WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.620 James' letter. Remember that James, the half-brother of Jesus, there are several James in the New 00:00:05.620 --> 00:00:10.700 Testament. There's James, son of Alphaeus, which we don't know much about. There's James, the brother 00:00:10.700 --> 00:00:16.660 of John, and he's early martyred in the book of Acts. You'll see that. The James here is obviously 00:00:16.660 --> 00:00:22.519 James, the half-brother of Jesus, who was a pillar of the early church. And James is a no-nonsense 00:00:22.519 --> 00:00:28.440 preacher. He just says it. In fact, much of James' letter requires very little preaching. It just 00:00:28.440 --> 00:00:36.039 requires obedience and response. James chapter 3 begins on this note. Not many of you should 00:00:36.039 --> 00:00:41.920 presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:49.480 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, 00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:56.780 able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, 00:00:56.780 --> 00:01:03.179 we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships, as an example. Although they are so large and are driven 00:01:03.179 --> 00:01:10.019 by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, 00:01:10.320 --> 00:01:18.599 the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set 00:01:18.599 --> 00:01:27.239 on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. 00:01:27.699 --> 00:01:34.119 It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 00:01:34.919 --> 00:01:38.879 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:45.459 have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison. 00:01:45.459 --> 00:01:53.259 With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's 00:01:53.259 --> 00:02:00.699 likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both 00:02:00.699 --> 00:02:07.799 fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives or a great 00:02:07.799 --> 00:02:17.359 vine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Amen. And may God add his own blessing 00:02:17.359 --> 00:02:26.240 to this reading of his word. 1968, 1,375 sanitation and sewage workers failed to show up for work in 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:33.300 Memphis, Tennessee. The vast majority of the workforce were African American. There were long-simmering 00:02:33.300 --> 00:02:41.140 disputes regarding pay and conditions, and enough was enough. So these workers didn't show up for work. 00:02:41.660 --> 00:02:46.680 Garbage wasn't collected. A large city like Memphis, you can imagine after a few weeks, 00:02:47.020 --> 00:02:52.780 tons of garbage on the street. The city does its best to get its workers back to work, but doesn't 00:02:52.780 --> 00:03:00.660 address their concerns. On the 3rd of April, a speaker, a guest speaker, came into Memphis to speak to 00:03:00.659 --> 00:03:05.939 an audience of many of the strikers and their families. His name was Martin Luther King. 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:12.199 His most famous speech, of course, we remember, was, I have a dream. That occurred over five years earlier. 00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:18.579 This speech was entitled, I have been to the mountaintop, and you often can remember those words. 00:03:18.639 --> 00:03:22.900 At the end of the speech, I have been to the mountaintop. I have looked over and I've seen the promised land. 00:03:23.419 --> 00:03:28.900 This was April the 3rd, 1968. The reason why that date is significant is April the 4th, 1968. 00:03:28.900 --> 00:03:32.860 In 1868, Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. 00:03:33.780 --> 00:03:38.659 But what struck me, listening to that sermon, it's not really a sermon, it's more of a speech, 00:03:38.740 --> 00:03:42.620 but it was a sermon, because as a preacher, generally whenever you speak as a preacher, 00:03:42.740 --> 00:03:46.840 it tends to be a sermon no matter what you call it. But he said this, he said, 00:03:47.040 --> 00:03:52.439 all we say to America is be true to what you said on paper. 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:58.780 He said, somewhere I've read of freedom of assembly, and somewhere I've read of freedom of speech, 00:03:58.780 --> 00:04:04.000 and somewhere I've read of freedom of press, and somewhere I've read of the greatness of America 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:11.460 is the greatness to protest for right. Be true to what you said on paper. 00:04:12.199 --> 00:04:17.199 So you see, the United States has a constitution, and that constitution safeguards certain rights. 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:21.860 Now, the city of Memphis was trying to circumvent those rights, and King is saying, 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:27.400 look, it's on paper. Do what you say. Be true to what's on the paper. 00:04:28.580 --> 00:04:36.400 Now, as a good preacher, he has good material. And as a good preacher, James has good material. 00:04:36.960 --> 00:04:41.980 He's saying to us tonight, be true to what you've said on paper. 00:04:42.460 --> 00:04:47.580 Be true to what God has said about you, for you, to you. 00:04:47.579 --> 00:04:52.319 You see, James is saying, this is what it is, and this is what it looks like. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:55.500 This is what God has said, and this is what you are to do. 00:04:56.120 --> 00:05:00.959 So as you're reading James, very little is required by way of preaching. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:07.479 But I think quite a lot is needed by way of exhortation, encouragement, challenge, 00:05:07.819 --> 00:05:11.939 and straightforward speaking, because that's exactly what James is doing. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:17.300 Because as we look at the Bible, whether we're looking at James, or letters to the Romans, 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:22.240 or Gospel of John, or Psalms of David, or books of Moses, 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:29.159 we're told that all Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:34.259 and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:36.939 for every good work. 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:44.000 So if you're a Christian here tonight, James is saying, be true to what God has said on paper. 00:05:44.699 --> 00:05:49.279 Be true to what God has written, because everything that God has written is true, 00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:51.920 and everything that God has written is good. 00:05:52.220 --> 00:05:52.959 It's beneficial. 00:05:53.879 --> 00:05:59.279 And as we come to this subject, actually, James has two lessons that he wants to teach us. 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:05.959 As we turn to James chapter 3, he has something to say to teachers, specifically. 00:06:05.959 --> 00:06:12.599 And then he also has something to say to all believers, all Christians, generally. 00:06:13.979 --> 00:06:23.579 So if you're not yet a Christian tonight, in a sense, you're kind of coming in almost on a family discussion. 00:06:23.839 --> 00:06:28.159 You know, sometimes you might have that awkward feeling where you're kind of in the middle of a discussion 00:06:28.159 --> 00:06:31.819 that you realize, I'm not part of this family, but something's taking place in my presence. 00:06:31.819 --> 00:06:35.519 And it can sometimes feel a little bit awkward, or even more likely more confusing, 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:38.099 because you're not really sure what's going on. 00:06:38.599 --> 00:06:42.120 And if you come into the Word of God at this particular point, 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:45.379 you know, you might understand what James is saying, 00:06:45.480 --> 00:06:50.659 but it might seem to be a bit hard to grasp, or maybe a difficult entry point. 00:06:51.259 --> 00:06:55.779 But just suffice it to say, that God's Word tends to do two things. 00:06:55.779 --> 00:07:00.459 God's Word tends to convict us that something is wrong. 00:07:01.019 --> 00:07:04.959 And then God's Word tends to show us that which is right. 00:07:05.359 --> 00:07:10.099 So if you're not yet a Christian, maybe James chapter 3 might say to you, 00:07:10.419 --> 00:07:14.399 something actually isn't right in my life, not to mention the lives of other people, 00:07:14.479 --> 00:07:15.559 but in my own life. 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:18.099 Because he's going to talk about speaking. 00:07:18.100 --> 00:07:24.060 And I think we can all be honest that our speech is not always the best. 00:07:24.340 --> 00:07:26.000 What we say and how we say it. 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:31.100 The words that we use, the tone of voice, the content of what we say, 00:07:31.640 --> 00:07:36.540 the implications of what we say, the motivation for what we say, 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:43.740 and the outcome of what we say can be far from good, far from right, and far from helpful. 