THE GODLY TONGUE AND HOW TO USE IT
THE RIGHT AND INCORRECT USE OF THE TONGUE
Study from the boook of James 3:1-12
Thing that was written in James 3: 1-12 became in everybody’s mouth! What a crucial problem that is, and how much we need to be aware of the teaching of God’s word about the right and the incorrect use of the tongue! The truth is that our tongues can be used helpfully, for the dignity of God and for the blessing of others; or they'll be misused, bringing sorrow and tears to others, and inside the manner hindering the testimony of the Lord. The reality that in the course of his letter James has much to say approximately this count number indicates that those he had in mind have been guilty of committing what Matthew Henry calls ’tongue sins’. So James indicates to us very pointedly that the tongue of a Christian is the indicator of that Christian’s religious fitness. Our speech exhibits what type of a Christian we're. as a way to emphasise this fact James makes use of three pairs of illustrations to expose the strength of the tongue.
1.THE INCORRECT USE OF THE TONGUE
- THE RIGHT USE OF THE TONGUE
Now examine the subsequent references in James to look how the Christian’s tongue need to be used:-
we've visible that our tongues can be used in lots of bad approaches and in some of proper ways. How can it be controlled? simplest with the aid of the Holy Spirit. have you ever ever asked the Holy Spirit to take control of your tongue? In Romans 6:thirteen we are exhorted to provide the elements of our body to God “as units of righteousness” - our arms, eyes, feet…and our tongue. have you ever given your tongue to the Lord for Him to control it? do so now, and as you conclude this study right here is: 1 The tongue has electricity to direct. In verses 3 and four we've got the instance of the bit and the rudder. Our phrases can direct others into the right or the incorrect course - appearance up Proverbs 18:21. beware of the idle phrase, the questionable tale, the half of-reality, the planned lie. a lot of these should exchange the path of a lifestyles and lead it to destruction. however, the proper word can also direct someone out of sin and into salvation. How we need the Lord to manipulate our tongue!
2 The tongue has power to break. The example in verses five-eight emphasises the truth that the tongue is a small member of the body, however it could cause extremely good destruction. What the tongue says comes from the coronary heart - look up Matthew 12:34-35. A tiny spark can set a whole forest on fire, and the tongue is sort of a small flame - look up Proverbs 16:27. An evil tongue also can unfold poison. however, a religious tongue is medication - look up Proverbs 12:18; it will heal and now not harm.
three The tongue has strength to pride. In verses 9-12 we've the example of the fountain, or spring; it is impossible for a spring to produce both sparkling and salt water on the equal time. inside the identical way, the tongue cannot communicate blessing and cursing (Proverbs 18:4). A tree can not bear two kinds of fruit (Proverbs thirteen:2; Proverbs 18:20-21).
(1) Blaming God whilst tempted to do wrong (James 1:thirteen-14). God by no means tempts us to sin; temptation arises while a man is lured away by using his own lust.
(2) Talking hypocritically (James 1:26). It is straightforward to do this, and what a terrible declaration about this very thing is discovered in Titus 1:16!
(3) Expressing discrimination between rich and bad fellow-believers (James 2:1-four). Discrimination between people’s coloration, background, race and standing in lifestyles can be very well un-Christian.
speaking unsympathetically to the ones in want (James 2:15-sixteen). With so much poverty in our global, we need to look our hearts.
Boasting and flattering, accordingly inflicting a detrimental fireplace (James three:5). simply one phrase can motive a own family dissatisfied or division in a church; see James three:14.
(6) Grumbling towards every different (James 4:12; five:9). Moffatt renders Romans 14:12-13: “each people will should answer for himself to God, so stop criticising one another!”
(7) Swearing (James 5:12). Many non-Christians are careless with their phrases, even taking the Lord’s call in useless. How careful we have to be as believers - 1 Peter three:10.
THE RIGHT USE OF TONGUES
(1) To reward God (James three:nine), which in one translation reads, “We use our tongue to reward our Heavenly Father”. We should be doing this each day - read through Psalms 148, 149
(2) To wish to God:
(1) For knowledge (James 1:five-6).
(2) For help for the ones in trouble (James 5:13-16).
(three) For restoration (James five:14-15).
(4) For large requests (James 5:17-18).
(five) For backsliders to be restored (James 5:19-20).
(three) To sing to the Lord (James 5:thirteen). flip to Psalm 51:14 and make the identical resolution.
(4) To witness for the Lord. This isn't without a doubt mentioned via James, but we need to consist of it - appearance up Psalm 107:2; Acts 1:8.
(1) A decision to make - Psalm 17:
(2) A caution to take note of - Matthew 12:34-37.
(3) A prayer to pray - Psalm 19:1