Wielding Influence

James 3:1–18 NASB95

1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

INTRO: I wonder, did any of you ever have a coach or teacher that had extremely high standards? I’ve had several professors who have truly pushed me...

When I was in school at Fruitland Bible College, I had to write a paper expounding and explaining a passage from Romans. When I received the graded paper back, it was marked up so much that I actually went and bought Dr. Dowdle a new red pen… I figured he used all his ink on my paper.

Dr. Dowdle had high standards. But you know, his high standards were warranted because I was training to be a teacher of God’s Word and a leader in God’s church. I have still much to learn, mind you. Just as Paul proclaimed to the Philippian church, “I have not yet arrived, but I forget what is behind and struggle for what is ahead.”

As we turn to James 3 this morning, I guess we are about halfway through this study. Personally, I have been challenged at each turn and have benefitted much from the wisdom in this letter. It’s almost like God put this book in the Bible on purpose...

Actually, this particular passage that we are looking at this morning really gave me a fit when I was wrestling with my call into ministry. Let me read just the first 2 verses again - (READ 1-2a)

And maybe you can relate to my struggle - I mean, the last thing anyone wants to bring upon themselves is ‘stricter judgment’. After all, we all mess up, right?

But obedience to God often means that we do not choose the easy road, but instead we do the difficult plodding on the narrow path. Not everyone is called to lead in the church and I think that this is what James is warning against.

Indeed, I’d say many folks do desire to have the influence of a leader. Lots of folks want to be celebrities, all-star athletes, and government leaders. And there are people who want to influence the church’s mission and identity.

The danger that James points out is that Our position cannot outpace our character.

We’ve been talking about the need for authentic Christianity - where our profession of Christ as Lord is affirmed by our lives. Where our actions through a transformed life testify alongside our words of a holy God and merciful Savior.

And nowhere is this more important than in the role of leadership in the church. If you are influencing others in the church, then you need to understand that one day we will stand before God and our words and actions will be held against His Word.

Leadership in the church is a high calling with high standards. And because of this, every SS teacher, deacon, committee chairperson, and yes, especially pastor, ought to be humble and attentive to this warning from James.

Now, a desire to lead isn’t necessarily negative - Paul affirms that the desire to lead in God’s church is a noble desire. 1 Tim. 3:1

1 Timothy 3:1 NASB95

1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

But, leadership means stewardship because God owns it all. Our influence as leaders is like a sword- (or a pistol for that matter- not sure how many of you are wielding swords these days) it can be wielded for good or evil.

And we are accountable - to each other certainly, but also to God who has ALL authority and knows all things.

So, in our time this morning, I want to walk us through how leaders are to use their influence in accordance with God’s Word. While this text is intended specifically at those who lead in the church, it applies to all leadership; in the home, the workplace, school, etc.

I invite you to follow along with me- there is a helpful sermon guide in your bulletin. The sermon is titled “Wielding Influence”. Let’s begin.

First, we can note that:

Influence is Inspired Through Intentional Speech (3-8)

(READ 3-5a)

Words matter. What we say matters. How we say it matters.

James uses a couple illustrations here that I want to delve into. One is a bit placed in a horse’s mouth. The other is a rudder on a ship.

The point James is making in these illustrations are that how we speak as leaders has enormous consequences. And this is especially true when we understand that our words are instructive to others.

How many of you have ridden a horse? I’m not talking about the coin-operated one outside of Walmart - Josh. Real horses are big and strong, yet because of that little bit in their mouth attached to those reigns, you can influence what direction he goes, how fast he goes… That little bit is extremely powerful.

And, it amazes me how relatively small the rudder is that controls a giant ship. Such a small piece of equipment, but vital in ensuring the ship is on course.

Listen to me, as leaders, your words and my words have consequences. When we wield our speech with intention and purpose, we can influence others to persevere in Christ’s mission. We can influence people to take seriously their faith! We can influence the whole body to maintain the course of the Great Commission! We can influence our children and our neighbors so that the seed of the Gospel may flourish.

But friends, careless words, selfish words, prideful speech, are also powerful… and they are powerfully destructive to the body. Listen to to God’s Word (READ 5b-8)

There is much we could say about this. But I want you to see the main point: When we speak out of anger, or jealousy or pride- if our speech is without Godly intention, then it is full of deadly poison.

Look around the room- take note of the people you influence- in your SS class, in your life group, on your serving team… in your workplace, your school, and your home:

Are you poisoning them with your words? Are your words igniting division, destruction, or distortion? Are you leading people into sin through gossip?

My heart breaks when I think about how careless I can be with my speech. When I raise my voice at my kids… when I’m tired or frustrated and I speak without considering the consequences… no doubt I have influenced people negatively with my words. How about you?

