LifeWay Family Bible Series for April 17: Guard your tongue for the gospel’s sake_40405

Posted: 4/05/05

LifeWay Family Bible Series for April 17

Guard your tongue for the gospel's sake

James 3:1-12; 4:11-12; 5:12

By Mitch Randall

First Baptist Church, Bedford

The human tongue has been described as a sharp sword and a poisonous dart. The victims of its harmful slashes and deathly pricks are too numerous to count. More than anything else in the world, the tongue of man has been the scourge of the universe, waging wars with evil malice and creating chaos out of lies. The tongue of man, if left unchecked, is more powerful than the greatest weapon known to the universe.

The Apostle James recognized this notion to be true, as he laid out a warning to his readers. In a set of exhortations in his letter, the tongue of man is revealed as a dangerous weapon that needs constant reminding of what is good and bad. While the tongue has been given to us by God as one of the prime instruments through which the gospel can be brought to the world, an unbridled tongue sounds like a clanging cymbal in the wind.

James 3:1-12

James begins his exhortations with the importance of thoughtful words. To his readership, James includes the readers as teachers of the way. He reminds his readers that teachers will be judged according to the great responsibility they hold. He acknowledges the reality that mistakes will be made, but teachers must always recognize the influence their words have upon those who listen.

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James uses the analogy of a horse and bit. The bit, placed strategically within the horse's mouth, enables the rider to direct the animal any direction the rider wishes to go. James very creatively reveals the importance of a teacher's words. Teachers of the word have a great responsibility, for they give direction to understanding the Scriptures. Students listen and draw conclusions from the direction of the teacher.

James' second analogy is that of a large ship driven by the mighty winds, but guided along with only a mere rudder. Again, James' imagery is fascinating. A large ship being powered by the greatest of winds can drift off course with a mere shift a small rudder. For James, the words teachers use are vitally important for the future of the church and the faith. The smallest of errors can cause the biggest of problems.

One day, a little old lady called her pastor with a question. The pastor's secretary took the call and informed the dear old lady that the pastor was out taking care of some affairs. Unfortunately, the little old lady mistook the message in the secretary's voice and thought she said, “The pastor is out carrying on an affair.” In a matter of 10 minutes, the church was flooded with calls wanting to know if the news was true. Careful speech and careful listening often are key to good communication. The tiniest misinformation can cause anyone to drift off course.

His third analogy speaks of a forest fire ablaze. Once loosed, the tongue cannot control the damage it has started. A small flame, even though small in its ignition, has the potential to burn the entire forest. Teachers must be wary of lessons that contradict Scripture, for once out, the damage they cause could have irreversible effects.

James 4:11-12

In his second exhortation concerning the tongue, James warns of speaking evil against one another. The tongue of man has the potential to divide the strongest of relationships, even the relationship of the church.

There seems to be a theme running among the apostles themselves. As Paul speaks to the Corinthians about the importance of unity, James also reveals the dangers of division within the body. There was no doubt the apostles did not agree on everything–such was the case at the Jerusalem Conference. However, they also understood if the church were to survive their differences, their differences could not bring division among the church. So, as they debated theology and the practices of the law, they were careful not to speak evil against one another. However, the consequences of debate were that divisions were spilling over into the churches and evil was being espoused towards other believers. James, very strongly, speaks against such harmful words.

James 5:12

The apostle's final exhortation on the tongue pertains to truthful speech. In ancient days, there were elaborate ceremonies which individuals and parties executed to bring validity to verbal agreements. In today's contemporary society, it would be like issuing a contract between two people. However, like contemporary contracts, ancient agreements were often challenged with ambiguous language. James encourages his readers to be plainspoken, allowing their word to be their word. Clever trickery with the spoken word has never been beneficial for the gospel.

Conclusion

James certainly establishes the importance of the spoken word. As teachers of the word, Christians have a great responsibility in delivering the Christian lesson with thoughtfulness and gentleness. Evil and deceitful speech has no place in the life of the Christian. Such speech brings only pain and chaos to the life of the church. Christians must keep their tongues tame, empowering their language with the words of Christ. Through loving speech, truth is revealed and peace sought. The tongue of man has terrifying potential, yet when used in the manner of Christ can change the world for the better good.

Discussion questions

Describe a moment when your mouth has gotten you into trouble?

What would you have said differently?

Have you ever been misunderstood? What were the consequences?

Why is speech so important to the gospel?