Thesis: James' teaching on "taming the tongue" aren't in the Bible to scare or guilt, but to remind us that God's grace extends to every single area and moment of our lives; encouraging us to respond in kind to His amazing care for us as ambassadors of the King.
1. IMPORTANCE OF SPEECH (v. 1) * Daily relationships * God has spoken to us through Christ and his Word and expects us to respond in prayer. * As a believer involved in daily Kingdom life, our speech is important as representatives of righteousness * Speech reveals inside and reminds of eternity
2. NEED OF GOSPEL (v. 2) * All have sinned, so "mastering the tongue" in and of itself doesn't save. * True look at our speech is humbling * Sinful tongue reminds us of gospel need
3. CALL FOR PERFECT SPEECH (v. 7) * Rather than test of speech, James actually saying if tongue mastered, than you have to perfect the entire body * James is showing that none of us can control the tongue * Only one person had perfect speech : Jesus
4. LIFE-CHANGING POWER (v. 3-6) * Our owrds aren't neutral, always have direction * Words can tear down or they can encourage * "Sticks and stones" = wrong. Words can hurt, they have power of life and death
5. SOLUTION TO HEART PROBLEM (v. 9-12) * There is a link between the heart and tongue * Jesus said what's inside comes out via mouth * As with any sin, sinful tongue reflects a battle between kingdoms of self and God * Solution is thee Word - Jesus * Seek Jesus' help - the Bible says there was never deceit found in his mouth.
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