2. The Tongue: Tamed or Raging? James 3:1-12 A Study in James

3. Tamed or Raging? The condition of our tongue has a direct correlation to the condition of our hearts.

4. Tamed or Raging? Luke 6:45 “ The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”.

5. Tamed or Raging? The taming or control of our tongue demonstrates the authenticity of our faith. “ When Jesus Christ is Lord of the heart, He is Lord of the lips too”. - Warren Wiersbe

6. Tamed or Raging? 3 Effects of our tongues. 1.It influences direction in life. 2.It can damage or bring disaster to life. 3.It can be a blessing or bring bitterness.

7. Tamed or Raging? 1.It Influences direction in life. Teachers have opportunity and accountability, so don’t rush into it. Make sure your words are leading in the right direction. “The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools” Proverbs 15:7

8. Tamed or Raging? 2. It can damage or bring disaster to life. -James contrasts the small spark with the out-of-control results. -If our tongues are connected to the wrong capacity or nature it can destroy. -Only a transformed heart can tame the tongue.

9. Tamed or Raging? 3. It can be a blessing or bring bitterness. Both life sustaining & life threatening Not intended to do both

10. Tamed or Raging God’s Intent: Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear”.

11. Tamed or Raging? Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”.

12. Tamed or Raging? Is God revealing to you the condition of your heart by the content of your conversations? If so what will be your response? The temptation is to leave either committed to working harder or feeling defeated.

13. Tamed or Raging? Remember the way to tame the tongue is not by working harder, but by getting closer to God and allowing Him to TRANSFORM you.