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GR770
Tame the Tongue James 3:7-12 (1977-78) The following text is taken from a sermon preached by Gil Rugh, Senior Pastor at Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln, NE. The text has been edited and condensed by IHCC staff for use as a Bible Study aid. |
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Intro. - James has also stressed the awesome potential for harm that is present in the tongue. The tongue is set on fire by hell and can start a blaze that burns beyond our control in many areas of life. We must be careful not to allow Satan to use our tongue to start a fire - a fire that will bring devastation and destruction beyond what we can imagine. James now proceeds to emphasize two more problems with the tongue: it is both untameable (3:7,8) and inconsistent (3:9-12). 3:7 - The word tamed means "to subdue," "curb," "subjugate." Man has the power to dominate the animal world and does so. This was God's plan in the Creation (cf. Gen. 1:26; Ps. 8:6-8). 3:8 - But brings home the contrast between the control of the animals and the lack of control over the tongue. no one - This indicates that this is not the problem of just a few. No one is able to bring his tongue under complete and continual control. a restless evil (akatastaton) - This word was translated "unstable" in 1:8. The tongue cannot be trusted to stay submissively where it belongs. It is a caged animal looking for an opportunity to break forth. full of deadly poison - This picture is drawn from the Old Testament (cf. Ps. 58:3,4; 140:3). Again the devastating power of destruction present in the tongue is evident. It has power to destroy. James now turns to show the shocking inconsistency of the tongue. 3:9 - To curse would involve speaking against someone, using abusive speech. made in the likeness of God (cf. Gen. 1:26; Ps. 8:4-8) - Man is a personal being, created to have fellowship with God and to exercise authority over all creation. The Fall has marred this image but has not destroyed it. This is what gives every person significance and worth. Man is different and distinct from the animals. He reflects the person of God. 3:10 - My brethren indicates his love and concern for them. 3:11,12 - It is clear that when James says "no one can tame the tongue" (3:8) he still expects the tongue to be brought under control so that it functions consistently with the character of the person. To control the tongue we must begin with the heart (cf. Matt. 12:34; 15:18,19; Luke 6:45). Since the mouth speaks out of what fills the heart, we control the tongue by controlling what fills the heart. Joseph Parker, a great preacher of the last century said, "It is vain to attempt to tame the tongue until the heart has been subdued." We must begin with a new heart (cf. Jer. 17:9). God promised Israel if they would believe in Him, He would give them a new heart (cf. Ezek. 18:31; 36:26). When a person comes to believe in Christ, he is made a new person (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). As new people we must be careful as to what fills our hearts and minds (cf. Phil, 4:8). Note the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:19-23). The contrast between the tongue of the righteous and the tongue of the wicked is seen often in the Book of Proverbs (cf. Prov, 10:20; 12:18; 13:3; 15:1-4). Two questions must be asked in regard to our words:
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1000 South 84th St., Lincoln, NE 68510-4499...Phone: 402-483-4541...Fax: 402-483-6716 Web site: http://www.ihcc.org...E-Mail: ihcc@ihcc.org ************************************************************************** Permission was received from Indian Hills Community Church for the posting of this file on Bible Bulletin Board. Our gratitude to the Holy Spirit for leading Pastor Gil Rugh to preach/teach messages that are bold, and doctrinally sound—they are so needful to this generation. Tony Capoccia
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