Affairs of the Tongue
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
If anyone wanted a garden, I hope you planted it by now. Planting season is basically over. Planting is a lot like math. If you plug the same numbers into an equation, you will always get the same answer. 2+2=4. Well, in planting, if you put carrots into the ground. Carrots will grow. If you put tomatoes in the ground, tomatoes with grow. It’s great!
The same is true of our tongue. What we put in to our heart and mind affects what will come out. There are many people who spend a lot of time gardening, to make sure they have the best crop of what they want.
Oh, that we would spend as much time tending the garden of our tongue.
The Tongue is Dangerous
The Tongue is Dangerous
Two weeks ago, we studied how the tongue was dangerous. James tells us that the tongue is powerful for good or destruction. The tongue is perverse: it can corrupt our whole life. The tongue is full of poison: more fearful than anything else on the planet. The tongue is polluted: though we might praise God with it, we also turn against our brothers and sisters in Christ.
None of us, if we are honest, are perfect with our tongue. James tells us in , that we all struggle with our tongue. If we would keep it in check, we could be perfect. But, we don’t. We can’t. The tongue cannot be tamed by a human.
We who are Christians, many times, take a great deal of pride in what we don’t do and what we do do. We try to keep our outward actions clean and pure. We make sure that we are not sexually impure, that we are no drunkards, that we don’t steal, that we don’t kill. We give to charity. But, instead of fearing our tongue: we give it free reign. We make our outward actions seem so good, but we don’t watch our tongues.
The tongue is dangerous.
Two weeks ago, we talked about how teachers, both official and unofficial teachers, need to watch their tongues because they will be held to a strict judgment.
This week, we will talk about everyone.
The tongue is dangerous: more dangerous than a knife, a sword, a gun, but we all treat it carelessly.
We Use the Tongue Wrongly
We Use the Tongue Wrongly
There are a myriad of ways we use the tongue wrongly. James refers to all these ways in this passage, though not by name. I could talk about boasting, lying, angry words, cursing, arguments, coarse joking, etc. But, I’m not going to. Instead, I will talk about 3 ways Christians tend to use their tongue wrongly, and sweep it under the rug.
Gossip
Gossip
This is the social sin of American Christians. It has become so ingrained in our culture that many of us have forgotten what gossip actually is.
If you pick up a Merriam-Webster dictionary, you will find the following definitions:
c: a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others
2 a: rumor or report of an intimate nature
Gossip can be rumor, or it can be facts. Both. Many people have the false impression that gossip has to be false. If they are telling true statements, they must not be gossiping. False!
A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
The wise man says that a gossiper is betraying a confidence: they are telling something that is true!
The Bible talks about gossip throughout it. Proverbs has a lot of warnings to distance oneself from a gossip. Paul puts gossip along the same lines as murder in
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
We, as humans, love talking about people. We want to know what is happening. What good thing has happened to Aunt Ethel? What did Uncle Elmer do wrong this time. The first thing a college student does when they are home for the break is get caught up in all the gossip. They might not want it, but they will be told it by any and all.
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
and spreads slander is a fool.
All the stories told might be true, but they are gossip none-the-less. The stories are intimate. They betray a confidence. They are told by someone who is not the first party. Sure, Uncle Elmer did that, but is it our story to tell?
We, as Christian, spiritualize gossip. We say that we are sharing prayer requests. Unfortunately, many prayer groups become gossip circles, as intimate facts about people, using their full name, is spread to all who might hear. One person said it this way: a true prayer warrior doesn’t need to know all the facts, knowing that our sovereign all-knowing God knows everything all ready. A gossip is the one who wants to share the facts and know the facts all ready. We should all be careful when we share prayer requests that we are sharing only that which we have permission to share. If we don’t have permission, keep it vague!
A
We will also spiritualize gossip, saying that we are venting so that we do not respond to a situation wrongly. We all need an emotional vent, whether it is through prayer, or a journal, or a close friend. However, when in our venting we share personal facts about someone else without that persons permission, we are gossiping.
Or, we are venting so that we do not respond to a situation wrongly.
Another mode of gossip that has sprung up recently is spreading news that we read on the internet. One commentator said this:
James The Negative Potential of Speech (3:5b–8)
In America, we cherish freedom of speech. But with freedom comes responsibility. Responsible citizens in a democracy, and Christians in any form of society, must learn what is helpful and even necessary to say, even when unpleasant—such as in challenging injustice against others—and what remains only destructive. Evangelical Christians have at times had a poor track record of speaking the truth in love in situations such as these, even as more liberal Christians have often failed to speak the truth in love. And almost all people suffer from the tendency to pass on interesting rumors to others without scrupulously checking their accuracy, especially in the Internet age, which produces a torrent of misinformation, half truths, and personal opinions all subtly mixed together with genuine facts for just about any Google search that one executes!
