Taming The Tongue And Putting It On Fire For God Series

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-