James 3:1-12
The M Word: My Mouth
1. Greater strictness should make preachers intentional, v. 1
2. Must learn to see our tongue in relation to our whole body, v. 2-6
Three word pictures…
a) bit- “we guide their whole bodies as well”
b) rudder- “so large…strong winds…very small rudder”
c) fire
3. Our mouth makes visible what is invisible, v. 4
“…wherever the will of the pilot directs.”
words…will…worship (idol)
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
- Luke 6:45
Root idols of the heart…
a) power- a longing for influence or recognition
b) control- a longing to have everything go according to my plan
c) comfort- a longing for pleasure
d) approval- a longing to be accepted or desired
4. Identity makes the difference, v. 7-12
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”
-Isaiah 50:4
Mental worship…
Are you guilty of talking too much about things you shouldn’t or talking too little about things you should?
How often do you think of yourself in terms of your spiritual identity?
What is the last thing somebody said to you that blessed you?
What do your words reveal to be the idol of your heart?
As a result of what you heard today, is there a necessary conversation you need to have or action that you need to take?