Whatever the mode of gossip, God has told us not to do it, for the good of the unity of the body.
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Slander
Slander
Hand in hand with gossip is slander.
Slander is
1: the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another’s reputation
We see this definition played out in Scripture.
“ ‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
“ ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.
Lev
Slander can be speaking “critically of another person with the intent to hurt.”
When Jesus speaks of the danger of our tongue, he touches on slander.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
False testimony is to speak inaccurately about something. Slander is to bring false charges or misrepresentations.
In today’s emotionally charged environment, we are all tempted to slander, whether we realize that we are doing it or not.
Perhaps an illustration would be helpful.
Could I have a volunteer? Person A said something that I found offensive, maybe I overheard it, maybe it was said to me, maybe it was related to me. I was hurt by it and it made me think less of this person.
I have two choices. I can talk to Person A about what happened and see what he actually meant. Many times, we misunderstood or negatively interpreted what happened. We are able to discuss and come to an understanding. talks about this process.
My second choice is to go to someone else and vent my frustrations. I can go to (someone on the first row), and say “Oh, my goodness, such-and-such did this or said this to me. I feel [this way] about him.” I lay out all the details. I feel better. I go about my business. However, I just misrepresented a brother or sister in Christ to someone else. I slandered, I gossiped. I spoke about someone wrongly before checking if my perspective was actually true, or if I had misunderstood.
Are there times we need clarity in our thinking in how to approach someone who has hurt us? Sure, but in those times, we don’t need to share all the details. We don’t even need to share who hurt us. We just need to say: “I have been hurt. I am thinking about approaching the situation this way. Is this Biblical?” is clear that until we approach the person who hurt us, we are not supposed to bring anyone else into the details of the problem.
False Testimony?
Another way we as Christians slander is talking against other Christian teachers or leaders. In today’s wealth of internet information, as I mentioned earlier, we can know everything we want about anyone we want. Unfortunately, most of what we can find is negative towards everyone. We all have the temptation to share that information before testing whether it is true, and using that information to deny the ability of that person to be used of God in their ministry.
We need to be careful of how we slander.
In the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire Jim Cymbala writes about something he tells new members of his church.
"And now, I charge you that if you ever hear another member speak an unkind word of criticism or slander against anyone — myself, an usher, a choir member, or anyone else—that you stop that person in mid-sentence and say, 'Excuse me — who hurt you? Who ignored you? Who slighted you? Was it Pastor Cymbala? Let's go to his office right now. He'll apologize to you, and then we'll pray together so God can restore peace to this body. But we won't let you talk critically about people who aren't present to defend themselves.'
“1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
"I'm serious about this. I want you to help resolve this kind of thing immediately. And know this: If you are ever the one doing the loose talking, we'll confront you."
3. Is it necessary? (Is there some real reason to tell?)
He says: “I know what most easily destroys churches. It's not crack cocaine, government oppression, or even lack of funds. Rather it's gossip and slander that grieves the Holy Spirit.”
The first measure is basic. Is what I’m saying or telling really true, or is it something I’ve heard someone say and don’t know if its true or not? The second measure covers broad issues. If it isn’t kind, I would do well not to say it, because the misuse of the tongue is again an issue. If it isn‘t kind, it isn’t edifying; I should drop it. The third measure just about rules out every other reason. If it isn’t necessary, and usually it isn’t, I should by all means simply say nothing.”
As followers of Christ, we are to stay far away from gossip and slander.
Dissension
Dissension
Here’s a little history lesson. Calvary Bible Church used to be known as Antelope Baptist Church. This church has had quite the history, living up to it’s Baptist heritage.
I have nothing against Baptists. Most of my maturing in Christ was done while I attended a Baptist church. However, Baptists have a little bit of a reputation. It is said that where there is a Baptist church there will be a church split. Baptists have a heritage of dissension.
Dissension is:
partisan and contentious quarreling synonym see DISCORD
Now, divisions in theological discussions are healthy. It is good to be able to think and pursue truth. It is good to be able to defend what you think is right. As we have disagreements about theology, we can push each other to know God better.
The problem is when these disagreements produce factions and the unity of the body is destroyed.
