than they came out, we wish we could have taken them back.
But we can’t. The same is true with a quick, nasty email or text message.
Heard this interesting point-
When you go to the doctor, they ask you to stick out your tongue. Your tongue reveals something about what’s going on inside of you.
Our words demonstrate our thoughts and reveals our character.
What if the doctor could see gossip on our tongue?
Harsh words that destroy
Condemning words instead of encouraging words
Illustration-
Remember, our words are like toothpaste. Once they're out, we can't take them back.
Let's use our words to guide others toward God, to encourage and bless, and to reflect His love and truth. And if we've hurt someone with our words, let's apologize and seek healing.
Thoughts before we close this morning-
Can you recall a time when someone's words had a significant impact on you? How did it make you feel?
How can we ensure our words are guiding others closer to God?
What steps can we take to ensure our words are not destructive?
How can our words reveal the condition of our hearts?
How can we use our words to reflect God's love and truth?
Someone once said, “You can change your world by changing your words. Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words have the power to change atmospheres, shift situations, and bring hope where there is despair.”
If you were to mention a few dangers in the world, you would think terrorist, criminals, diseases, even storms…you probably don’t think of the tongue.
James says the tongue-
“It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.”
You must remember that one’s use of the tongue reveals what’s in the person. Our Lord teaches us “…for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). What you say reveals what’s in your heart. So, if you struggle with your tongue, examine your heart in light of Scripture. Pray to the Lord to guide you as you seek to use your tongue and every aspect of your life for the glory of Christ.
Prayer-
