2 the epistle of james 3 james part 5 – taming the beast james 3:1-12 – taming the tongue ●...

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The Epistle of James

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James Part 5 – Taming the Beast

James 3:1-12 – Taming the Tongue● This passage can be read on different levels● Most seem to pass quickly over v1-2, in favor of

the more lurid illustrations in v3-12● But these sections may be more connected

than we realize

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More Learners, Fewer Teachers?● James 3:1-2 --Not many should presume to be

teachers KJV (King James Version) translates this as

“masters”, which is an anachronism (cf. schoolmaster)

The Greek word is “didaskalos”, teacher– It is also translated as master many other places in the

NT, at least in the KJV “Presume” in the NIV (New International Version) is,

well, presumed from the context– The Greek is just “become”– Presumably, nobody at all should presume to be a

teacher

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● Because teachers will be judged more strictly Why would this be? Why are leaders held to a higher standard? Consider Moses – Number 20:10 He was excluded from the Promised Land, for

losing his temper ● Teachers will be judged more strictly because

of their influence on others Jesus taught this principle Matthew 18:6 – Causing one of the little ones to sin Matthew 23:13 -- “Woe to you, teachers of the

law...”

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The Perfect Teacher:● One who is never at fault in what he says● This is a very high standard!

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The Untamable Tongue● First, some illustrations -- v3-6

A horses bit A ship's rudder

● These are small compared to what they steer But they steer most effectively

● Likewise the tongue -- v5-6 It is a small part of the body But it can to terrible, life-lasting damage Like a single spark can start a forest fire

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Continuing with the Tongue, and What We Say with It

● We can tame all kinds of animals – v7● But not the tongue – v8● Incongruities (things that don't line up) – v9-12

We praise God in our speech But curse men This is like two kinds of water from one spring Or the wrong kind of fruit from a tree or a vine

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● Jesus also taught about what we say: Matthew 5:22 -- “You fool!” Matthew 12:36-37 – Every idle word

● As did the Apostle Paul: Romans 1:29-30 – Gossip and slander are listed in

the acts of total depravity

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What We Say Is Not A New Problem● Proverbs 12:18, 13:3, and many others● Isaiah 6:5, 59:3

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If the Tongue is Full of Poison,What is the Antidote?

● We can just say “words are just words” “Sticks and stones...” If you believe that, go to Harlem (New York) and

say certain words

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● You Can Take a Vow of Silence

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● You can get one of these:

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● As Isaiah said, we are a people of unclean lips Popular entertainment media have coarsened our

speech As has the Internet

● Our words are impure at many levels● Words are more than just sounds● Words are symbols● This is especially true in the Bible

(Some) words are eternal “Heaven and earth shall pass away...”

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So, if Our Words are Impure● Words come from the heart

So, we need a new heart – Ezekiel 36:26● We need to be changed by the Word:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2, NIV

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Tying It Together● A single perfect teacher, without fault in speech

Steers a whole congregation toward God● A single evil teacher, with a tongue of fire from

hell Steers a whole congregation into destruction

2 the epistle of james 3 james part 5 – taming the beast james 3:1-12 – taming the tongue ●...

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