A FAITH THAT CONTROLS MY TONGUE

A Faith That… Part 8

Steve Gallimore | pastorsteve@tvcc.us
June 14, 2020
James 3:1-12 (NLT)

James 3:1-12
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. (vs. 2)

I. WHY MUST I WATCH WHAT I SAY?

1 . MY TONGUE DIRECTS

I GO.
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. (vs. 3)

And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. (vs. 4)

2 . MY TONGUE CAN DESTROY

I HAVE.
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.(vs. 5)

It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. (vs. 6b)

If you want to stay out of trouble be careful what you say! Prov. 21:23 (GN)

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. (vs. 7-8)

3 . MY TONGUE DISPLAYS

I AM.
It’s inconsistent: (vs. 9)

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
(vs. 10)

Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. (vs. 11-12)

THE PROBLEM IS A

PROBLEM

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matt. 12:34 (NIV)

Also Matt. 15:18-19

II. WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

1 . Get a new

Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit! Ezekiel 18:31 (NIV)

2 Cor. 5:17

2 . Ask God for

every day

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (ESV) Also Palms 19;14

3 . Think before you

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19