Tongue Twisters
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Tongue Twisters
1. The Tongue is Small But Mighty
James begins with a striking reminder: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." In the first century, people aspired to be teachers and rabbis because of the honor and respect it brought. James warns that while teaching is an honorable role, it comes with great responsibility. Teachers handle the Word of God and must do so with care and integrity.
James states that if anyone can control his tongue, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body. This emphasizes how difficult it is to control the tongue. He uses examples of small things controlling big things: a bit in a horse’s mouth, a rudder steering a large ship. Likewise, the tongue is small but can boast great power. Words can shape lives, influence relationships, and direct the course of one’s life.
2. The Tongue is Mighty But Deadly
James illustrates the destructive power of the tongue: "How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!" The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness, capable of staining the whole body and setting the course of life on fire, set on fire by hell itself.
Humanity has tamed all kinds of animals, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Words can destroy relationships, tear down others, and cause irreversible damage. The tongue’s power is not just in the sounds it makes but in what it reveals about the heart. Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Words reveal what is truly inside.
We often excuse harsh words, blaming circumstances or bad days, but what comes out in those moments is still part of who we are. The tongue is the messenger of the heart. True change requires addressing the heart, not just attempting to control words superficially. We need the Spirit of God to transform our hearts so our speech reflects His love and character.
3. The Tongue is Deadly But Beneficial
James points out the contradiction: with the tongue, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people made in God's likeness. This should not be so. Just as a spring cannot pour forth both fresh and salt water, and a fig tree cannot bear olives, so our mouths should not produce both blessing and cursing.
Our words can bring life, healing, encouragement, and hope. Proverbs tells us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." As believers, we have the responsibility to speak words that give life, not death.
When we find our identity in Christ, we no longer need to tear others down to elevate ourselves. We can celebrate others' successes and encourage them, living out patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control — the fruits of the Spirit. Instead of comparing and competing, we can rejoice in what God is doing in and through others.
Words of encouragement and kindness can have a profound impact. A simple kind word can turn someone’s day or even save a life. We all carry burdens unseen by others, and everyone needs kind, uplifting words.
The true test of our hearts is revealed in our words. If our words are angry or mean-spirited, it shows an angry or mean spirit within us. But if we allow Christ’s mind and Spirit to control us, our speech will reflect His love and grace.
May the mind of Christ live in us day to day, controlling all we do and say. Through the Spirit's power, we can transform our speech and, in turn, transform the world around us.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: Tongue Twisters
Date: Oct 27, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 3:1–12
James 1:19
Proverbs 18:21
Matthew 12:34
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