Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 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. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 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. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 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. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 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. James 3:1-12
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TONGUE.
1. THE TONGUE A BATTLE WE ARE BORN WITH
For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. Psalms 51:5
2. THE TONGUE IS POWERFUL
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
3. THE TONGUE IS DIRECTIONAL
But the words you speak come from the heart… Matthew 15:18
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23
And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. James 3:4
4. THE TONGUE HAS QUICK IMPACT
5. THE TONGUE IS CONFLICTED
OUR EMOTIONS KEEPS US VICTIMS WHEN WE WERE MEANT TO BE VICTORS.
TAKE HOME
THE TONGUE CANNOT BE TAMED WITH HUMAN STRENGTH BUT BY DIVINE STRENGTH
Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips. Psalms 141:3
You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:27-28
T – is it True?
H – is it Helpful?
I – is it Inspiring?
N – is it Necessary?
K – is it Kind?
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5
Asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. Ephesians 1:17
QUIT TALKING ABOUT YOUR MOUNTAIN AND START TALKING TO YOUR MOUNTAIN.
I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. Mark 11:23