Growing our Faith
James 3:1-8 (NKJV)
1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
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.
3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.
4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
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.
3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.
4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
What Is A Mature (Perfect) Christian?
· A mature (perfect) Christian is one who has every part of his being, especially his tongue, under the rule of Christ.
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Especially His Tongue
· A bit in a horse’s mouth – a rudder of a great ship – He who can bridle his tongue can bridle the whole body.
· No other part of the body is said to have such an affects as to control the whole body.
· The way you think in your heart reveals your true character.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)
34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)
34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
God Can Only Change The Corrupt
· Because the heart is corrupt, the tongue s untamable.
Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)
9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
Luke 18:27 (NKJV)
27 But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
Luke 18:27 (NKJV)
27 But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Four important areas where the tongue must be tamed:
1. Lying, 2. Backbiting, 3. Grumbling, 4. Talkativeness
Lying,
· Satan’s role
John 8:44 (NKJV)
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
· Paul instructs us
Colossians 3:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
When we lie we sin against the Body for we are all members of one body
Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV)
25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
Revelation 22:15 (NKJV)
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
Revelation 22:15 (NKJV)
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
· Are there black and white lies?
· The world says there is!
Gray Areas In Our Conversations
· When you don’t want to do something and makeup reasons why: example, “I can’t come to dinner tonight I have so much to do.
· Exaggeration – Pride usually the motive
· Complements: Numbers as to income, as to church attendance, etc
· Excuses you use to consider the feeling of others
· This is any form of corrupt words or unwholesome talk.
Ephesians 4:29-30 (NKJV)
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
· Often you’re your own advantage
Jude 1:16 (NKJV)
16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.
16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.
· Scripture says it’s lying.
Proverbs 26:28 (NKJV)
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.
· God Hates
Job 32:22 (NKJV)
22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.
22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.
Backbiting,
· Gossiping And Criticizing Are Both Form Of Evil Speaking
· They Have Wrought Havoc In The Church Of Jesus Christ
· A Whisper Separates Close Friend.
Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV)
28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
· In the garden, Satan told Eve lies that darkened God’s character resulting in a separation of man and God
Genesis 3:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.
5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.
5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
· The spirit of jealousy
Numbers 12:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
2 So they said, "Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?" And the Lord heard it.
1 Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
2 So they said, "Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?" And the Lord heard it.
· We are in danger of the judgement of God when we criticize the appointed leaders. Notice Moses refused to defend himself.
Psalms 105:15 (NKJV)
15 Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm."
15 Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm."
· Note the feather pillar story- cannot recollect all the feathers neither can you make what was wrong right
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Colossians 3:25 (NKJV)
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Colossians 3:25 (NKJV)
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Grumbling,
· From the time that God brought his people out of Egypt they began to grumble.
· Wherever they became discontent, they looked for a scapegoat
· Moses quickly points out they were really grumbling against God
Exodus 16:8 (NKJV)
8 Also Moses said, "This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord."
8 Also Moses said, "This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord."
· God’s anger was aroused.
Numbers 11:1 (NKJV)
1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.
1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.
· Paul and Silas had an excuse to grumble about what was happening to them but they chose the high road
Acts 16:25-30 (NKJV)
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
30 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
30 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
Talkativeness
Psalms 141:3 (NKJV)
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
· There is a time to be silent as well as a time to speak
Ecclesiastes 3:7 (NKJV)
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
· A chattering fool comes to ruin.
Proverbs 10:8 (NKJV)
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
· A man of knowledge uses words with restraint
Proverbs 17:27 (NKJV)
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
· The New Testament warns us to avoid godless chatter.
2 Timothy 2:16 (NKJV)
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
· Self control is a fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:23 (NKJV)
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
· When words are many, sin is not absent
Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV)
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
· Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
James 1:19 (NKJV)
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
· If an unrestrained and undisciplined tongue exposes you to temptation of the devil, is t not equally true that by guarding your lips you guard your soul?
Proverbs 13:3 (NKJV)
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
You Must Want To Tame Your Tongue.
· You must be convinced that it can in fact be tamed- by the grace of God
Philippians 3:21 (NKJV)
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
· When The Holy Spirit Has Brought The Conviction
· Acknowledge God Will Not Leave Us Powerless
· We Can Accomplish Godliness In Our Speaking
Bring Every Area Of Failure Under The Rule Of Christ
· Ask him to subdue those words that are critical, unkind or whatever the Holy Spirit ahs bought to your attention)
· Confess your failure to God, ask him , and believe the will help you.
· Make my lips to show forth our praise.
Psalms 141:3 (NKJV)
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
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