Matthew 12:37 NASB95

37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

But there is good news! That is, the blood of Jesus speaks the words of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption! And because of this, I can say alongside the Apostle Paul:

Philippians 3:13–14 NASB95

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Church, I pray that we will recognize the high calling of leadership and that we will wield our influence through our words. Influence is inspired through intentional speech.

Next we see that:

Influence is Modeled Through Consistent Living (9-13)

(READ 9-12)

While we are still talking about talking- that is, how we speak, there is an additional element revealed here.

I want you to envision what is being said: With the same tongue, we honor God, but dishonor those created in God’s image.

That’s like saying, “We love God, but we don’t care for his kids...” Let me take James example and bring it forward as if he were speaking directly to us.

We come into this building week after week. We sing songs of adoration to God. We say ‘Amen’ to the reading of God’s Word and the offering of prayers and praise to Christ…

But then- when we are back in the car or at work, we grumble and whisper about others.

This might be one of the harder lessons to grasp. And, you know what- some people behave badly. Some people are miserable and grumpy- maybe you feel like they ‘deserve’ to be talked about- after all, it’s true!

But we are God’s people. You and I, if we are in Christ, then the fruit of our lives should be good fruit!

Do you know how the Bible tells us to treat others? Let me give you a few passages:

Philippians 2:3 NASB95

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Matthew 5:44–45 NASB95

44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Luke 6:27–28 NASB95

27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Our influence should be consistent with God’s Word… the word we profess to be authoritative in our lives. He is the vine- we are the branches

ILL: Have you heard of all the folks who are deconstructing their faith? These are folks who grew up in church, but are now questioning everything and walking away from God. I wonder if it is because they were influenced by the inconsistent lives of professing Christians. Leaders who say one thing, but live another.

On the other hand, when we make disciples through consistent living… that is, we are humble; gentle, and wise, then our influence will be toward Christ, not away from Him. (READ 13)

Folks, is your life consistent with the Gospel? I don’t mean perfect. But consistent. Are you seeking to honor God in all that you say and do?

As Christian leaders, we must influence others through intentional speech and consistent living.

Finally,

Influence is Driven by Godly Wisdom (14-18)

(READ 14-17)

Essentially, what he is saying is that:

Our influence upon others is derived from that which influences us.

James gives an honest contrast between the worldly motivation and wisdom versus Godly wisdom and motivation. Let’s look first at the negative influences.

We may not like to hear it, but friends if our actions or speech is driven by our ego- jealousy, selfish ambition, etc., then God’s Word calls it EVIL and even demonic.

Consider all the influence that Hollywood has had on our culture. Look at the culture surrounding the family- do you realize that 43% of marriages end in divorce? Nearly 50% of marriages begin with a prenuptial agreement anticipating divorce? Why? I believe it is largely because we have been influenced to think that marriage is a matter of our own personal convenience instead of a covenant with God by His design.

Consider how selfish, power-hungry politicians and talking heads have influenced people to hate their neighbor, to reject their religion, to plunge into the desires of their flesh… You can see the destruction that has come because of it. We could go on, but let’s hit closer to home.

Over the last several decades, the church in America has begun to demonstrate an inward turn. The consumer-model has actually taught church goers to look for amenities instead of serving opportunities.

The result is that many people have made church about them. We have begun to think that God exists for us rather than us for him. We have made ourselves the center of worship- the songs need to be ones we like, the preaching needs to be what we want, the programs need to be what we demand.

In contrast, look at v. 17-18

James 3:17–18 NASB95

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Oh what a difference! You see, God desires for His church - His people to be imitators of Jesus. As leaders in the church, the goal is to be agents of reconciliation - to lead people to the cross of Calvary. Our goal is to unite in Christ for the sake of His glory.

How does this happen? Through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. He is that seed James refers to in v. 18. If you and I are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, then we will, in all righteousness, lead and influence others in peace and holiness through Christ Jesus.

Here is where I want to leave us this morning: Leadership in the church is a high calling with high standards. If you are a leader now, I want to urge you to wield your influence in godly ways so that Christ will be magnified.

Your words matter. Your consistency matters. And your motive matters.

Perhaps God has illuminated an area of your life that you need to bring under His influence this morning. In our time of invitation, I want to encourage you to come to the altar, seek God’s face, and surrender to Christ’s lordship.

If you are here today and you are still trying to figure out what Jesus is all about, please speak with someone before you leave.

[PRAY]

Discuss: What is the significance of your words in your work, home, and play?

Discuss: How would you rate your consistency with the Gospel? What needs to change?

Discuss: Evaluate your influence in the fruit of your Christian walk. If you are reproducing what you take in, is the result righteousness?