You Better Watch What you Say!

CHAPTER 3 — POWER OF THE MESSAGE (TONGUE PERFECTED)

Key Verse — 3:2

A. Selects his words — 3:1-12

— James mentions the tongue in every chapter.

— A controlled mouth means a controlled man.

— The tongue reveals the condition of my heart. Matt.12:34—35

1. Power to Regulate (direct) — Proverbs 18:21; 3:3-4

— Illustration: Horse (Bit) — 3:3 Ship (Rudder/Helm) — 3:4

— Our words can direct (steer) others into the right or the wrong path.

Helpful or Harmful Blessing or Blight

Sweet or Sour Careful or Careless

Heal or Hurt Deliverance or Destruction

2. Power to Ruin (destroy) — Proverbs 16:27; 3:5-8

— illustration: Fire (spark) — 3:5,6 — Animal (poison) — 317,8

If your lips would keep from slips, five things observe with care

Of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and how, and when and where

3. Power to Refresh (delight) - Romans 15:32; 3:9-12

— Illustration: Fountain (sweet/bitter) — 3:11

— Fruit Tree (same fruit) — 3:12

— A fountain cannot produce two kinds of water.

— A fruit tree cannot produce two kinds of fruit.

— Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.

— Who controls my tongue?

a. A Satan controlled tongue.

(1) To Blame (we even blame God!) — James 1:13-14

(2) To Boast (just a word can cause division) — James 3:5,14

(3) To Blaspheme — 1 Peter 3:10; James 3:10; 5:12

— Illustration: Peter’s denial of Christ.

b. A Savior controlled tongue.

(1) To praise — James 3:9; Psalm 148, 149, 150

— Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

(2) To pray — James 1:5-6; 5:13-18 (the fervent prayer to God)

(3) To Proclaim — James 5:13; Acts 1:8; Psalm 107:2

— Key: Romans 6:13 — Yield your members to the Lord.

— Formula for control of the tongue:

• A purpose to pursue. Psalm 17:3; Psalm 39:1

• A prospect to ponderr.Matthew 12:34-37

• A prayer to pray. Psalm 19:14; 141:3

B. Shows his works — 3:13

— This was covered along with James 1:5 on the subject of wisdom of God.

C. Shares his wisdom — 3:13-18

— This was covered along with James 1:5 on the subject of wisdom of God.