Anchor Verses
James 3:1–12, Matthew 12:36
Focus Statement
Our words have the power to shape the direction of our lives and the lives of those around us. Because we cannot tame our tongues in our own strength, we must invite the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and our speech.
Introduction
- “What’s a phrase or saying that you live by?”
- The words we repeat about life, God, and ourselves shape who we become. ◦ Words can create life or death in us and in the people around us.
- We often use phrases to justify careless speech:
- “I don’t care what people think about me.”
- “Sounds like their problem, not mine.”
- “The truth hurts.”
- “I’m just speaking my mind.”
- Even Christians can use “I need to speak the truth” as permission to be aggressive, demeaning, or condescending.
- Truth matters, but Scripture also calls us to speak gently, pursue peace, build others up, give grace, and be compassionate and kind.
- Matthew 12:36: We will give an account for every careless word we speak. • God cares about how we speak because our words have power.
Part I: Not Many Should Become Teachers (James 3:1)
- Teachers carry greater responsibility
- Teachers use their words to influence others, which means they will be judged with greater strictness.
- This applies beyond pastors and professionals: small group leaders, ministry leaders, online influencers, and anyone who intentionally uses their words to influence others.
- Ask:
- Am I confident my words will influence people toward Jesus?
- What is my motive? Influence? Recognition? Status? Competition?
- Are anger, pride, defensiveness, bias, or a lack of compassion affecting my speech?
Part II: The Tongue Determines the Direction of Your Life (James 3:2-6)
- Small tongue, massive influence ◦ A bit directs a horse.
◦ A rudder directs a ship.
◦ A spark can set an entire forest on fire.
◦ In the same way, the tongue can determine the trajectory of our lives. • Your words put you on a path
◦ Angry words can lead us deeper into anger.
◦ Bitter words can reinforce bitterness.
◦ Defensive words can lead us further into defensiveness.
◦ Our speech doesn’t just describe the path we’re on—it keeps us going towards destinations we don’t want to end up at.
- Matthew 12:34: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” • What you say reveals what is happening underneath the surface.
◦ Anger can reveal hatred.
◦ Bitterness can reveal control.
◦ Anxiety can reveal an area where we haven’t trusted the Lord.
◦ Defensive speech can reveal insecurity.
- There is a cycle:
◦ What is in the heart comes out through our speech, and what we speak can reinforce what is happening in our heart.
- We have to go deeper than simply trying to “stop talking.”
◦ We need to spiritually audit ourselves.
◦ “Lord, search me. Know me. Point out what offends You, and remove it from my life.”
- This requires humility.
◦ Stop blame-shifting.
◦ Stop using other people’s behavior as an excuse for our own speech. ◦ Be willing to admit: “There is something in my heart that needs to change.”
Part III: The Tongue Cannot Be Tamed in Our Own Strength (James 3:7-8)
- “No human being can tame the tongue.”
- Humanity has learned to tame animals, build incredible things, and accomplish extraordinary feats.
- Yet we have never been able to consistently control our speech.
- We can’t tame our tongues because we can’t ultimately tame our hearts. (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 7)
- Our hope is the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or an experience. He is a person—the Spirit of Jesus.
- He:
- Reminds us of what Jesus taught (John 14:26)
- Leads us into truth (John 16:13)
- Convicts us of sin (John 16:8)
- Produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22–25)
- Transforms us into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
- We must make space for the Spirit’s work
- Abide in Jesus (John 15:4).
- Spend time with Him in prayer, Scripture, and worship.
- Invite Him into the ordinary moments of your day.
- Behold Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- We become what we behold.
- Fix your eyes on the character of Jesus.
- As we remain in Jesus and behold Jesus, the Spirit works in us.
Part IV: It is Incompatible to Praise God and Curse People (James 3:9-12)
- Blessing God while cursing His image-bearers is incompatible
- Every person is made in the image of God.
- We cannot praise God while demeaning people He created and loves. ◦ Political disagreements, theological disagreements, annoyances, and minor conflicts can easily become hatred and vitriol.
- Even among believers, our speech should build up the body rather than tear it apart.
- John 13:35: Our love for one another is part of how the world recognizes Jesus’ disciples.
- Don’t let conviction turn into shame.
- The Lord loves you and wants you to bring these things to Him.
- He restores us when we allow Him into these areas of our lives.
- Don’t let defensiveness become your excuse.
- “You don’t understand how dumb this person is.”
- “They’re just too sensitive.”
- “Someone needed to say it.”
- Recognize these justifications for what they are and invite the Lord to search your heart.
Walking it Out
- Don’t JUST put a filter on your speech. You have to be willing to search your heart. • Immerse yourself in the words of Jesus. Meditate on how He used His speech • Memorize and apply Ephesians 4:29
Next Week…
- James 3:13-18 Knowledge to Wisdom
- James moves from the power of our words to the wisdom behind the way we live. ◦ True wisdom isn’t merely demonstrated by what we know, but by the way we live and the character our lives produce.