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:50.439 So if you're not a Christian, maybe a chapter like James chapter 3 is a bit disconcerting. 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:53.400 And even though James doesn't say it, 00:07:54.220 --> 00:07:57.759 I would say that the message for any who are not yet following Jesus 00:07:57.759 --> 00:08:02.280 is to come to that point that James himself did at the very beginning. 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:05.600 Because at the very beginning of James' letter, just he says, 00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:09.240 James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:11.360 Because that's the key. 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:14.520 The key to understanding this book, James, 00:08:14.620 --> 00:08:18.080 the key to understanding this Bible is Jesus Christ. 00:08:18.580 --> 00:08:21.680 He is the one to whom this book points. 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:24.740 And for those of us now who profess his name, 00:08:25.220 --> 00:08:27.840 we ask the question, how does Jesus want us to live? 00:08:27.960 --> 00:08:31.340 James answers that question very simply, very straightforwardly. 00:08:32.060 --> 00:08:34.800 He says, first of all, I've got something to say to teachers. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:36.480 He says this, 00:08:36.879 --> 00:08:40.080 not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:43.740 because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 00:08:43.740 --> 00:08:46.400 We all stumble in many ways. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:50.040 If anyone is never at fault in what he says, 00:08:50.120 --> 00:08:54.220 he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:57.320 So in those first two verses, we go from the specific, 00:08:57.820 --> 00:09:00.500 and then we're beginning to branch out into the general. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:03.920 But specific, and you know, for, I'm a teacher. 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:08.500 I teach ETS, I teach theology, and there are other people here who teach. 00:09:09.199 --> 00:09:11.740 There are other people here who have responsibilities, 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:17.059 maybe parents to children or responsibilities Sunday school teachers to their class. 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:21.679 And what Paul is saying, not Paul, James even, 00:09:21.959 --> 00:09:26.479 what James is saying is that the role of teacher is very important. 00:09:27.299 --> 00:09:30.500 You see, each of us has a responsibility to know what's right, 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:35.320 to do what's right, to be consistent, to have a consistency of life, 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:36.659 a consistency of faith. 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:39.639 But you see, if the teacher gets it wrong, 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:41.720 that doesn't just affect that individual. 00:09:42.340 --> 00:09:44.960 It affects everyone that that person is teaching. 00:09:46.259 --> 00:09:49.779 A great commentator on almost everything was Charles Spurgeon. 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:54.259 Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher of the 19th century. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:57.779 I read from Isaiah 45 as our call to worship. 00:09:57.779 --> 00:10:04.019 Now, on a snowy winter's day, Charles Spurgeon was a teenager. 00:10:04.879 --> 00:10:06.360 He stumbled into this church. 00:10:06.459 --> 00:10:10.839 It wasn't his own church, but he heard that voice of God speaking powerfully, 00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:14.319 turn unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, 00:10:14.379 --> 00:10:15.919 for I am God and there is none else. 00:10:16.279 --> 00:10:18.240 And from that point, his life was changed. 00:10:18.339 --> 00:10:20.720 He heard the gospel and he responded to the gospel. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:25.699 But Spurgeon once said, if a pastor possesses a burden for evangelism, 00:10:25.699 --> 00:10:27.559 the people will get that burden. 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:33.699 So, again, what you will find is that what a pastor or teacher is interested in, 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:36.139 that will translate to the audience. 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:39.779 But he went on to say, but if there is a mist in the pulpit, 00:10:40.199 --> 00:10:41.819 there will be a fog in the pew. 00:10:42.419 --> 00:10:45.500 Meaning if there's a lack of clarity or a confusion here, 00:10:46.159 --> 00:10:50.279 then most likely the message that comes from here to you 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:54.500 will be even more perplexing, more confusing, less clear. 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:57.179 So, James is saying, if you teach, 00:10:57.820 --> 00:11:00.340 recognize that there's a higher standard for teachers. 00:11:00.919 --> 00:11:02.240 Because it's not just you. 00:11:02.940 --> 00:11:06.539 You have the ability to influence for good or for ill, 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:11.700 depending on whether you are faithful to what's written in the book. 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:14.920 Spurgeon then went on to say, he said, 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:20.180 in such a situation, the Holy Spirit will move them first by moving you. 00:11:20.800 --> 00:11:24.060 So, God is never limited by our own human folly, 00:11:24.060 --> 00:11:28.000 but he has a way of moving on those who are not faithful. 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:32.360 So, if you're a Christian teacher, take that responsibility seriously. 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:35.000 If you're a Christian parent, if you teach Sunday school, 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:36.860 if you're called to preach from the pulpit, 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:41.139 take that seriously and say what God has said. 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:42.840 You don't need to be novel. 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:44.620 You don't need to be creative. 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:48.519 Just tell people what God has said and let God do the work. 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:50.860 Because when God's word is proclaimed, 00:11:51.460 --> 00:11:55.259 God takes his word by his spirit and does his work. 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:56.340 That's just the way it is. 00:11:56.340 --> 00:11:59.220 The opposite, of course, is true. 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:03.560 That when it's your word and your truth and your perspective, 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:06.080 it carries with it your power. 00:12:06.860 --> 00:12:09.980 Now, if you think of it, the power of God, the word of God, 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:12.040 the purpose and plan of God, 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:16.700 or your plan, your purpose, your power, your wisdom, your word. 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:21.240 So, teachers, take these words seriously if you're called to teach. 00:12:21.800 --> 00:12:23.540 Because what you say matters. 00:12:24.300 --> 00:12:25.540 And that's true for all of us. 00:12:25.539 --> 00:12:27.079 What we say matters. 00:12:28.099 --> 00:12:37.299 Now, James has said already that if you're guilty of breaking even one part of God's law, 00:12:37.419 --> 00:12:39.459 you're kind of guilty of breaking all of it. 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:41.539 If you think of a big plate glass window, 00:12:42.099 --> 00:12:45.480 if a rock goes through that window, even a small rock, 00:12:45.939 --> 00:12:47.980 it's going to shatter the whole window. 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:50.620 And that's kind of what the law is like. 00:12:50.620 --> 00:12:52.379 If you can keep it, great. 00:12:52.980 --> 00:12:57.659 But you need to keep all of it at all times, in all ways, 00:12:58.259 --> 00:13:02.639 in what you say, in what you do, even in what you think. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:07.740 And in that regard, as we come to this speech, 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:12.220 let's just remind ourselves of what James' half-brother had to say. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:15.639 Because James' half-brother had a lot to say about speech. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.899 He had a lot to say about life. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:21.419 And he had a lot to say about what God's standard is. 