BIG IDEA- Our speech reveals the true state of our hearts- but the gospel empowers us to use words that bring life, not destruction. James 3: 3-6- 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.[a] Truths About the Tongue The tongue is . Do not be deceived by its . The tongue is . The tongue is a . The danger of one small that can set a fire to wipe out thousands of acres. (v.6) The tongue is a world of . (v.6) The tongue everything. (v.6) Matthew 15:11- 11 It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” The tongue “sets the whole of one’s life on fire.” (James 3:6) “What a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. (3:5) The tongue “is set on fire by itself”. (v.6) The tongue has the power of and . Proverbs 18:21- NLT- The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. The Tongue is Uncontrollable James 3:7-8- 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Our abilities to tame and train wild animals is amazing but scripture is clear we . James 3:9-12- 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. The gospel gives us a new identity, freeing us from the need to use words to prove ourselves or tear others down. -Timothy Keller What the Tongue Reveals The tongue reveals our maturity. “Our words reveal our spiritual maturity—they reflect whether we walk in the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of Christ.”-Sinclair Ferguson The tongue is something like a spiritual barometer. It shows our and how we can be in our lives. The tongue reveals our . The tongue reflects what is going on . Gospel connection- Jesus is the true Word of God- when we are rooted in Him, our words reflect, grace, truth, and love. James For You- Sam Allberry- “The uncomfortable conclusion is that unchristian speech is evidence of an un-Christian heart.” The tongue what is going on with the so we need to ask the Lord to our heart so there which will be a change in the words we use. What Now? Take regular HEART CHECKS with the great physician. Be far more intentional about using life-giving words to bless and encourage others. Continuing the Conversation 1. What does your tongue reveal about your heart? What are some practical steps you can prayerfully take to control the tongue? 2. Would others say I regularly use life-giving words that encourage them and help them to grow? 3. Think of someone whose words have inspired or encouraged you to grow. What did they say to help you grow and why has it been important to you? 4. In what practical ways will you make every effort, prayerfully, to speak more life-giving words this week and in the future?