Tiago 3

Tiago 3

Johnson wrote that speech by teachers before a "captive audience" "provides temptations to virtually every form of evil speech: arrogance and domination over students; anger and pettiness at contradiction or inattention; slander and meanness toward absent opponents; flattery of students for the sake of vainglory." (The Letter to James, 1995). David Platt: Faith Speaks Exalting Jesus In James - Page 70 Main Idea: We need to recognize that the tongue is untamable, capable of great damage, and an indicator of our hearts, but God has a gracious provision in the gospel for our sinful words. A. Recognize the great responsibility of teaching God’s Word (3:1). B. Recognize the great potential of sinning in what we say (3:2). C. Recognize the great power of the tongue (3:3-6). D. Recognize our inability to tame the tongue (3:7-10). E. Recognize that our words are an indication of our hearts (3:11-12). Craig Blomberg - The Power of the Tongue (James 3:1–12) James - Page 151 a. The Problem of Too Many Teachers (James 3:1–2a) -- Believers must not aspire to becoming teachers too hastily 1) This is because teachers (who depend so heavily on their tongues) will be judged more strictly when they sin (because of their more widespread influence) (James 3:1). 2) And teachers can sin just as often as do other people (James 3:2a). b. The Positive Potential of Speech (James 3:2b–5a) -- The tongue is a powerful influence for good, out of proportion to its size 1) Right speech is the preeminent sign of Christian maturity (James 3:2b). 2) The tongue is to the individual what a bridle is to a horse (James 3:3). 3) The tongue is to the individual what a rudder is to a ship (James 3:4). 4) In each case, a little object controls a big one, accomplishing great things (James 3:5a). c. The Negative Potential of Speech (James 3:5b–8) -- The tongue is a powerful influence for bad, out of proportion to its size 1) The tongue is like a small spark setting a large forest on fire (James 3:5b–6). 2) The tongue is like an untamable creature (James 3:7–8). d. The Possibility of Inconsistency (James 3:9–12) -- These simultaneous possibilities for good and evil create a unique inconsistency, contrary to God’s creation 1) The tongue is like a small spark setting a large forest on fire (James 3:5b–6). 2) The tongue is like an untamable creature (James 3:7–8). ILLUSTRATION (similar to one mentioned by McGee) - One day a very learned preacher was met by an illiterate preacher who despised education. "Sir, you have been to college, I suppose?" "Yes, sir," was the reply. "I am thankful," replied the illiterate preacher, "that the Lord opened my mouth without any learning." "A similar event," answered the learned clergyman, "took place in Balaam's time, when his donkey spoke, but such things are of rare occurrence in the present day. Maybe you are one of the rarities." (Zodhiates borrow Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James)) J