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:25.819 In Matthew chapter 5, the words of Jesus, 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:28.519 you have heard that it was said to people long ago, 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:29.399 do not murder. 00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:32.159 And anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. 00:13:33.019 --> 00:13:34.340 Okay, so far, so good. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:39.179 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:40.980 will be subject to judgment. 00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:43.240 Now, anger. 00:13:43.700 --> 00:13:45.480 Okay, now, murder is one thing. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:48.340 But anger seems to be a different matter altogether. 00:13:49.039 --> 00:13:51.019 Because anger is now speaking of a mindset. 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:54.039 Not just actually the work of a hand. 00:13:55.080 --> 00:13:56.120 And then he goes on to say, 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:58.259 again, anyone who says to his brother, 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:00.980 Raka, is answerable to the Sanhedrin. 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:03.080 But anyone who says, you fool, 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:07.039 will be in the danger of the fire of hell. 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:10.039 Jesus said, I haven't come to abolish the law. 00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:12.620 He says, I've actually come to fulfill them. 00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:16.000 And he says that nothing will be taken away from the law. 00:14:16.099 --> 00:14:17.439 He says, I tell you the truth, 00:14:17.480 --> 00:14:18.699 until heaven and earth disappear, 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:19.980 not the smallest letter, 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:21.740 not the least stroke of a pen, 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:24.179 will by any means disappear from the law 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:26.759 until everything is accomplished. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:30.839 So if we want to understand what James is getting at, 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:33.000 Jesus, the great preacher, 00:14:33.659 --> 00:14:36.659 says to us that the law of God is action, 00:14:37.299 --> 00:14:39.079 is word, and thought. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:40.280 That's the standard. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.780 It's not just what you do, 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:43.280 but it's what you think. 00:14:43.780 --> 00:14:44.800 And it's not just what you think, 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:45.500 it's what you say. 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:49.820 And if you don't keep a standard perfectly, 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:54.160 as James says back in James chapter 3, 00:14:54.540 --> 00:14:57.300 he says, we all stumble in many ways. 00:14:57.820 --> 00:15:00.100 If anyone is never at fault in what he says, 00:15:00.160 --> 00:15:01.400 he is a perfect man, 00:15:01.680 --> 00:15:03.420 able to keep his whole body in check. 00:15:03.419 --> 00:15:04.620 So as a preacher, 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:05.620 he's basically saying, 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:08.539 if such a perfect person exists well and good, 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:10.159 but we all stumble. 00:15:11.099 --> 00:15:14.000 And we all stumble in this particular way. 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:17.399 We say things that we shouldn't say. 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:24.519 Now for this second part of this opening portion of James chapter 3, 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:26.079 again, 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:26.740 it's, 00:15:27.819 --> 00:15:30.100 there's not much comment is needed, 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:34.139 because he's illustrating his point as he goes along. 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:35.460 First of all, 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:35.840 he says, 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:36.879 let's look at the animals. 00:15:37.460 --> 00:15:39.579 Now I'm not involved in animal husbandry, 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:40.819 but I get the point, 00:15:40.919 --> 00:15:42.100 what he's saying here, 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:43.199 is that there's a horse, 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:44.799 which is a big animal, 00:15:45.179 --> 00:15:46.220 and generally speaking, 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:47.939 a horse is stronger than we are. 00:15:47.940 --> 00:15:49.780 It can pull us or, 00:15:50.060 --> 00:15:50.320 you know, 00:15:50.380 --> 00:15:52.280 move us if it wanted to. 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.180 But he said, 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:53.920 what do we do? 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:56.060 We can put small bits, 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:57.320 small pieces of metal, 00:15:57.740 --> 00:16:00.520 into the mouths of horses to make them obey us. 00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:02.440 And we can turn the whole animal. 00:16:03.520 --> 00:16:03.720 Now, 00:16:04.060 --> 00:16:06.420 verse 4 is an illustration I'm more familiar with, 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:08.040 or take ships as an example. 00:16:08.660 --> 00:16:11.660 Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, 00:16:11.660 --> 00:16:14.240 they are steered by a very small rudder, 00:16:14.680 --> 00:16:16.560 wherever the pilot wants to go. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:18.659 My uncle was a sailor, 00:16:19.059 --> 00:16:20.519 and he would have large sailboats, 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:21.619 maybe 25, 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:23.119 28 feet boats, 00:16:23.619 --> 00:16:23.799 you know, 00:16:23.839 --> 00:16:24.959 large sails. 00:16:25.579 --> 00:16:29.039 But it had just a small rudder that you move with your hand, 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:31.859 this huge boat that you could never move yourself. 00:16:32.339 --> 00:16:33.559 Just a small tiller. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:34.579 You push it this way, 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:35.339 it moves that way, 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:36.339 push it this way, 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:36.659 it moves, 00:16:36.739 --> 00:16:36.859 you know, 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.299 the other way. 00:16:37.359 --> 00:16:39.759 You have to realize that you have to do the opposite. 00:16:39.899 --> 00:16:40.879 If you want to go one way, 00:16:40.939 --> 00:16:41.739 you push it the other way. 00:16:42.239 --> 00:16:46.539 But the idea is this small rudder can move the direction of this boat, 00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:47.219 big boat. 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:51.500 This small bit can move the horse in one direction or another. 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:53.419 And the tongue, 00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:56.019 what we say and how we say it, 00:16:56.399 --> 00:17:02.740 is so powerful and can have such an impact for good or for ill. 00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:06.559 So James is saying there's a standard that God requires, 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:09.599 and it's a standard that we don't keep, 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:15.099 which reminds us why we so greatly need James's half brother. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:17.199 We need Jesus. 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:19.219 We need Jesus to forgive us. 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:21.139 And I'm sure if we're honest tonight, 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:24.179 there are so many things that come to our mind when we can think to ourselves, 00:17:24.379 --> 00:17:27.559 if I could only have got those words back, 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:30.119 if I could only unsay what I said, 00:17:30.179 --> 00:17:32.899 or if I could say them in the right tone of voice, 00:17:32.899 --> 00:17:38.480 because it's quite possible to say something correct and true and honest, 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:43.120 and to say it in a tone of voice that completely destroys the effect. 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:46.860 So you think of the horse and the bit in its mouth. 