Taming of the Tongue - May 1, 2022

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

Taming of the Tongue
Text: James 3:1-12
Thesis: The Holy Spirit is the only one that can tame the tongue.
1. Everyone is in danger of stumbling with the tongue. (Vs. 2)
A. This is a universal danger.
See the sermon “The Power of the Spoken Word” 3-27-22
*“When words are many, sin is not far behind.”
Proverbs 10:9a
B. Do not join in on the local gossip.
1. Biblical principle when deciding who to talk to about the latest hot topic:
“You should only talk to those who are part of the problem or part of the
solution.”
2. Follow Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-17.
C. Avoid foolish talk.
*“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking.”
Ephesians 5:4
2. Never underestimate the power of the tongue because it is small.
A. The Tongue is powerful and is compared to the capability of the bit or rudder.
(Vss. 4 & 7)
1. So never say “It is just words”. One of the greatest lies is in the phrase “Sticks
and stones can break my bones but words will never harm me.”
3. The tongue has far reaching capabilities. (Vss. 5b & 6)
A. It was only a little spark that destroyed millions of acres of
precious timber.
1. A word spoken or text cannot be retrieved.
2. Taking your time to choose the correct words is time well spent.
4. The tongue has the capability of both blessing and cursing. (Vss. 9-12)
A. The tongue speaks out of the overflow of the heart.
*Jesus said, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the
mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Matthew 12:34
B. The tongue problem is a result of bad environment or a bad heart or a combination
of both.
C. Seek God’s help by consecrating your whole being to the Holy Spirit’s control.
1. No one can tame the tongue without the Holy Spirit’s power!
*“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your
whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23