The Tongue, small but deadly

The tongue can cause a great fire in life

This is the truth that James deals with in chapter 3. He says, many, many, many things about the tongue, all having to do with it's smallness, and yet, it's ability to do so many things. Much of what can be very destructive.

Below is a quick list taken from James 3:5-9......He will have more to say, but this is what he starts with.

1. The Tongue is a small part of our body.

2. The Tongue boasts great things.

3. The Tongue, like a spark of fire, can start a fire in life.

4. The Tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.

5. The Tongue is can defile the whole body.

6. The Tongue can set on fire the course of nature.

7. The Tongue is set on fire by hell.

8. The Tongue is something that no man can tame.

9. The Tongue is an unruly evil, and full of deadly poison.

10. The Tongue can bless God.

11. The Tongue can curse men who are made in God's image.

It's no wonder then, that he had warned those who would be teachers, to be careful before they entered into the teaching ministry of God's Word. It's because they have to use their tongues in their teaching. And, because the tongue is powerful, and can cause such damage, he gave that sober warning.

He will go on to talk about the way the tongue can be used to bring God's wisdom, and there is much said in Scripture about the power of the tongue for the good it can do......but, this first part of James as mentioned, deals with it's power to destroy.

The tongue is not just an independent power in our body, though it is powerful, it's connected to the person in whose body it is. And that person, that brother or sister in Christ, is connected to the Lord.

And, through the Lord we can learn to use our tongues in the way that honors Him, and blesses the lives of other people.

If you have the time to read through James 3, please do so, and ask the Lord to really impress the truths found there, and to guide you in the use of your own tongue, so that it brings and speaks about the "Wisdom that is from above"

May God use our tongues to do great good, and to bring great good, and may He help keep us from doing the harm that can be done by the tongue. He has given us a tongue, that is to be used as is every other part of our body for His glory.

Thank You Lord. May the blessings of God be in and upon our hearts, and shown by the way we speak. In Jesus name, Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. Warnings are a good thing.

2. Warnings about the tongue are very needed in our lives.

3. Warnings can help us this chapter seeks to do.

4. Warnings can help keep us from doing damage.

5. Blessings can flow where warnings are heeded.

6. Blessings are the intention of God through our tongues.

7. May Great and abundant blessings be yours today.