POWER WITHIN James 3:1-5

Power Within  They say a picture is worth 1,000 words  There are also certain words that we hear that gives us a particular vision in our heads  If I say food, you might picture a cheeseburger, fried chicken, or pizza  What about when I say the word “power”

Power Within

 When we think of power, we often associate “bigger” with “better”  We hear the phrase, “call in the big guns”  James addresses a subject in chapter 3 that seems to be a small matter  However, big things can come in small packages

Responsibility (v. 1)  “With great power comes great responsibility”  “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Lk. 12:48)  James says the same about the tongue when it comes to teaching in verse 1

Responsibility (v. 1)  It’s not that James is discouraging anyone from becoming a teacher of the gospel  James just wants us to think about and realize the great burden and responsibility that comes with this task  That weeds out those who aren’t serious about it or not in it for the right reason

Charge (v. 2)  “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body”  James tells us that it is a difficult task to control the tongue  The one who does is a complete man

Charge (v. 2)  The one who controls his tongue should have no problem controlling the rest of the body  Paul mentioned how important it is to control one’s body (I Cor. 9:27)  We have a charge to control our tongues as well, and here is why…

Power (vs. 3-6)  Even though the tongue is small, it possesses a great deal of power  In fact, the tongue has the potential power to cause more harm and devastation than an Cat 5 Hurricane or US missile  James compares it to bits and rudders…

Power (vs. 3-6)  The tongue, like those 2 things, is also small but capable of great things  Another example is given of how just a small spark or flame can ignite and burn an entire forest  One little misspoken word can do so much damage

Power (vs. 3-6)  The tongue has so much power for damage that it is called it’s own little world of iniquity  Just like when an axel gets hot and heats up the entire wheel, one evil word spoken can affect the rest of the person  “set on fire by hell (Gehenna)”

Control (vs. 7-8)  We have a responsibility to control our tongues  James says we can control large animals, but we cannot tame the little tongue  Since the tongue is “full of deadly poison” we have a responsibility to control it

Control (vs. 7-8)  James already told us in 1:26 that if we do not control our tongue that our “religion” is useless  If we want to have a good life we should keep from speaking evil (I Pet. 3:10)  “He who guards his mouth preserves his life” (Prov. 13:3)

Control (vs. 7-8)  Remember it stems from the heart  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35)  “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (v. 37)

Purpose (vs. 9-12)  James finally explains that there should be a purpose to our words  Our tongue was not created to curse men, rather to praise God  The tongue should be used to do good things, such as give praise, encouragement and help

Purpose (vs. 9-12)  “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11)  “…the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Prov. 12:18)  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21)

Purpose (vs. 9-12)  “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29)  “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6)