Description of a Christian: TONGUE

James 3:1-10

James 3:1–10 ESV

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 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. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 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. 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! 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. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

The Builder versus the Wrecker

I watched them tearing a building down— A gang of men in a busy town; With a "ho heave ho" and a lusty yell They swung a beam and the side war fell; I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled? And the kind you would hire, if you were to build?" He laughed and said, "Why, no indeed Just common laborers is all I need; They can easily wreck in a day or two That which has taken builders years to do." So I said to myself, as I went on my way, What part in the game of life do I play? Am I shaping my deeds to a well-made plan, Carefully measuring with a rule and square, Patiently doing the very best I can, Or am I a wrecker, who walks the town, Content with the labor of tearing down?—Selected.

We are doing a 5-part series on the Book of James. The book of James can be viewed as a mini-instruction manual of what a Christian should look like.

Part 1 - Origination of temptation and the cycle of sin.

Part 2 - The aspects of a Christian’s faith.

Part 3 - A Christian and their tongue. (Today)

Part 4 - Christian and their relationships with others

Part 5 - Expectations of a Christian

Today, Part 3 - The Christian’s tongue.

When we speak on impulse, without thinking, we are giving our tongue over to the enemy. We expel fire from our lips which only destroys and does not bring the righteousness of Christ. James actually compares this fire to in the original text to the Hinnom Valley. A ravine of constant burning fires. A place of trash fires and burning rubbish. There was always a fire burning. It was easy for people to gain an understanding of Hell.

Think about it. How much good as come out of impulse speaking, impulse buying also, but that is for another day.

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

We have to work at it. Work at allowing the Holy Spirit to have control of our lives. Self-control does not come naturally. It is a process of taking a deep breath.

Envy - bitter jealousy

Self-seeking - selfish ambition

When we are self seeking, then we are not seeking the Master.

Luke 17: 9-10

Luke 17:9–10 ESV

Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

Galatians 5:24-26

Galatians 5:24–26 ESV

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

James 3:16

James 3:16 ESV

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Where do our words line up? In this manual for Christians, James gives us some things to test our words.

Do you share of your knowledge with innocent intentions?

Are you using your wisdom to help improve the lives of others or to puff yourself up?

Are your words peaceful?

Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 ESV

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Are your words gentle and considerate?

Philippians 2:3

Philippians 2:3 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Do you submit your tongue to those in authority over you?

Do you feel you have to have the last word?

Ephesians 5:21

Ephesians 5:21 ESV

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Are your words full of mercy and the effect of your words leading to good works?

Are your words impartial with no hypocrisy?

These are some hard questions. Are we thinking how we use our words? Have we been hurt by someone who used words without thinking or with malice?

The answer to question 1 would hopefully be no, but realistically yes. We all have at one time or another allowed our emotions to control our brain and the final result with our tongue was not pretty.

Sometimes we just need to be aware of the problem to change it. Sometimes we need some major divine interaction to help gain control of our tongue.

We need to build each other up, not tear them down. This requires self-control.

Now, the answer to the second question. All of us have been hurt by one person or another speaking without thinking. We remember the hurt we felt. We can easily understand how James could say that when we do not control our tongue, we are handing it over to the enemy.

Hopefully, this will give us a greater realization how our words have hurt someone, maybe from a simple misunderstanding.

Galatians 5:13

Galatians 5:13 ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Conclusion:

A - Acknowledge

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

B - Believe

Acts 16:31 “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.””

C - Confess

Romans 10:9-10 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”