The Speech of Allegiance

Welcome

Well, good morning Lifepoint! Good to be with you again. If we haven’t met yet, my name is Dan and I serve here as the Teaching Pastor for our Worthington Campus.

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Introduction

Well, we are continuing in our series this morning through the New Testament letter of James - so if you have a bible, meet me there in James chapter 3. James 3 and we’ll be in the first 12 verses today.

Series Recap

As a quick reminder — The book of James was written by one of the first Christian pastors to followers of Jesus in and around Jerusalem, probably around 55 A.D.

Jerusalem was divided — some wanted to fight Rome, others to blend in. Into that unrest, James offers a third way: faith.

But for James, faith isn’t just belief; it’s trust that proves itself in loyalty; allegiance — devotion that reshapes every part of life.

Message Set-up

Today, James turns to something we don’t always think about — our words.

At the end of the day, we can’t escape from the reality that words dominate our lives. They shape the world we live in. They fill our conversations, our screens, our homes.

Words can start friendships and end them. They can build trust and they break it. With words we are: -Accepted and welcomed… -Dismissed or rejected…

Every relationship we have — at home, at work, in church — all of them run on words.

And James point is that if our faith — our allegiance — is meant to touch every part of life, then it has to show up in the way we speak.

So if you’re not there yet, open with me to James 3. I’ll pray, and then we’ll get started.

PRAY

Our Words are Powerful

Alright, let’s go ahead and get started. Look with me at v. 1.

The first thing James tells us about our language is that our words are powerful.

And James begins with a warning in v. 1, but before we can really feel the weight of it, he gives two short illustrations that explain why our words matter so much.

James 3:1–5 ESV

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things…

So, starting with the obvious: the tongue is small, but it has enormous influence.

James says it’s like a rudder that steers a massive ship — our words have the power to set the direction of entire lives.

That’s why he warns in verse 1, “Not many of you should become teachers.”

He’s not talking about schoolteachers or professors, but about spiritual teachers — people who stand before others and speak about God. People with influence. Because words that claim to represent God’s truth carry unique weight.

And I feel that every single week.

Think about what happens here — we gather, we sing, we pray, and then someone stands here for 30 or 40 minutes to teach. I spend a good chunk of my week reflecting on Scripture — trying to discern God’s voice, to understand His Word in its original context, and to bring it to life in ours. I try to expose the idols of our hearts — including my own — and help us listen for how God wants us to live.

But here’s the tension: even when I have the best intentions, there’s a fine line between “This is what I, Dan, think” and “Thus says the Lord.”

That’s what makes teaching so sobering.

Because to stand and speak on behalf of God is sacred. Holy.

Every word carries the possibility of revealing His truth or distorting it, of leading people toward Jesus or quietly leading them away.

And I don’t stand here immune from the same temptations you face. Mixed in with all the good intentions, I still want approval. I crave affirmation. I feel the pull to measure success by numbers or engagement. And the most natural thing in the world is to say — or not say — the things that earn that approval and affirmation.

But that’s exactly why words are so powerful — and so dangerous.

They shape people. They form beliefs, they build (or break) trust, they influence what others think about God.

What frustrates me as a pastor is that you don’t always do what I say. What scares me...is that sometimes, you do. Because I know how easily even good words, spoken from mixed motives, can carry unintended weight.

PAUSE

This is why James starts here… “Not many of you should become teachers…for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

And I think he’s echoing Jesus’ words when He was talking about the religious leaders...

Matthew 12:36 ESV

36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

And it’s not that he’s trying to scare us into saying nice things...James is not saying that we should be so afraid of what God will do to us if we say the wrong things! No, he’s trying to get us to see just how powerful words really are - especially words that are spoken on God’s behalf.

And look, you may not be a “spiritual teacher” in the sense of a pastor, but as a follower of Jesus, whether you realize it or not, your words carry weight — because they carry His name.

As His people, our speech represents Him.

I love how the medieval writer Teresa of Avila said it, trying to help followers of Jesus feel the gravity of what it means for the church to be the Body of Christ here on earth now; the reality that the what the world thinks and believes about Jesus may primarily be shaped and informed by how His people act and speak in the world!

She said:

“Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which He looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.”

And then this line:

“Christ has no mouth now but yours.”

It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it?

PAUSE

This is what James is picking up on...

And so, in many ways, James 3 invites us to think really carefully about spaces in our own lives where we can intentionally or unintentionally speak on behalf of God…

Where might those spaces be for you?

