Taming man’s deadliest weapon
Rev. Joey Crisostomo
Director for Central Operations
July 4, 2010
Key Scripture
James 3:1-12
EXEGETICAL IDEA
The Biblical Mandate to understand the power of tongue and danger of uncontrolled tongue
5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell
A brief introduction
* The tongue is the barometer of our souls.
* James has more to say about the tongue than any other book of the Bible; not a coincidence as James is about “practical Christian living.”
* A matter that is plaguing the church of the Living God.
* Our tongue can either burn the Kingdom of God, or it can build it
A word of warning. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know we will be judged more strictly.
* The Teacher. v. 1 because you know that we will be judged more strictly
* He’s not condemning teaching, but rather warning against rushing into the profession.
* It means that a teacher is obligated to teach what is true and then to live up to what is taught. God expects more from church leaders and holds them accountable for what they teach his people.
* He has just admitted that everyone stumbles… 2 For we all stumble in many ways
* Biblical Examples
o Moses had trouble with his tongue. Psalm 106:33
o Isaiah. Isaiah 6:5-7
o Peter.
The illustrations of the tongue
1. Compared to a horse’s bridle. 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
* THE POWER TO CONTROL
2.Compared to a ship’s rudder. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go
* THE POWER TO DIRECT
3. Compared to a fire’s spark. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire,
* THE POWER TO DESTROY
The images of an uncontrolled tongue
1. The tongue is a fire. v. 6 … sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
2. The tongue is an untamed beast. v. 7…… It is a restless evil
3. The tongue is a deadly poison. v. 8… It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
The inconsistency of the tongue
Evidence of the Inconsistency. 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
Rebuke for the Inconsistency. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
Practical Suggestions
1. Admit you have a problem and recognize its seriousness.
2. Ask God for help to tame your tongue.
3. Constantly evaluate whether your conversations are building up or tearing down.
4. Always consider withholding a comment.
5. Think before you speak.
T – Is it true?
H – Is it helpful?
I – Is it inspiring?
N – Is it necessary?
K – Is it kind?