"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness." — James 3:9

This Sunday, Pastor Tim explores one of the most practical and challenging passages in the New Testament: James 3:1-12. We’re looking at why such a small part of our body has such a massive impact on our lives and our relationships.

Whether you’re looking to find more grace in your speech or simply want to dive deeper into the Word, we invite you to join us for worship.

Sermon Notes

Scripture References

• Proverbs 18:21; James 3:1-12; James 1:19, 26; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 12:25; Psalm 39:1; Revelation 3:16

Introduction

• Opening camp anecdote: giant slingshots launching water-balloons at Sky Lodge (2008) illustrate how small objects cause delight or destruction.
• Link to speech: “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Pr 18:21).
• Context of James: believers facing trials, favoritism, slander, inner fights; James addresses untamed speech.

Key Points / Exposition

1. The Responsibility of Teachers

• James 3:1 warns that teachers/pastors face stricter judgment because words shape minds.
• In culture, every Christian functions as a “teacher” to watching unbelievers.

2. Six Word-Pictures that Unmask the Tongue (James 3:3-12)

1. Bit in a Horse’s Mouth
   • Tiny metal bar guides a 1,500-lb Belgian; so tongue steers the whole person.
2. Ship’s Rudder
   • Small helm overcomes wind & current; tongue can redirect an entire life.
3. Spark & Forest Fire
   • Single ember devastates acres; careless words ignite families and churches.
4. Untamable Beast / Deadly Poison
   • Humanity tames lions, bears, elephants, yet cannot subdue its own tongue.
5. Mixed Spring: Fresh vs. Salt Water
   • Impossible in nature; likewise praise and cursing should not flow from one mouth.
6. Fruit Tree & Vine
   • Fig trees do not bear olives; speech inevitably reveals the heart’s species.

3. Modern Illustrations of Verbal Destruction

• Domestic abuse more often verbal than physical—dagger-like remarks between spouses, parents, children, congregants.
• Karen Carpenter: “Richard’s chubby sister” remark seeded fatal anorexia.
• Church splits: wagging tongues slice, dice, and chop congregations.

4. Diagnosing the Source

• Root sin is self-centeredness; words mirror inner condition (cf. Mt 12:34 implied).
• Revelation’s Laodicea: lukewarm compromise disgusts Christ—image applied to double-tongued believers.

Major Lessons & Revelations

• Speech is never neutral: it produces life or death.
• Genuine faith is measured by vocal fruit; uncontrolled tongues render religion “worthless” (James 1:26).
• No human discipline alone can tame speech; only Spirit-empowered heart transformation works.

Practical Application

1. Daily Scripture Immersion

   • One chapter of Proverbs + one of James each day for a month (31 Proverbs; James read six times).

2. THINK Before Speaking
   T – True?
   H – Helpful?
   I – Inspiring?
   N – Necessary?
   K – Kind?

3. Talk Less, Listen More

   • “When words are many, sin is not absent” (Pr 10:19).
   • Consider written “muzzle” exercise: write statements first, discard unedifying ones.

4. Intentionally Build Up

   • Offer at least one encouraging sentence to every person you meet daily (spouse, child, coworker, pastor, fellow worshipper).
   • Replace gossip with affirmation.

5. Seek Heart Surgery

   • Admit inability to tame the tongue.
   • Invite Christ to create a new heart and daily fill it through prayer, Word, and Spirit-led self-examination.

Conclusion & Call to Response

• Like water-balloons that sometimes burst in our own faces, destructive words rebound on the speaker and damage witness.
• We are exhorted to pursue true revival marked by transformed speech so the world notices and seeks Christ.

Recorded Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: James 3:1-12