The church at Corinth was a church which, in addition to being sexually immoral, was known for their dissension.
The New International Version Chapter 1
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,t in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Again,
In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.
If a point of contention does not have to do with core doctrine, who God is, who Christ is, what the Bible is, how we are saved, we should not let it divide us.
There are two ways that dissension shows itself, both are seen in Paul’s and John’s writings.
First, a disagreement happens between two Christians. Maybe they are members of the same congregation. Maybe it is between a pastor and an attender of the church. Maybe it is about actions, small points of theology, which Christian teacher they like to listen to. The disagreement happens and immediately both parties cut each other off. They disagree with each other. They hurt each other’s feelings. They still attend the church, but they won’t have anything to do with the other. Whenever the other person’s name is brought up, maybe snide comments are said or attempts to slander the person.
Dissension.
Second, a disagreement happens, something that is not based on core doctrine. People quarrel and cut ties with the church. They both agree on core doctrine, but something small came up, though in their eyes it was big. Instead of trying to work through the issue and resolve it, they run away.
Dissension.
Paul said, this should not be. James says we should not use our tongue against others.
Jesus said it this way:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
We are to pursue unity, run away from dissension, not because it is a good and loving thing to do, but because the witness of the Gospel depends on it. When we act toward unity, the world knows who Jesus is and that God is God who loves. When we act in dissension, we are creating a distorted image of Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are to stay far away from dissension.
Dissension
Dissension
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
We Should Use the Tongue Rightly
We Should Use the Tongue Rightly
Renewed Heart is necessary
Renewed Heart is necessary
In James’s letter, he clearly states that our heart should produce fruit of the tongue in keeping with the character of the heart. Jesus said it this way in , we will be known by our fruit.
If we have a heart that has been changed by Jesus Christ, we should want to have speech that reflects that change.
If we haven’t a heart that has been changed; in other words, we have not been saved, we have not turned from our sin and trusted in Christ; we won’t have speech that reflects this change. We will destroy with our tongue. We will sin with our tongue, and we shouldn’t expect anything different.
We are all sinners. We naturally sin, with our actions, with our speech. This sin separates us from God for eternity. Christ came to take the punishment for our sin. He died the death we should have died, so that if anyone turns from their sin and trusts in Christ, they will be saved. The old person who has to sin is gone. He makes all things new, producing in us a change that should show even in our words.
A pure heart can produce pure speech. This includes worship of God, but we already do that. It also includes pure speech to others.
Showing Grace
Showing Grace
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
We are supposed to have words coming from our mouth that are impacted by grace.
What does that mean?
Well, it means that what we say is not based upon what someone else is doing. The concept of grace is that we give someone what they don’t deserve. Things that are done by grace are not based upon someone else’s works.
Most of the time, our speech is a reaction to what someone else does or says, whether it is a Christian leader, politician, or just an average Joe. We curse them because of what they said or did, because we didn’t agree with it.
Like I said two weeks ago:
This isn’t speaking of cussing, like using bad words. Nor is it referring to a witch cursing someone.
This word is to feel, or express, great loathing for. You can curse someone without speaking. You just don’t like them. You don’t like what they did. You don’t like what they said. I’m not going to spend time with them.
Most of us have problems with the attitude, but some of us go all the way to striking out in anger against another Christian.
Our speech, instead, should be gracious, based upon the character of God. We speak to others based upon what He has done, rather than on what they have done.
They may not deserve kind words, they may not deserve forgiveness, they may not deserve reconciliation, but neither did we. He extended us grace. Because of what God has done, we turn around and be gracious to others.
We don’t ignore sin. No, God didn’t ignore ours. But in our interactions, we are pushing reconciliation and renewal instead of judgment, hatred, and disunity.
Paul said it this way,
Rom 12
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Because of God’s gift, we imitate him to others through our words.
How do we speak graciously? James builds his arguments on the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus said that if we want to grow fruit, we are to abide in him. A branch cannot bear fruit apart from Christ.
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
We may be followers of Christ. We may be saved. But, we are called to abide in Christ. The only way we can change how we speak is if we allow Christ to change the way we think and the way we desire. This is done by abiding with Him. Spending time in prayer and Bible study. Opening up to fellow Christians about our struggle with our mouth. All these are ways to abide. If we fill up with Christ, Christ will come out. If we don’t fill up with Christ, things that are not Christ, not gracious, will come out.
How are we doing?
May people know that we are followers of Christ through what we say.