Kids

In your home, with your kids.

I’m not talking about the rare example of loosing your temper or being short for a whole bunch of reasons. But I think James’ caution here forces us to ask the more haunting questions...it force me to ask the more haunting question...what is the long-term impact of my kids hearing me talk over and over again about a heavenly Father who is gracious, patient and kind with us - that He loves us and cares for us - BUT have an earthly father who isn’t?

An earthly father who flare up at an annoyance...is short-tempered...and harsh? (And parents, I say this as one who’s failed here too.)

As a parent...do you know that your words have an ENORMOUS influence on how your kids understand what it means for God to be like a Father...or what it means for Him to kind a gracious to us?

In that space, your words are powerful!

Spouse and Extended Family

Maybe it’s with your spouse...do you belittle your spouse? Ridicule them? Overly express your annoyance with them? How does you words show up there?

In that space, your words are powerful!

Work

At work? We can let our selves off the hook saying, “I’m just a blunt personality! I call it like it is!” And yet the last time I checked, it’s almost never more helpful to have a blunt object than a sharp one unless you’re looking to do more damage.

Social Media

Maybe it’s in the digital space.

You know, I can’t fully back this up...but I think maybe...if James were writing this letter today, he might say, “Not many of you should be influencers, my brothers and sisters…” Friends, what we post, comment, share...all of this matters! And I think James would offer us the same kind of warning as we speak intentionally or unintentionally in the name of Jesus!

And just as a side note: I think one of the big challenges right now in our modern world is that on a societal level, we are addicted to the “Hot Take.” That when anything significant happens, how often do we want to jump to certain people to hear what they think about it? And if they haven’t posted about it - there’s hardly ever the thought that maybe they’re taking their own time to thoughtfully reflect on this...it’s so quickly, “Hey, if your church didn’t talk about (fill in the blank), it’s time to find a new church!”

James point is not to get us to say nothing. He point is to say that as we speak...intentionally or unintentionally in Jesus name, there ought to be reverence for that moment.

This is why he said earlier in this letter:

James 1:19–20 ESV

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

All of matters.

Our words are meant to sound like His. That’s why James begins here. Because if our allegiance truly belongs to Jesus, then even our language must come under His reign.

Our words are powerful because our words reflect Him!

Our Words are Formative

And this leads right into the second thing that James brings up about our words.

See, that because our words are powerful, they are formative.

They are formative.

They do something. They shape things. They shape relationships, communities, workplaces, families — even churches.

Look again with me starting at v. 5.

James 3:5–10 ESV

5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

And I just think that is so vivid.

“It’s a fire…a world of unrighteousness.” “It’s a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” “From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing.”

And we can feel that tension he brings up at the end, right? That some how, we are able, in one moment, to praise God...and then turn around and curse the driver who almost cut us off. That from the same mouth - we can say both beautiful and vile things! We know how to use language as both a tool and as a blessing and I think this is what he’s talking about here.

See, when James talks about blessing coming from our mouths, I think he’s got in mind the kind of language we use to affirm, encourage, and support other people. And, by the way, this is not just saying nice things to or about people...and it’s certainly not just saying things that others WANT to hear. But taking the principle in the broader New Testament storyline - our words are a blessing when they are true things communicated in love.

Colossians 4:6 ESV

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

In the original language, the word for always means...always. Not most of the time.

Or Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 ESV

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Friends, our words ought to be dripping with grace. Reflecting God’s gracious posture towards us.

And again, I want to go back to those different space where we use our language...

Is this what your words are like at home? Is this what your words are like on-line? Is this what your words are like to your neighbors...your wife...your husband...your son...your daughter...your in-laws?

PAUSE

Or...are our words more of a curse?

PAUSE

Sometimes our words don’t sound like curses, but they still leave scars.

The sharp sarcasm that cuts just deep enough. The silence we use to punish. The gossip...whispered in corners...that chips away at someone’s reputation. The angry exaggeration that makes someone smaller. The impatience that communicates inferiority...or stupidity. We have a way of being able to make those around us very small and insignificant.

Some of us still carry the weight of words spoken over us years ago — things a parent said in frustration, or a friend said in betrayal. A pastor who’s not just written off your concerns and question...but in their annoyance, they’ve written YOU off for your concerns and questions. Words that shaped how we see ourselves ever since.

PAUSE

And maybe it wasn’t just what they said but how they said it!

