James 3:1-12; Tripping Over the Tongue

Introduction

Image

Have you ever known someone that always makes things about them? I used to work with this sweet lady. She was a talker. She loved to talk to anybody and everybody about anything and everything. She could even talk about nothing. But I didn’t matter what was going on in your life, she would bring the conversation back around about herself.

Your family member could be in a life threatening car crash and she would talk about the last time she was in the car with her father. If you mentioned your significant other she would mention her late husband. She went to lunch with someone that all the workers knew. She said she told this lady about a coworkers recent doctors visit, the coworkers recent doctor’s visit , and this coworkers marriage and the death of her former husband.

Need

Like my coworker, our tongues can cause great damage. Intentionally or unintentionally. We need to learn to tame our tongues.

Referent

James 3:1-12

Organization

Teacher (v. 1)

Members (vs. 2-5a)

Slanderers (vs. 5b-12)

Sermon in a sentence:

I will tame my tongue to bless God and others.

3:1 not all should be teachers & 1:19 quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger

3:2 he is a perfect man & 1:4 - let steadfastness have its full (perfect) effect, that you may be perfect

3:2/3:3 bridle and bits & 1:26 if anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue

3:4 ships are driven by strong winds & 1:6 the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind

3:5 the tongue is small but boast of great things & 1:9 let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation

3:6 the tongue stains the whole body & 1:21 put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled

Teachers (v. 1)

James begins his warning by first addressing the teachers.

This reminds us that James is speaking to local congregations. This is a “lermon”

This section goes back to his warning in chapter 1.

James 1:19 ESV

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

This is a scary passage for any preacher or teacher. We have the awesome privilege and responsibility of teaching God’s Word to God’s people. That is not something we can take lightly. God has entrusted his sheep to the earthly care of his under-shepherds.

James’ words echo that of his older brother, Jesus.

Matthew 23:2–4 ESV

2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

It has often been said that the pulpit steers the church. I agree with that statement. And is one of the reasons why preaching God’s Word is so serious.

3. Our teaching should match our living. The teacher or preacher must be an example and cannot be immune to examination.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

As the pastor, I have the great responsibility of shepherding Colgate Baptist Church. I pray that my life is not perfect, but an example for my flock to follow. I need your prayers and support! At the same time, I want to be an encouragement to our people that the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers his people to live sanctified lives.

1 Corinthians 11:1 “1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

Members (vs. 2-5a)

James immediately broadens his scope to “we all”. None of us are without our sins and struggles.

Once again, this lermon is for congregations. He is speaking of “we all” as the members of the assemblies.

As the body of Christ, we are to watch over one another and protect each other.

Genesis 4:9 “9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?””

Matthew 7:5 “5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Matthew 18:15 “15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

The tongue is a small member of the body but it can do great things.

I believe James is picking up on the imagery of Christians as a body.

Our tongues are so small, yet they can start a forest fire.

The smallest words can drive the largest wedges between people. They can ruin relationships and hinder the ministry of the gospel.

Philippians 4:2–3 “2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Saints, let tame our tongues for the benefit of our fellow brother and the ministry God has given us.

Slanderers (vs. 5b-12)

(vs. 6) The tongue turns against those that are closest to us.

it is set against our members.

1 Timothy 4:1 “1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”

2. (vs. 9) We should bless God and our those around us

A couple of Wednesdays ago, we looked at the image of God. James is rooting our interaction between us on the basis that all humans are made in the image of Gd.

Our theology determines our practice.

Conclusion

In closing, we will do well to head the words Proverbs 18:21 “21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Our tongues can be serial murders. They can kill friendships, ministry opportunities, or even our worship.

Or our tongues can be fertile soil that God can use to plant his blessings. Friendships, gospel conversations, and deep worship.

Application

“Bless God and Bless People”