Mark Sunderland
June 12, 2024
James 3 reminds us that our words can make an eternal difference. This study looks at our speech as an indicator of our spiritual health.
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James 3:1-6 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you
know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many
ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep
their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can
turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by
strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants
to go. 5 Likewise,
the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider
what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire,
a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets
the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
·
Alistair Begg: “Every sort of evil in the
World finds an ally in an uncontrolled tongue”
James 3:7-18 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed
and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a
restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and
with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come
praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and
salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives,
or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
13 Who is wise and
understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in
the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition
in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not
come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy
and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17
But the wisdom that
comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate,
submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in
peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
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Call or text YES to 321.574.6970 if you
have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.