00:17:47.180 --> 00:17:51.599 You think of the small rudder that can change the direction of a large boat. 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:52.640 Likewise, 00:17:52.640 --> 00:17:55.060 the tongue is a small part of the body, 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:57.820 but it makes great boasts. 00:17:58.560 --> 00:18:01.840 Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:04.259 So what can we do with our tongue? 00:18:04.740 --> 00:18:05.520 We can boast. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:10.300 And boasts tend to begin with a personal pronoun. 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:13.580 The first person, singular pronoun, I. 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:18.560 I did, I can, I like, I want, I am. 00:18:19.140 --> 00:18:21.220 And we draw attention to ourselves. 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:25.440 Now, when we understand what God has done, 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:29.559 we realize that there is absolutely no room left for boasting. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:34.680 When Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:37.960 Paul had some tough things to tell them, 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:41.660 but he wanted to remind them first of the gospel. 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:45.720 He said in 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and verse 23, 00:18:45.860 --> 00:18:47.740 but we preach Christ crucified. 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:48.740 That's the message. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:54.680 He said this has an effect of stumbling block for Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:56.559 So you think of it, 00:18:56.620 --> 00:18:57.660 what an unusual message. 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:59.140 It seems to alienate everybody. 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:02.799 Half of the audience finds this a stumbling block. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.460 The other half finds it ridiculous. 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:09.599 But what I want you to notice is the words that Paul says at the end of 1 Corinthians 1. 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:10.420 He says, 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:36.920 What is our intention? 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:38.140 What is our tendency? 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:38.900 We boast. 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:39.860 We brag. 00:19:40.160 --> 00:19:41.779 We draw attention to ourselves. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:42.779 Paul says, 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:45.160 When you really understand what God has done, 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:47.620 there's now no room for boasting. 00:19:48.140 --> 00:19:50.480 Because God has chosen you and me, 00:19:50.560 --> 00:19:51.860 not because we're strong. 00:19:52.840 --> 00:19:54.880 And that would be something we would brag about. 00:19:55.100 --> 00:19:56.380 Not because we're wise. 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:58.060 And that would be something we would boast about. 00:19:58.300 --> 00:20:00.400 Not because we are substantial or significant. 00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:01.380 Because we could then say, 00:20:01.580 --> 00:20:02.580 Look at me. 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:03.519 He says, 00:20:03.580 --> 00:20:04.500 No, quite the opposite. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:06.480 He chose you because you're weak. 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:08.299 He chose you because you're foolish. 00:20:08.619 --> 00:20:10.259 He chose you because you were insignificant. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:10.759 Why? 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:12.779 So he could demonstrate his power. 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.559 So he could demonstrate his wisdom. 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:19.039 So he could demonstrate his ability to take the insignificant and make them substantial. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:21.660 So therefore, when it comes to credit, 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:23.700 all the credit goes to him. 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.279 There's no boasting. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:27.980 So that no one may boast before him. 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:31.539 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:34.359 who has become for us wisdom from God. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:37.019 That is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:39.740 Therefore, as it is written, 00:20:40.399 --> 00:20:44.319 let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:46.500 So the temptation we have, 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:49.200 the inclination is to boast about ourselves. 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:51.519 James says, 00:20:51.640 --> 00:20:53.160 That's the problem of the tongue. 00:20:53.580 --> 00:20:54.019 We boast. 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:54.600 We brag. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:56.539 We make big things of ourselves. 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:57.240 When Paul says, 00:20:57.360 --> 00:20:59.960 Actually, it's God who's done the big thing. 00:21:00.600 --> 00:21:01.620 Therefore, if you're going to boast, 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:02.480 boast about him. 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:04.340 Tell people about how great he is, 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:05.360 not how great you are. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:08.160 Let people see what God has done in your life 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:11.920 and how God has changed you from the inside out. 00:21:12.660 --> 00:21:14.620 So this tongue has the ability, 00:21:14.619 --> 00:21:15.559 like a spark, 00:21:16.179 --> 00:21:17.739 to set on fire 00:21:17.739 --> 00:21:21.119 and to have a great impact for ill, 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:23.059 not for good. 00:21:23.679 --> 00:21:24.459 So first of all, 00:21:24.919 --> 00:21:27.639 we are to tame our tongue and not boast. 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:31.519 Maybe as a test this week, 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:34.359 think of how many times 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:37.339 you highlight your strengths to other people. 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:39.199 Think of how many times 00:21:39.199 --> 00:21:41.079 you begin a sentence with the word I 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:43.459 so as to let others know 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.840 what you've done, 00:21:45.640 --> 00:21:46.600 what you've achieved, 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:49.799 what's special about you, 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:51.400 and then ask yourself, 00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:54.100 Am I doing what Paul is telling me to do, 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.220 boasting in the Lord, 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:59.740 or am I doing what James is telling me not to do, 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:01.759 boast about myself? 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:08.100 I think that's an unnerving test 00:22:08.100 --> 00:22:09.259 because I think you'll find, 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:11.059 I think I'll find, 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:13.679 that a lot of times we are talking about ourselves. 00:22:14.399 --> 00:22:16.639 We are telling people how great we are 00:22:16.639 --> 00:22:19.639 when in fact the gospel should be 00:22:19.639 --> 00:22:22.480 our telling people how great Jesus is, 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:24.980 how great he is in my life, 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:27.720 not how great I am in his service. 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:31.059 So James goes on. 00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:33.000 He then again is using 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:35.839 the common illustrations, 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:37.139 all kinds of animals, 00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:37.679 birds, 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.339 reptiles, 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:39.299 creatures of the sea, 00:22:39.379 --> 00:22:42.019 are being tamed and have been tamed by man. 