Living Out Our Faith Skillfully - James 3:2

Introduction

We are back to our study of James. We are in chapter 3. We just started chapter 3 and, this evening, we are going to consider verse 2.

Now, remember, this study of James is a little different than most studies. We are doing it chapter by chapter, paragraph by paragraph, and verse by verse together. I have two main goals in mind as we go through this study. One goal is to help you learn how to study God’s Word by demonstrating a method that I use. The second is to learn all that we can from the book of James helping us live lives that are pleasing unto the Lord.

Let’s take a minute and read the first paragraph of chapter 3 which is verses 1-12.

James 3:1–12 KJV 1900

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 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. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 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? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Last week, we were studying verse 1.

James 3:1 KJV 1900

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

As we were studying, we learned that the world “master” means “teacher.” Thus, the Holy Spirit is warning us about seeking to be teachers. The reason He is warning us is that being a teacher of God’s Word comes with some pretty serious responsibility. You will note the second half of that verse which essentially says “teachers” will “receive the greater condemnation.” Scripture is quite clear on this one fact. The more you know about God and His Word, the greater responsibility you have in obeying it and, eventually if the Lord leads, in teaching it.

With that in mind, we move to verse 2 this evening which says.

James 3:2 KJV 1900

2 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.

You will note that this verse actually contains two complete sentences.

GRAMMATICAL STUDY

Let’s examine the first sentence.

“For in many things we offend all.”

Breaking this verse down according to grammar we find the following.

VERB

“we offend” - means to sin, conceived as missing a step and falling or nearly falling

NOUN

*In the Greek, there are technically no nouns. The word “things” is understood as part of the word “many.”

ADVERBS

*There are no adverbs.

ADJECTIVES

“many” - a great amount or extent; a lot

“all” - everything; the whole

For the second sentence, we will break it down according to phrase. The first phrase is this.

“If any man offend not in word...”

VERB

“offend” - means to sin, conceived as missing a step and falling or nearly falling

NOUN

“word” - spoken communication generally speaking, sometimes it is communication through other means

ADVERBS

“not” - a negative

ADJECTIVES

*There are no adjectives.

“the same is a perfect man”

VERBS

“is” - state of being

NOUNS

“man” - a human being, sometimes it is used collectively of people

ADVERBS

*There are no adverbs.

ADJECTIVES

“perfect” - being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

NOTE - The word “same” is a pronoun in the Greek. It is the same as saying “This is a perfect man.”

“and able also to bridle the whole body.”

VERBS

“to bridle” - to curb something; has the idea of placing a bridle on something (like a horse) to control it

NOUNS

“body” - the entire structure of an organism, animal, or human being

ADVERBS

“also” - the equivalent of “and”

ADJECTIVES

“able” - capable; having the skills and qualifications to do something well

“whole” - constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

Now that we have understanding of some key words and how they are used we move to understanding what the Holy Spirit is communicating to us.

SPIRITUAL APPLICATION

Let’s begin with asking this question.

What is the Holy Spirit talking about?

We know, according to verse one, the Holy Spirit is talking about the responsibility of teaching. And, as we know, teaching often involves speaking. We can teach by modeling, but the majority of teaching involves using spoken communication.

Therefore, it is logical that the Holy Spirit brings our attention to using our mouth and our tongue - our speech. So, the Holy Spirit is talking about a believer’s use of the tongue. Or, as we might say, how we speak to others with an emphasis on teaching others.

What is the Holy Spirit saying about our speech?

In this verse, we have two very obvious points. The first of these is this. We can be really offensive to others in many areas of our life. Second, the biggest area we contend with the most is our mouth.

Note again these words.

“For in many things we offend all.”

The essence of this verse is this...

We Sin in a Lot of Different Ways

Remember from our word study that the word “offend” means to sin, conceived as missing a step and falling or nearly falling. It is word used almost exclusively here in James. In fact, the Greek word used in our text is only used 5 times in the entire New Testament. It is used two times in our verse. It is used one time in James 2 and verse 10.

James 2:10 KJV 1900

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Outside of James, it is used in Romans.

Romans 11:11 KJV 1900

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Here is used in conjunction with the nation of Israel concerning their refusal to accept Christ as their Messiah. The word “stumbled” is the same as the word “offense” in our text.

It is also used in 2 Peter.

2 Peter 1:10 KJV 1900

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

In this verse, the Holy Spirit is emphasizing the importance of living a believer’s life through obedience. If you focus on living as a believer and following God’s direction in your life, you do not run the risk of falling or coming up short to God’s expectation for your life.

Getting back to our text, I find this word very similar to the word found in Romans 3:23.

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Now, let me be clear, that this verse does not use the same Greek word as “offend.” However, this verse reminds us that all of us are sinners. We are born already as such. And, consequently, we “come short” or as the Greek would say “fall short” of God’s glory.