Again, some of us, have a specific voice we hear others through - so that even when someone lovingly offers a challenge to you - seeking to bless you…you only hear it in the voice of your dad you who was never impressed...or your mom who usually annoyed.

To make matters worse, if we’re honest, some of us have been the ones who’ve spoken those words.

That’s what James means when he says, “no human being can tame the tongue.” Because he knows our words are powerful and formative — and they don’t just land on others; they flow from somewhere deep within us.

See, our words have a way of revealing what’s really going on beneath the surface. They expose what lives in the deeper places — the pride, the fear, the resentment, the insecurity — all the things we’d rather keep hidden.

Jesus said it masterfully: “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

James presses the same point in verse 11:

James 3:11–12 ESV

11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

He’s saying, what comes out always reveals the source. If the water is bitter, the spring is tainted. If our words are harsh, deceitful, or destructive, it’s because there’s something off within.

At the end of the day, we don’t just need a better filter or a new vocabulary. We need new hearts.

Hearts softened and healed by the God who still speaks — who speaks life into chaos and grace into guilt.

Gospel

And that’s the hope of the gospel. The same God who once spoke creation into existence — who said, “Let there be light” — is still speaking today. He speaks new creation into our chaos. He speaks forgiveness into our failure. He speaks peace into our shame. He calls us by name — and in calling us, He names us something new: “You are my beloved. You are my son. You are my daughter.” And then He gives us new words for Him — words that once would’ve felt too bold or too intimate — “Abba, Father.”

And all of that is possible because of Jesus. Because the Word of God didn’t stay distant — He became flesh.

He stepped into the world our words have wounded. On the cross, Jesus took every careless, cruel, condemning word — every lie we’ve spoken, every wound we’ve caused — and He bore it Himself. He took the judgment our words deserve so that we could receive the mercy His words secure.

He was silenced in death so that grace could speak the final word over us.

And three days later, when He rose from the dead, God declared once and for all — this is the Word that wins.

So when we trust Him — when we place our allegiance in Him — we’re joined to the One whose words never fail.

And through His Spirit, that same resurrection power begins to reshape what comes out of our mouths by transforming what’s in our hearts.

This is how God redeems our words: He starts by redeeming our hearts. Because when the source changes, the stream changes.

So maybe today, you need to let Him speak that word over you again.

Maybe you’ve been carrying the sting of words that have haunted you for years — and what you need most is to hear His voice cut through the noise: “You are mine. You are loved. You are forgiven.”

And maybe for others, it’s time to bring your own words — the ones that wounded, the ones you regret — back to the cross.

Because there, even our worst words meet mercy. And when mercy fills your heart, it starts to change your speech.

That’s the power of the gospel. It’s not behavior modification — it’s transformation from the inside out. From new hearts…come new words.

So What

So what do we do with this?

Because if we’re honest, it’s one thing to hear all this, and another thing entirely to live it out on a Tuesday afternoon, right?

When your toddler won’t stop crying... When a coworker sends the passive-aggressive email... When your spouse says the one thing that hits the nerve you both know is there.

What do you do in that moment?

I want to give you something simple — not as a rule, but as a rhythm.

Before you speak — pause and pray this short prayer:

“Lord, let my words echo Yours.”

That’s it.

A mom can whisper it before raising her voice. A spouse can breathe it before reacting in frustration. A student can pray it before they post or reply online.

“Lord, let my words echo Yours.”

It’s a way of inviting Jesus — the Living Word — into that moment before your words ever leave your mouth.

And over time, as that prayer takes root in you, it begins to shape not just your language, but your heart. Because when we pause and invite Him in, His grace interrupts our old habits.

Communion

And that’s really what this moment — this Table — is about.

Every time we come to communion, we’re remembering the God who didn’t just speak grace from a distance — He embodied it. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus entered the world our words have wounded, and on the cross, He took every harsh, careless, condemning word — and He let it fall on Himself.

His body was broken, His blood poured out — so that the final word over you and me would not be guilt, but grace.

So as we come to the Lord’s Table today, maybe that simple prayer can stay with us:

“Lord, let my words echo Yours.”

Let the bread remind you of His body — broken for every word that broke someone else. Let the cup remind you of His blood — poured out for every word we wish we could take back.

And as you eat and drink, remember: the same Jesus who spoke, “It is finished,” now speaks a new word over you — “You are mine. You are loved. You are forgiven.”

So before we come, let’s take a quiet moment to reflect: To confess the words that have wounded… To release the words that have haunted… And to receive again the Word who saves.