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.779 If you have a pet, 00:22:44.439 --> 00:22:45.799 people have pet fish, 00:22:46.699 --> 00:22:46.879 you know, 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:47.419 turtles, 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:48.959 cats, 00:22:49.159 --> 00:22:49.659 dogs, 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:51.000 birds, 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:52.319 I mean, 00:22:52.439 --> 00:22:52.899 pigs, 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:53.599 even seeing, 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:53.839 you know, 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:54.599 pet pigs. 00:22:55.199 --> 00:22:57.980 There's a lot of animals that people keep in their homes 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.720 for one reason or another. 00:23:00.299 --> 00:23:01.619 So we just have that ability. 00:23:01.699 --> 00:23:03.779 We can domesticate certain animals 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:05.119 and we can have them as pets. 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:06.740 But Paul says, 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:08.639 no man can tame the tongue, 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.299 restless evil, 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.920 full of deadly poison. 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.920 And then he says, 00:23:13.000 --> 00:23:13.480 here's the, 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:15.099 here's the real problem. 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.379 A few moments ago, 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:18.019 we were singing. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.519 We were singing praise. 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:21.019 And who were we singing praise to? 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:22.480 We were singing praise to God. 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:24.440 Whether it's the Psalms of David 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.319 or the hymns 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:25.619 or the, 00:23:25.899 --> 00:23:26.160 you know, 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:27.440 the choruses, 00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:28.339 whatever it is, 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:30.599 we are not gathered to say, 00:23:30.719 --> 00:23:31.079 God, 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.699 how great am I? 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.000 We are saying, 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:34.319 no, 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:36.059 how great thou art. 00:23:36.439 --> 00:23:38.879 So we sing it in our hymns. 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.000 We pray. 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:41.359 We don't pray to ourselves. 00:23:41.819 --> 00:23:43.839 And I hope that we don't pray like the, 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:45.240 the Pharisee who said, 00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:45.500 God, 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:46.859 let me tell you how good I am. 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:48.879 And let me tell you how bad he is. 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:49.519 And God, 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:51.519 let me just remind you that I'm much better than he is. 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:52.919 If you hadn't noticed that already, 00:23:53.719 --> 00:23:54.839 that's not how we pray. 00:23:54.839 --> 00:23:56.539 And that's not how we sing. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.019 But Paul says, 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.379 or James says, 00:23:59.439 --> 00:23:59.740 I'm sorry. 00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:00.579 James says, 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:04.039 what we tend to do is we tend to praise God. 00:24:04.119 --> 00:24:04.719 That's good. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:06.719 But then we tend to curse men. 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:08.159 And he says, 00:24:08.459 --> 00:24:09.000 but men, 00:24:09.219 --> 00:24:09.500 we, 00:24:09.719 --> 00:24:12.179 men and women have been made in God's likeness. 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.399 We're image bearers. 00:24:14.939 --> 00:24:15.439 Now, 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.619 this is a game changer. 00:24:17.459 --> 00:24:19.439 If you treat people, 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:20.859 the people you meet, 00:24:21.459 --> 00:24:22.539 the difficult people you meet, 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:23.539 the awkward people you meet, 00:24:23.539 --> 00:24:24.199 imagine that. 00:24:24.679 --> 00:24:25.099 Imagine, 00:24:25.199 --> 00:24:26.059 imagine there's awkward, 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.219 difficult people in church. 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.619 And imagine you're engaging with them. 00:24:28.619 --> 00:24:29.699 Now, 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:32.579 if you treat people as you think they deserve, 00:24:33.179 --> 00:24:34.219 this person's difficult, 00:24:34.419 --> 00:24:35.439 this person's demanding, 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.899 this person is, 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:37.239 you know, 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.259 I mean, 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:38.619 again, 00:24:38.659 --> 00:24:39.419 it's other people, 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:39.799 of course, 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:40.399 not us. 00:24:41.199 --> 00:24:42.859 But if we do that, 00:24:43.379 --> 00:24:47.139 we're doing exactly what James is commanding us not to do. 00:24:47.399 --> 00:24:51.219 Because we're treating people not as they ought to be treated, 00:24:51.479 --> 00:24:53.399 certainly not as we would like to be treated, 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:58.519 but we are making assessments and we are making wrong assessments. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:03.640 Because what James is saying to us is every one of us here is an image bearer. 00:25:04.140 --> 00:25:06.519 We are representing God. 00:25:07.060 --> 00:25:09.220 We are bearing his image. 00:25:10.320 --> 00:25:10.580 Now, 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:13.720 if you think that and believe that, 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:15.400 and the Bible teaches it, 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.759 that changes how you treat people. 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:19.360 It has to change how you treat people. 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:22.839 Because I can't praise God in one moment in a hymn. 00:25:23.419 --> 00:25:26.240 I can't add my amen in a prayer the next moment, 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:29.399 and then somehow be demeaning or degrading or, 00:25:29.479 --> 00:25:34.759 or awkward or difficult or hostile or critical to you, 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:37.619 who bears the image of the God I just praised. 00:25:38.379 --> 00:25:41.240 So people are image bearers. 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:43.640 We've been made in God's likeness, 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:45.160 fallen people. 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.140 Remember, 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:48.059 James is not talking about Adam and Eve. 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:50.220 He's not talking about the garden. 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.279 He's not saying, 00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:51.400 oh, 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.380 that's what we used to be like. 00:25:52.420 --> 00:25:52.519 No, 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:52.700 no. 00:25:52.880 --> 00:25:53.299 He's saying, 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:54.059 that's what we are. 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:55.819 We are image bearers now. 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:58.339 So if we praise God, 00:25:59.220 --> 00:25:59.700 great. 00:26:00.339 --> 00:26:02.019 But if we curse people, 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.559 James says, 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:04.240 that's like a, 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:08.420 a fountain that brings forth salt water and fresh water. 00:26:08.420 --> 00:26:09.880 It just doesn't happen. 