The Tongue Sermon
by David Lazarus

James 3:1-5
 
Vs 1-5 The Power of the tongue
 
Connection between the tongue and the heart.
 
Isaiah 6 when he saw his sinfulness
 
Paul in Rom. 3 wants to prove that all men are under sin and need God’s grace says our throats are open graves, poison on our lips.
 
First result of Renewal of was speaking in tongues. This is a restoration of man’s proper position in world and with himself and others. (not only praising God but others understood)
 
 
Horse and Ship—controls whole body.
Both very small yet have great impact.
 
Not that by controlling tongue I control all body,
but that whoever can control the tongue can also control his whole life
 
Fire – effect of our words go far and wide
 
What my speech should be like if my heart is controlled by the Holy Spirit.
 
1. Colossians 4:6
Gracious and seasoned with salt
 
חן The heart response of someone who has something to give to someone in need.
Grace—The love of God to come and save mankind
 
Words that come from a heart saved by grace
 
Words show respect for human kind
Honoring each person
Protocol, addressing each person accordingly
 
Salt – make food more palatable.
Makes my words more easy to receive.
Heart that wants to help people, not condemn them

2. Eph. 4:29
 
My speech will be edifying
 
Sweet
 
 (see proverbs below)
 
3. Proverbs 15:23 My words will be appropriate
 
Believer knows how to speak to elderly person, single woman, someone in pain, someone needs encouragment
 
How to speak in certain situations
 
Anger
Proverbs 15: 1-4 a gentle answer turns away wrath
 
Hearing information about another person
Proverbs 18:8  Stop them
When you listen to gossip, complaints, you become a complainer
 
When you need to correct
Proverbs 16:21-24
 
All situations
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

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