Control What You Say
James 3:1-12
Pastor Jerry Koller

They will be held to a higher standard.

James 3:2a: This declaration is made in reference to the things we say with our tongue (our speech).

James 3:2b: The word perfect has to do with the idea of being mature.
• He is a spiritually mature enough man to keep the other members of his body in check.

The bridle is part of the harness that consists of a headstall—the part that holds the bit—and the reins that are attached to the bit. It is used to direct or steer the horse. It is also used to restrain it or control it.

The rudder is relatively small. Yet it controls the direction of the ship according to the will of the captain or the pilot as James calls him.

It may be small, but it is far from insignificant.

James 3:5a: While the tongue may be a relatively small part of the body, it talks big. It boasts of great things—things out of proportion to its size.

For example, See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! (James 3:5b)
• This picture was common to Jews. In the dry season around Palestine, scanty grass, low-growing thorn bushes and the likes were dry as tinder. If these things were set on fire by even a tiny little flame, it would spread like an unstoppable wave.

James 3:6: James calls the tongue the very world of iniquity. It is a part of the body that can defile, stain, or pollute the entire body.
• James states it is set on fire by hell. Apart from the Gospels, this is the only time the word Gehenna, or hell, is used.

This word literally means the “Valley of Hinnom,” which was a deep gorge southwest of Jerusalem, where trash, garbage, dead bodies of animals and executed criminals were dumped and burned.

The word “restless” means unstable; uncontrollable.
• It is full of deadly poison. The poison of the tongue can destroy relationships, families, even entire societies.

Doesn’t follow the Great Commandment

James 3:10: Double standard

James 3:11-12: Two Rhetorical questions whose answer is obvious.

No, a fountain cannot send out fresh and bitter (or undrinkable) water at the same time.

Only God can tame the tongue. You and I can try to keep it restricted or under control, but only God can tame.

Desire to make your speech a source of grace.(see Eph. 4:29)

Because God is the only one who can tame our tongues, we need to solicit God’s help.
• Pray as the Psalmist prayed.

Start Today. Don’t wait until tomorrow, or next week or next month.

• Penny Cornet (Rocky Starland's Aunt in Cypress, CA) is recovering from complications following surgery for two heart valve replacements. She is slowly healing.
• Sue McKamey (mom of Kyle McKamey) suffered a major stroke on 8/3. Tests show major damage to the right side of her brain. She has been released from the hospital under hospice care.
• Vasha Ferguson is recovering from hand surgery for carpal tunnel.
• Vince Bryant (Miriam Bryant’s son) is recovering from foot surgery.
• Jim (Renee Goff’s Uncle) is receiving hospice care for cancer.
• Pastor Jerry Koller is recovering from hip replacement surgery.
• Susan Seitz is at home recovering from a successful SI Joint fusion (Sacroiliac) surgery.
• Louann Pranger (Tracy Marshall's mom) continues to recover from a c-diff infection. Pray that her insurance will reconsider and provide coverage for the treatment needed to get her fully healed. Her spirit is very discouraged, and she is worried about permanent damage to her colon.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com