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:11.360 And if it did happen, 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.640 it'd be no good for anything. 00:26:13.540 --> 00:26:15.140 Because the water would be mixed. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.020 You couldn't drink it. 00:26:16.080 --> 00:26:17.120 You couldn't make use of it. 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:17.420 It'd be, 00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:18.260 it'd be useless. 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:22.220 I came across a, 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:22.700 a, 00:26:23.060 --> 00:26:25.140 as an excerpt from DL Moody. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:28.840 DL Moody is one of my favorite characters in the history of the church. 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:31.220 DL Moody was a physically big man. 00:26:31.300 --> 00:26:31.420 I mean, 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:33.000 I'm quite tall. 00:26:33.060 --> 00:26:34.580 I think he was taller than I am, 00:26:34.600 --> 00:26:36.340 and he was much broader than I am. 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:38.200 He had a big heart, 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:41.860 but he found that he was often the subject of criticism. 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:43.500 As a rule, 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:45.360 if you do something, 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:47.319 you'll always be criticized. 00:26:47.880 --> 00:26:50.440 The best way never to be criticized is never to do anything. 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:51.980 You'll never get criticism that way. 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:53.059 But what, 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:55.960 oftentimes Moody would get criticized for his evangelism. 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:57.200 He often had mass rallies. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:27:00.059 He spoke to a hundred million people during his lifetime. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:03.440 Didn't do too badly for somebody with a fourth grade education. 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:04.860 Mr. 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.100 Moody, 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.940 I don't care for the way you do evangelism. 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:10.940 I don't particularly care for the way I do evangelism myself. 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.039 But sir, 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:13.259 do you do evangelism? 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:14.180 No, 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.759 I don't. 00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:15.900 Well, 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:16.140 sir, 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:18.460 it's clear that you don't like my way of doing evangelism. 00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:20.160 You raise some good points. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:20.539 Frankly, 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:23.159 I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism either, 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:27.839 but I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it at all. 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:29.920 And that critical spirit. 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:31.279 And in one of his speeches, 00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:32.420 he put it this way. 00:27:33.119 --> 00:27:33.379 He said, 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:37.000 there are many professed Christians who are all the time finding fault and 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:37.619 criticizing. 00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:40.480 What James is saying here, 00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:41.440 praising God, 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:42.240 cursing man. 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:45.139 They criticize the preaching or the singing. 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:47.579 The prayers will be either too long or too short, 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:49.119 too loud or not loud enough. 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:51.819 They will find fault with the reading of the word of God, 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:53.619 or they will say it was not the right portion. 00:27:54.199 --> 00:27:55.399 They'll criticize the preacher. 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:56.659 I do not like his style. 00:27:57.239 --> 00:27:57.799 Too American, 00:27:57.939 --> 00:27:58.119 maybe. 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:59.159 They will say, 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.500 if you doubt what I say, 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:03.159 listen to the people as they go out to the revival meeting or any other 00:28:03.159 --> 00:28:03.959 religious gathering. 00:28:04.739 --> 00:28:05.799 What do you think about the preacher, 00:28:05.919 --> 00:28:06.379 says one. 00:28:06.699 --> 00:28:06.899 Well, 00:28:06.939 --> 00:28:08.399 I must confess I was disappointed. 00:28:08.959 --> 00:28:10.299 I did not like his manner. 00:28:10.679 --> 00:28:12.219 He was not graceful in his actions. 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:14.699 Another will say he was not logical. 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.500 I like logic. 00:28:15.599 --> 00:28:15.959 Or another, 00:28:16.379 --> 00:28:18.059 he did not preach enough about repentance. 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:21.039 There was too much repentance and no gospel, 00:28:21.159 --> 00:28:22.720 or it was all gospel and no repentance. 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.980 He spoke a great deal about abortion, 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.220 about justification, 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:28.079 but he said nothing about sanctification. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:32.579 If a man does not go right through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in one sermon, 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:35.379 they at once proceed to criticize and find fault. 00:28:36.119 --> 00:28:36.859 The fact is, 00:28:36.919 --> 00:28:39.279 say one of this class of people, 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:41.559 the man did not touch my heart at all. 00:28:42.099 --> 00:28:44.379 Someone else will say he was all heart and no head. 00:28:44.380 --> 00:28:46.620 I like a man to preach to my intellect. 00:28:47.100 --> 00:28:48.680 Or he appeals too much to the will. 00:28:48.760 --> 00:28:51.180 He does not give enough prominence to the doctrine of election. 00:28:51.600 --> 00:28:52.340 Or again, 00:28:52.580 --> 00:28:54.360 there is no backbone in his preaching. 00:28:54.660 --> 00:28:56.760 He does not lay sufficient stress on doctrine. 00:28:57.020 --> 00:28:58.460 Or he's not eloquent, 00:28:58.580 --> 00:28:59.220 and so on, 00:28:59.280 --> 00:28:59.900 and so on, 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.620 and so on. 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.280 And Moody concluded, 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:03.060 he said this, 00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:08.039 you may find hundreds of such fault finding among professed Christians, 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:12.200 but all their criticism will not lead one solitary soul to Christ. 00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:17.399 I've never preached a sermon yet that I could not pick to pieces and find fault with. 00:29:17.960 --> 00:29:21.839 I feel that Jesus Christ ought to have a far better representative than I am. 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:26.339 But I've lived long enough to discover that there is nothing perfect in this world. 00:29:26.659 --> 00:29:29.679 If you are to wait until you can find a perfect preacher, 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:31.340 or a perfect meeting, 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:33.880 I'm afraid you will have to wait till the millennium arrives. 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:37.000 What we want is to be looking right up to him. 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:39.140 Let us be done with fault finding. 00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:42.100 When I hear people talk in the way I have described, 00:29:42.200 --> 00:29:42.860 I say to him, 00:29:43.360 --> 00:29:45.279 come and do better yourself. 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:47.160 Step up here and try what you can do. 