James 3:1-12. Our Words Are Us.

Our Words Are Us James 3:1-12 HCC September, 2023 James: From Profess to Possess James 3:1-12 “Taming the Tongue” James 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because 2 you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is 3 perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole 4 animal. Or 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 5 the pilot wants to go. Likewise, 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 6 small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being 8 tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly 9 poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s 10 likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My 11 brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water 12 and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 7 James 1 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 26 James 3:1-12 1. The Power of Words 2. The Evil of Words 3. The Salvation of Words The Power of Words James 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make 4 them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or 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. 3 Genesis 1 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 3 Matthew 12 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every 37 empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” 36 The Evil of Words James 3 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s 10 likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 9 James 3 Likewise, 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. 5 megalaucheó: boast great things: neck held high, Godgiven confidence James 3 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 6 pýr – fire. In Scripture, fire is often used figuratively – like with the "fire of God” which transforms all it touches into light and likeness with itself Matthew 12 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 34 What is sin? ‘Sin is seeking to become oneself, to get an identity apart from God… Sin is replacing God.’ - Tim Keller James 3 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed 8 and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 7 Mark 5 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Isaiah 6 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 5 The Salvation of Words James 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will 2 be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check… James 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will 2 be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check… James 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will 2 be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check… 1 Peter 2 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving 22 you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 21 Hebrews 5 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he 9 suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 8 John 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… In him was life, and that life was the light of all 5 mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 4 Logos: The Final & Ultimate Word lógos (from légō, "speaking to a conclusion") – a word, being the expression of a thought; a saying lógos ("word") is preeminently used of Christ (Jn 1:1) Romans 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 10 Ephesians 4 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by 23 its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of 24 your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness… 22 Ephesians 4 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body… 25 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 29 Three questions: 1. In what ways have you used words that have hurt someone? What will you do about it? 2. In what ways have you used words that are not glorifying to God? What will you do about it? 3. In what ways can you use your words to glorify God and draw closer to Him? James 3 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 2