Watch Your Mouth

Theme: Christians, Watch Your Mouth

Introduction: Recently, my sister found a shirt that has a popular comic book character on it, taking on a pose similar to the infamous Uncle Sam recruiting poster with the caption, “I Want You …” This shirt, on the other hand, had a caption underneath of it that read, “I want you to watch your language.” Just listening to the rhetoric coming the presidential candidates, both past and present, clearly indicates a speech problem that is endemic to society. Cursing, taking God’s Name in vain, gossip, name-calling, bullying, tearing other people down, insults, lies - are just a few symptoms of a problem with speaking in America today. Unfortunately, these problems also plague the church. One of the saddest commentaries I’ve heard by a Christian evaluating how Christianity at large treats its members is, “The Christian Army is the only army in the world that shoots its own wounded.” What a sad commentary about Christians whose God is characterized by love, grace and mercy and commanded that our badge of membership is love for each other. Tonight, I want for us to evaluate our speech in light of James’ instruction here understand that, Christian, You Must Watch Your Mouth!

Transition: Before jumping into our text this evening, I want to remind you about the theme of James.

Living Faith

Living Faith endures

Living Faith obeys

Living Faith treats others fairly

The relationship between faith and works

In keeping with the theme of James, living faith is more than just having a head knowledge but rather evidences itself in doing good works.

Paul’s teaching in Galatians complements this instruction by using the illustration of a fruit-bearing tree in referring to the Fruit of the Spirit.

Christ Himself also said, in reference to false prophets, in Matthew 7:20 that, “by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Transition: As we look at chapter 3, James makes abundantly clear that …

FCF: Our tongues can be disastrously uncontrollable! (

Transition: The following statements are used proverbially, that is a general statement is made not necessarily applicable to every specific situation. Notice that James is beginning a new topic using "My brethren" as a verbal indicator like he did in chapters 1 and 2. James uses verse 1 to call attention to the fact the even a teacher's mouth can get them into trouble.

This problem is demonstrated naturally

The bit, a piece of equipment which goes into a horse’s mouth, allows the rider through tugging on a set of straps to turn the head of a horse in the direction which the rider wants and the horse then moves in that direction.

We’ve learned how to control the power of a horse, but not how to control our tongues.

This problem is demonstrated nautically

The rudder, similar to a steering wheel in a car, allows large ships to turn right or left in bodies of water.

We’ve learned how to control large sea-faring vessels but not how to control our tongues

Transition: notice how James changes the illustrations drastically.

This problem is demonstrated catastrophically

Consider the forest fires raging in California.

The dryness compounded by the lack of rain

Victims tell stories of losing everything with hardly any time to evacuate

Unfortunately, there are relationships that bear the scars and even fresh wounds of a raging tongue-lashing.

Former Republican presidential candidate, Ted Cruz, has refused to endorse the Republican nominee, Donald Trump because of insults that Trump said about Cruz’s father and wife.

Unfortunately, there are probably some in here tonight where you’ve been the victim of someone’s verbal rampage and now that relationship has been damaged or completely severed.

Unfortunately, there are probably some in here this evening who have been on the giving end of a tongue-lashing, publicly or privately, it's all still sin.

This problem is rooted in our sinfulness

Ever since the fall of mankind into sin, our corrupt nature has even corrupted our speech; Adam threw Eve and God under the bus, blaming them for his sin..

The only remedy for the guilt of our sin is through God’s rescue plan through Jesus’ life, sacrifice and resurrection.

This problem is demonstrated in all relationships, whether Christian or secular

Notice that James is talking about Christians here for he speaks of a distinctly Christian action, blessing God, that's not something the world is going to do folks because they can't without God saving them.

We wouldn't dare defame a picture or statue of our nation's heroes yet how quick are we to insult someone, either to their face or behind their back, created in God's image.

Transition: I believe that it is very clear that there is a big problem, yet what can we do? I believe that the answer is right in front of us here in James 3

Living Faith blesses others.

Living faith rejects cursing others

Living faith seeks restoration, if "these things ought not so to be" then a change must take place

Blessing others is compatible with genuine Living faith

Just as you water can either be sweet or bitter, so genuine living faith expresses itself verbally in blessing others.

Just as fig trees produce figs, olive tree produce olives, and a grapevine produces grapes so the fruit of genuine living faith is speech which blesses others.

Just as a fountain produces either salt water or fresh, so speech which blesses springs from genuine Living faith

Bless others through encouragement (Ephesians 4:29)

Use your words to give others more of God's grace

Think about how you can give more of God's grace to others

Bless others by praying with them

Pray with others on the spot

Tell others your praying for them

Bless others by choosing to confront, when necessary, in love

Confrontation is never fun

Confrontation must be purposeful and executed with patience (2 Ti 4:2)

Conclusion: Remember, Christians, watch your mouth