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.200 My friends, 00:29:48.279 --> 00:29:50.180 it's so easy to find fault. 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:53.320 It takes neither brains nor heart. 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:58.799 So if James is asking us to consider how often we say I, 00:29:59.299 --> 00:30:01.179 and draw attention to what we've done, 00:30:01.259 --> 00:30:01.679 I've done, 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.279 you've done, 00:30:02.679 --> 00:30:05.039 he's now asking us to consider this question. 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:08.240 How often do we put others down? 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:10.200 How often do we criticize? 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:13.619 How often do we identify the fault? 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:17.079 How often do we act as judge? 00:30:18.200 --> 00:30:18.879 And again, 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:20.339 ask yourself this week, 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:24.699 how many times am I saying things that are critical? 00:30:25.639 --> 00:30:26.000 That, 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:29.859 that push down rather than lift up. 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:32.720 There are many gifts of the spirit. 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:35.959 This is one of those subjects that divide Christians. 00:30:36.579 --> 00:30:40.419 Because some Christians will talk about the miraculous gifts of the spirit. 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:44.119 Do we still have gifts like prophecy and speaking in tongues? 00:30:44.959 --> 00:30:49.980 But there's one gift of the spirit that is generally unused by most Christians. 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:52.159 It's uncontroverted. 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:56.039 There's no difficulty in explaining what is being said. 00:30:56.459 --> 00:30:57.799 But time and time again, 00:30:57.799 --> 00:31:02.740 this is one gift that the spirit gives that is largely unused, 00:31:03.099 --> 00:31:04.079 largely unopened. 00:31:05.179 --> 00:31:08.819 When Paul is saying in the Roman letter in chapter 12, 00:31:08.939 --> 00:31:09.199 he says, 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:11.619 for the grace of God given me, 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.959 I say to every one of you, 00:31:13.459 --> 00:31:15.899 do not think of yourself more highly than you ought. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.179 That's the boasting theme. 00:31:17.920 --> 00:31:21.660 Isn't it interesting how James and Paul so often say the same things? 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.779 They use different words, 00:31:22.840 --> 00:31:24.220 but they say the same truths. 00:31:24.860 --> 00:31:29.920 But rather think of yourself as sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:33.120 Just as each of us has one body with many members, 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:35.840 and these members do not have all the same function. 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:37.340 So in Christ, 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:39.320 we who are many form one body, 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:42.100 and each member belongs to all the others. 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:46.619 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:49.219 If a man's gift is prophesying, 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:51.619 let him use it in proportion to his faith. 00:31:51.919 --> 00:31:52.539 If it is serving, 00:31:52.619 --> 00:31:53.119 let him serve. 00:31:53.219 --> 00:31:54.039 If it is teaching, 00:31:54.199 --> 00:31:54.839 let him teach. 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:56.319 If it is encouraging, 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:57.139 let him encourage. 00:31:57.559 --> 00:31:59.539 If it is contributing to the needs of others, 00:31:59.639 --> 00:32:00.559 let him give generously. 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:02.079 If it is leadership, 00:32:02.619 --> 00:32:03.639 let him govern diligently. 00:32:04.299 --> 00:32:05.539 If it is showing mercy, 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:07.379 let him do it cheerfully. 00:32:07.380 --> 00:32:09.540 There it is. 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:11.880 The spiritual gift of encouragement. 00:32:12.780 --> 00:32:15.520 It's a gift that every single Christian can exercise, 00:32:15.840 --> 00:32:17.640 but I would suggest that very few do. 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.860 In that list, 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.940 which is quite extensive, 00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:23.000 the list of criticism, 00:32:23.400 --> 00:32:24.600 or the gift of criticism, 00:32:25.020 --> 00:32:27.360 or the gift of fault finding is left out, 00:32:27.760 --> 00:32:29.220 because it's not a spiritual gift. 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:30.500 Quite the opposite. 00:32:30.660 --> 00:32:35.200 It's condemned as being inappropriate for the people of God. 00:32:35.200 --> 00:32:38.380 So whether it's the Apostle Paul in Romans, 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:40.720 or whether it's James in James chapter 3, 00:32:41.319 --> 00:32:43.460 James says the tongue is powerful. 00:32:44.080 --> 00:32:47.340 It's a powerful engine for good or for ill. 00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:49.940 You can boast and brag, 00:32:50.259 --> 00:32:53.559 or you can brag about God and the gospel. 00:32:54.900 --> 00:32:56.920 Who do you want attention to be given to? 00:32:57.340 --> 00:32:59.000 Who do you want credit to be given to? 00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:00.740 You can praise God, 00:33:01.120 --> 00:33:02.400 and you can curse people. 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:05.000 And James says that just doesn't fit. 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:05.599 My brothers, 00:33:05.700 --> 00:33:06.839 this should not be. 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:08.440 And when you think about it, 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:09.960 of course it makes perfect sense. 00:33:10.460 --> 00:33:12.880 That the tongue is meant to praise God. 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:15.240 But the tongue is also meant to encourage 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:17.380 and build up the people of God. 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:17.759 Why? 00:33:18.200 --> 00:33:19.579 We're made in God's image. 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:21.819 Now that's true of every individual. 00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:23.079 Not just Christians. 00:33:23.660 --> 00:33:26.180 Every individual is made in the image of God. 00:33:26.900 --> 00:33:28.859 And if you start tomorrow, 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.140 and you say, 00:33:30.140 --> 00:33:30.540 God, 00:33:30.540 --> 00:33:30.580 God, 00:33:31.200 --> 00:33:34.500 I want to treat every single person I meet 00:33:34.500 --> 00:33:37.340 as someone who bears your likeness, 00:33:37.400 --> 00:33:38.920 as someone who bears your image, 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:40.600 I guarantee you, 00:33:40.920 --> 00:33:42.600 if that's your prayer in the morning, 00:33:42.960 --> 00:33:45.040 that will shape what you say, 00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:47.060 that will shape how you say it, 00:33:47.340 --> 00:33:49.020 that will shape the words that you use, 00:33:49.060 --> 00:33:50.300 that will shape the tone of voice 00:33:50.300 --> 00:33:51.280 that you engage with, 00:33:51.520 --> 00:33:53.480 because you will now not be thinking, 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:55.100 what does this person look like? 00:33:55.159 --> 00:33:56.319 How does this person treat me? 00:33:56.679 --> 00:33:58.119 What are my feelings right now? 00:33:58.179 --> 00:33:58.359 No, 00:33:58.599 --> 00:34:00.980 because you're now governed by a different standard. 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:04.319 This person is made in the image of God. 00:34:04.899 --> 00:34:07.039 And I would suggest that if we have that attitude 00:34:07.039 --> 00:34:08.440 within this fellowship, 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:12.319 if we look upon each other as image bearers, 00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:14.699 but if we're fellow Christians, 00:34:14.799 --> 00:34:15.539 it's even greater. 00:34:15.839 --> 00:34:18.199 Because not only do we have a shared image of God 00:34:18.199 --> 00:34:19.319 that each one of us bears, 00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:22.400 we are each indwelt by the Holy Spirit. 00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:24.679 We are each united to Jesus. 