2. A Deadly Member
March 2, 2014
River Bend

3. Introduction Learning to control every aspect of our lives -
Three Dirty Secrets of Sin
What can a man’s tongue really do?
James 1:26 - “26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

4. James 3:3-5a - The Tongue is Small
Underestimating the power of the tongue
The danger of boasting -
What is the conclusion of boasting? - Proverbs 18:12; Galatians 5:26
Where should we boast? - 1 Corinthians 1:31; Galatians 6:14

5. James 3:5b-7 — The Tongue is a Fire
The world of iniquity -
A fool’s language - Proverbs 16:27; 13:2-3
Filthy language - Ephesians 5:4; Matthew 26:73-74
Gossip - Proverbs 10:18; Romans 1:29

6. James 3:5b-7 — The Tongue is a Fire
The world of iniquity -
Mindless Words - Proverbs 12:18; 29:20
Lying - Psalm 120:2-3; Proverbs 12:19; Proverbs 21:6

7. James 3:5b-7 — The Tongue is a Fire
Held accountable for our words -
Proverbs 18:21 - “21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

8. James 3:5b-7 — The Tongue is a Fire
Held accountable for our words -
Matthew 12: “…36 “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. 37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

9. James 3:8-12 — The Tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison
The deceitful tongue of false teachers -
James 3:1, Warnings against teaching
False teachers have always managed to twist the Scriptures - 2 Peter 3:15-17; Philippians 3:18-19

10. James 3:8-12 — The Tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison
Attacking the heart of man - The origin of all evil things
Jeremiah 17:9 - “9 The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”
Matthew 12:34b - “…For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”

11. James 3:8-12 — The Tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison
Attacking the heart of man - The origin of all evil things
Mark 7: “…21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

12. James 3:8-12 — The Tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison
Attacking the heart of man -
What if we fill our hearts with God’s Word? - Psalm 37:31; 40:8; 119:11
Philippians 4:8 - “8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

13. Conclusion How should a Christian use his tongue? Praise - Psalm 51:14
Preaching the Word - Psalm 119:172; 2 Timothy 4:2
Teaching Others - Proverbs 15:2; 2 Timothy 2:2
Kindness - Proverbs 31:26
Edification - Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6

14. How are you doing in controlling your tongue?
Conclusion
James 1:26 - “26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”
How are you doing in controlling your tongue?