In our text, I believe the Holy Spirit is reminding us as believers that we do indeed often fall short of God’s expectations. Additionally, we do it many different ways. Something that Scriptures is very clear. We all “offend” God and others in many different ways. Note some of these verses and here what they have to say.

Mark 7:20–23 KJV 1900

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

And then note Galatians 5 which tells us.

Galatians 5:19–21 KJV 1900

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

I could read others, but for time’s sake I will only use these two for they are sufficient. You will note that myriad of ways in which a person sins. In fact, you can list them according to sins against God, sins against others, and even sins against yourself. All of which have to do with the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

So, the truth of the matter as state in James 3:2 is that we indeed do offend God and others in many different ways.

However, there is one vehicle of sin by which we sin a lot.

Go back to our verse.

James 3:2 KJV 1900

2 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.

“If any man offend not in word...”

Here is the heart of the matter. Here is the central theme of this paragraph. Now, remember our study from last week which was verse 1.

James 3:1 KJV 1900

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

In that study we noted the word “masters” means “teachers.” The Holy Spirit is warning us about desiring to be teachers for there is a huge responsibility. Teachers will “receive the greater condemnation.” It is very sober thing to be a teacher.

Now, in teaching, what is the most noted means of teaching? This question is not a trick question. In fact, I am doing it right now. I am teaching by using my mouth.

For this reason, the Holy Spirit zeroes in on the use of our mouth. And, essentially, the Holy Spirit reminds us how often we offend Him as well others in many different ways. However, one of the biggest ways we offend others is with our mouth.

The mouth is a huge subject in Scripture. One of the best books in Scripture concerning the mouth outside of James is the book of Proverbs. Listen to some of these proverbs.

Proverbs 10:19 KJV 1900

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 12:6 KJV 1900

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

Proverbs 15:1 KJV 1900

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 18:4 KJV 1900

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

Proverbs 18:8 KJV 1900

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, And they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

I could on listing many different verses from Proverbs but I believe you get the point. Words are important.

Many of you recall the little jingle we learned as kids.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!

Many of us were taught that jingle so that we would learn to overlook offenses. But, we also learned over the years, that this little jingle is actually a fib. Words do hurt. They can cause severe damage to a relationship. And, as believes, we must pay special attention to how we use our words as we speak to others. And, just as importantly, we must understand that a teacher holds great power of those they teach.

Again, go back to our verse.

James 3:2 KJV 1900

2 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.

We Sin the Most with Our Mouth!

The rest of this verse points us to this fact. If you can find (which, by the way, you will not) a person who does not offend with their mouth, then you will find a completely mature individual. You will find, as we would say, someone who has arrived. You will find a person who has mastered the art of bridling their tongue. Which, if they have mastered bridling their tongue, then they, most likely, have mastered bridling their whole body.

There are two important words here.

The first is the word “perfect.” The word “perfect” in this context means to be without defect or blemish. It means without sin.

The second is the word “bridle.” This word essentially means to have complete control. The idea behind the word is that of riding a horse using a bridle and bit to control this massive beast.

I have yet to meet someone who was without sin and had complete mastery over what they said and how they acted. In fact, over the course of history there has only been one man who did. He was the Lord Jesus Christ. Outside of him, no man who has ever lived possessed or possesses the ability to control his mouth. Women are included in that. No matter how much we try and no matter how hard we work, we just can’t do it.

EXAMPLE: I will give you one small example of this. It is something we talked about in our Bible study class this morning but it was in conjunction with sinful anger. How many of you have ever hit your thumb with a hammer or had something hard fall on your toe? Now, how did you react in that moment? Did, perhaps, a few choice words leave your lips for all to hear? I believe that answer is yes. How do I know? Unfortunately, I have done the same. Why? We offend in many things, but our biggest battle is our mouth.

CONCLUSION

Let’s wrap this up. What have we learned?

First, the Holy Spirit reminds us of who we truly are. We are sinners. Even as believers, we still struggle with our sinful flesh. Sin causes us to offend both God and man through our thoughts, our words, and our actions. And, we were reminded, we offend in many different ways.

Second, the Holy Spirit reminds us to be honest with ourselves. Any person who says they don’t offend with their mouth is kidding themselves. There is no person living on earth at this very moment who is sinless and has complete mastery over their body. The Lord Jesus Christ was the only one. He, the one born of a virgin and by the Holy Spirit, is the only sinless person who exhibited complete mastery of His body.

Thus, we, as believers, must be careful about desiring to be teachers. And, those who are teachers, must be reminded of their own sinfulness. Additionally, all of us as believers need to understand the danger of our tongues. May we commit to using our tongues in obedience to Scripture as we allow the Holy Spirit to control us. And, may we understand that our mouth is our biggest challenge. Thus, we need to fully commit to God and the instruction of His Word.