00:34:25.099 --> 00:34:32.739 So how much more should our words capture those truths? 00:34:33.380 --> 00:34:35.539 Instead of cursing, blessing. 00:34:36.159 --> 00:34:38.639 Instead of tearing down, building up. 00:34:38.980 --> 00:34:41.719 Instead of criticizing, encouraging. 00:34:43.619 --> 00:34:46.159 Psychologists will say that it takes, 00:34:46.440 --> 00:34:49.059 for every negative comment that you hear, 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:52.779 it takes five positive comments to overcome it. 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:55.660 Now you might dismiss modern psychology. 00:34:56.620 --> 00:35:00.360 But I've heard this statistic repeated by Christian counselors, 00:35:00.540 --> 00:35:03.480 but they say that the ratio is even higher. 00:35:04.460 --> 00:35:07.019 Christian counselors will say that for every negative thing 00:35:07.019 --> 00:35:08.220 you hear about yourself, 00:35:08.280 --> 00:35:12.000 it takes seven positives to overcome that. 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:15.180 Now this doesn't mean saying things that aren't true. 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:20.199 Saying, Bob, you're sleek and slim and you look 25. 00:35:21.099 --> 00:35:22.940 Don't tell me that because it's not true. 00:35:23.879 --> 00:35:27.079 You know, so using the tongue in this way is not about lying. 00:35:27.839 --> 00:35:29.799 But if you think of it, 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:32.819 there are countless things that we could say to people 00:35:32.819 --> 00:35:35.819 identifying what God has done in their life, 00:35:35.879 --> 00:35:37.299 what God is doing in their life. 00:35:37.300 --> 00:35:40.340 The qualities and characteristics that are worthy of praise 00:35:40.340 --> 00:35:41.720 rather than condemnation. 00:35:42.120 --> 00:35:44.880 The characteristics and qualities that are worthy of encouragement 00:35:44.880 --> 00:35:45.880 and thanksgiving. 00:35:46.780 --> 00:35:49.220 And you ask yourself, how often am I thankful? 00:35:49.660 --> 00:35:51.220 How often am I encouraging? 00:35:51.460 --> 00:35:52.840 How often am I positive? 00:35:53.300 --> 00:35:56.140 Or how often am I thinking or saying negative, 00:35:56.580 --> 00:35:58.940 critical, condemning words? 00:36:00.280 --> 00:36:01.680 James says if you're a teacher, 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:04.060 you've got an extra responsibility 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:06.480 to use your tongue well and wisely. 00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:08.559 And no matter whether you teach 00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:09.659 or whether you're being taught, 00:36:09.759 --> 00:36:12.519 no matter whether you have a position of responsibility or not, 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:14.980 if you are a follower of Jesus, 00:36:15.840 --> 00:36:17.820 people listen to what you say. 00:36:18.599 --> 00:36:20.679 People listen to how you say it. 00:36:21.380 --> 00:36:24.559 People see Jesus in you. 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:28.039 They either see a good representation of Jesus in you 00:36:28.039 --> 00:36:32.159 and hear a good representation of Jesus in you or not. 00:36:32.159 --> 00:36:35.399 And you see, what we do here in an evening hour, 00:36:35.699 --> 00:36:37.079 what we do here in the morning, 00:36:37.839 --> 00:36:39.799 generally, let's be honest, it's quite easy. 00:36:40.619 --> 00:36:41.779 We're gathered together. 00:36:41.920 --> 00:36:43.079 We have a common faith. 00:36:43.199 --> 00:36:44.359 We have a common outlook. 00:36:44.839 --> 00:36:46.219 You know, we have shared values. 00:36:46.440 --> 00:36:50.159 So having an hour's worship service is quite simple. 00:36:50.960 --> 00:36:52.039 We can praise God. 00:36:52.159 --> 00:36:52.980 We can add our amen. 00:36:53.299 --> 00:36:55.779 And we can, you know, read the words together 00:36:55.779 --> 00:36:56.899 and listen to the sermon. 00:36:57.299 --> 00:36:59.179 But what you do out there, 00:36:59.379 --> 00:37:01.119 it's the vast majority of your week, 00:37:01.119 --> 00:37:03.259 the vast majority of your interactions. 00:37:03.940 --> 00:37:05.839 And most of the people that you encounter out there 00:37:05.839 --> 00:37:06.619 don't come here. 00:37:07.259 --> 00:37:09.159 So you now represent Jesus, 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:11.480 for better or for worse. 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:13.159 Go back to 1 Corinthians. 00:37:13.619 --> 00:37:15.639 God hasn't chosen you because you're eloquent, 00:37:15.880 --> 00:37:17.799 wise, and powerful. 00:37:18.219 --> 00:37:19.199 Quite the opposite. 00:37:19.799 --> 00:37:21.699 But what he wants you to demonstrate 00:37:21.699 --> 00:37:23.400 in how you say things, 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:24.319 in what you say, 00:37:24.380 --> 00:37:25.299 in how you live, 00:37:25.300 --> 00:37:27.780 the quality and the character 00:37:27.780 --> 00:37:29.200 of the Christian 00:37:29.200 --> 00:37:31.700 is so essentially important. 00:37:32.880 --> 00:37:35.580 We can list our faith on a, 00:37:35.860 --> 00:37:39.340 we can write down what we believe. 00:37:39.560 --> 00:37:40.840 We can add our amens 00:37:40.840 --> 00:37:42.320 to the Westminster Confession of Faith. 00:37:42.440 --> 00:37:45.200 We can say that we agree 00:37:45.200 --> 00:37:46.560 with every word of the Bible. 00:37:46.700 --> 00:37:48.120 We can have a very strong, 00:37:48.280 --> 00:37:49.440 clear view of the gospel. 00:37:49.440 --> 00:37:52.240 But that is either confirmed 00:37:52.240 --> 00:37:54.440 or absolutely contradicted 00:37:54.440 --> 00:37:56.420 by what you say today 00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:58.360 as you leave this place. 00:37:58.940 --> 00:38:00.500 By the conversations that you have 00:38:00.500 --> 00:38:01.539 tomorrow at work. 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:03.200 By the way in which you speak 00:38:03.200 --> 00:38:04.240 to the people that you love. 00:38:04.300 --> 00:38:05.619 Are you commending the gospel 00:38:05.619 --> 00:38:07.639 or are you bringing the gospel 00:38:07.639 --> 00:38:08.720 into disrepute? 00:38:09.460 --> 00:38:10.119 James says, 00:38:10.280 --> 00:38:12.500 consider carefully how you speak, 00:38:12.800 --> 00:38:13.460 what you say, 00:38:13.800 --> 00:38:14.700 how you say it. 00:38:14.699 --> 00:38:17.139 It's his teaching 00:38:17.139 --> 00:38:18.859 of a scriptural truth 00:38:18.859 --> 00:38:19.299 that goes, 00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:21.019 that runs right through scripture. 00:38:21.659 --> 00:38:23.379 Our words can build up, 00:38:23.460 --> 00:38:24.480 our words can encourage, 00:38:24.619 --> 00:38:25.679 our words can hearten 00:38:25.679 --> 00:38:27.339 or our words can destroy, 00:38:27.500 --> 00:38:28.480 our words can curse 00:38:28.480 --> 00:38:29.960 and our words can tear down. 00:38:30.579 --> 00:38:32.659 If we share a common savior, 00:38:33.099 --> 00:38:34.339 if you're a Christian here today, 00:38:34.639 --> 00:38:36.480 we share a common savior. 00:38:37.079 --> 00:38:39.039 We share the Holy Spirit 00:38:39.039 --> 00:38:40.399 who is at work within us. 00:38:40.859 --> 00:38:42.279 We look to the word of God 00:38:42.279 --> 00:38:43.259 and we acknowledge it 00:38:43.259 --> 00:38:44.299 as the word of God. 00:38:44.699 --> 00:38:47.059 The quality of our testimony 00:38:47.059 --> 00:38:50.000 and the test of our Christian discipleship 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:51.379 is often seen 00:38:51.379 --> 00:38:54.559 not in the faith 00:38:54.559 --> 00:38:55.559 that we ascribe to, 00:38:55.639 --> 00:38:56.980 as important as that is, 00:38:57.239 --> 00:38:58.619 but will be seen 00:38:58.619 --> 00:39:00.000 in the life that we live. 00:39:00.539 --> 00:39:02.059 Do we commend our faith 00:39:02.059 --> 00:39:03.379 by how we live? 00:39:03.799 --> 00:39:05.239 And James is asking us tonight, 00:39:05.699 --> 00:39:07.119 do we commend our faith, 00:39:07.399 --> 00:39:08.619 do we commend the gospel 00:39:08.619 --> 00:39:10.079 in how we speak, 00:39:10.659 --> 00:39:12.079 in how we speak to others, 00:39:12.339 --> 00:39:13.599 how we treat others, 00:39:13.599 --> 00:39:15.079 and how we use 00:39:15.079 --> 00:39:17.980 this very powerful instrument 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:18.980 called the tongue? 00:39:19.480 --> 00:39:21.519 We can use it well and wisely. 00:39:21.900 --> 00:39:23.400 We can use it foolishly 00:39:23.400 --> 00:39:24.519 and dangerously. 00:39:24.519 --> 00:39:26.480 And the outcome of both 00:39:26.480 --> 00:39:28.059 are quite obvious. 00:39:28.460 --> 00:39:30.000 So may God give us wisdom 00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:33.559 to hear and to heed his word 00:39:33.559 --> 00:39:35.920 and to put these truths 00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:36.980 into practice. 00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:38.259 Let's pray.