Sermon Tone Analysis

LET US OBSERVE A LESSON FROM A THERMOMETER AND A THERMOSTAT

A. A thermometer RECORDS the temperature . . .

a thermostat CONTROLS the temperature.

1.

The tongue combines both the thermometer and the thermostat in the same device.

2. – “For we all stumble in many things.

If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.”

​ KJV 19002 For in many things we offend all.

If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

B. The tongue as a THERMOMETER.

1.

Just as the thermometer declares the temperature level, so one’s conversation reveals the level of his spirituality.

2. Speech exposes the condition of the heart.

a. Swearing discloses a profane heart.

b.

Impure stories disclose a filthy heart.

c.

Murmuring discloses a thankless heart.

d.

Criticism discloses a jealous heart.

C. The tongue as a THERMOSTAT.

1.

The thermometer registers temperature, but in no way regulates it.

The thermostat governs the temperature.

The tongue not only measures moral condition, but is also a determining instrument.

2. In , the tongue is spoken of using the figures of a bit in a horses mouth and the rudder on a ship.

​ KJV 19003 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

a.

A bit determines the course of a horse, making him turn to the left or the right . . .

letting him run fast or jolting him to a stop.

b.

A rudder guides the ship’s course, turning it in any desired direction.

c.

Similarly, proper use of the tongue can guide a person safely through hazardous circumstances.

3.

As a thermostat, the tongue can lower the temperature of:

a. Pride

b.

Temper

c. Jealousy

d.

Spite

e.

And others sins of the tongue, and make one more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

SEVEN SINS OF THE TONGUE.

Sins of the tongue can be numerous.

We shall consider seven of the most common.

A. SWEARING

1. God warned the people of Israel in – “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

​ KJV 19007 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

2. God’s displeasure with cursing was made plain by His instructions to Moses as commanded in these two passages:

a. – “Take outside the camp him who has cursed; then let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.”

​ KJV 190014 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

b. – “And whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death.

All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land.

When he blasphemes the name of the LORD, he shall be put to death.”

​ KJV 190016 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

3. Regardless of what you might think, profanity is not a mark of toughness.

Rather, it is a mark of weakness and stupidity.

Those who profane God’s name indicate their mental poverty and lack of self-control.

4.General George Washington felt that God’s favor would not be on his troops if swearing was practiced.

We cannot but help be impressed with an entry he wrote in his orderly book on August 3, 1776.

“I am sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane swearing, a vice heretofore little known in the American army, is growing into fashion.

I hope that the officers will, by example and influence, endeavor to check it; and that both they and the men will reflect, that we have little hope of the blessing of heaven on our arms, if we insult Him by out impiety and folly.

Added to this is a vice so mean and low . . .

that every man of sense and character detests and despises it.”

5. Swearing is neither sensible or worthwhile.

The person who swears . . . . . .

a. Lays aside his character.

b.

Inflicts pain on those close to him.

c.

Violates the Scriptures.

d.

And loses his soul.

6.

In every life there are some hours of crisis when there is a need to call upon God for help and strength.

a. – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”

​ KJV 190010 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

b.

However, a person who has cursed and profaned the name of the Lord will find it difficult to ask for His help.

7. A little tract entitled, “Ten Reasons Why I Swear,” shows the foolishness of the habit.

The ten stated reasons are:

a. (1) It pleases mother so much.

b. (2) It is a fine mark of manliness.

c. (3) It proves I have self-control.

d. (4) It indicates how clearly my mind operates.

e. (5) It makes my conversation so pleasing to everybody.

f. (6) It leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind as to my good breeding.

g. (7) It impresses people that I have more than an ordinary education.

h.

(8) It is an unmistakable sign of culture and refinement.

i. (9) It makes a very desirable personality among women and children and respectable society.

j. (10).

It is my way of honoring God, who said, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain . .

.”

8. Listen to what God’s word says about the tongue.

– “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

​ KJV 19009 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.

My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?