WEBVTT 00:00:00.980 --> 00:00:10.220 James chapter 3. Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 00:00:11.779 --> 00:00:20.740 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 00:00:22.120 --> 00:00:28.260 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 00:00:28.260 --> 00:00:40.060 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 00:00:42.420 --> 00:00:46.820 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:52.219 Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 00:00:52.219 --> 00:00:58.479 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. 00:00:59.759 --> 00:01:07.299 It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 00:01:07.299 --> 00:01:16.379 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed, and have been tamed by mankind. 00:01:17.099 --> 00:01:23.579 But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 00:01:23.579 --> 00:01:33.179 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings who have been made in God's likeness. 00:01:34.280 --> 00:01:37.079 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:40.759 My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 00:01:42.200 --> 00:01:46.079 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 00:01:46.079 --> 00:01:52.280 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? 00:01:52.900 --> 00:01:56.359 Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 00:01:58.539 --> 00:02:01.719 Who is wise and understanding among you? 00:02:02.379 --> 00:02:07.759 Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 00:02:08.879 --> 00:02:12.719 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, 00:02:13.099 --> 00:02:15.620 do not boast about it or deny the truth. 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:22.660 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:29.400 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 00:02:30.500 --> 00:02:33.400 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, 00:02:33.900 --> 00:02:41.060 then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 00:02:41.060 --> 00:02:46.659 Peace-makers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:47.520 Peace-makers who sow in peace. 00:02:56.519 --> 00:02:57.840 Thanks, Chris. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:04.500 Let's keep our Bibles open and we're going to pray. 00:03:04.500 --> 00:03:17.039 Psalm 19, verse 14. 00:03:17.039 --> 00:03:35.759 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:38.799 Amen. 00:03:38.799 --> 00:03:38.859 Amen. 00:03:38.860 --> 00:03:45.400 What am I? 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:57.300 I can start wars, break marriages, divide families, destroy churches. 00:03:57.300 --> 00:04:09.480 I can bring healing, redeem marriages, restore families, renew churches. 00:04:10.020 --> 00:04:17.180 I have the power to cause great evil and I have the power to do great good. 00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:19.660 What am I? 00:04:23.139 --> 00:04:26.340 Well, of course, we're talking about the tongue. 00:04:26.720 --> 00:04:27.800 Look at verse 9. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:41.420 With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse human beings who have been made in God's likeness. 00:04:43.420 --> 00:04:46.980 James has already introduced us to the use of our tongues. 00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:51.540 In fact, he said, if we claim to be a Christian. 00:04:51.920 --> 00:04:54.920 Have a look back at chapter 1, verse 19. 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:02.920 If we claim to be a Christian. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:04.540 Verse 19. 00:05:04.660 --> 00:05:07.199 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this. 00:05:07.199 --> 00:05:19.240 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:21.620 Verse 26. 00:05:21.620 --> 00:05:33.300 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves and their religion is worthless. 00:05:33.300 --> 00:05:41.500 So how we use our tongue reveals if our faith is genuine. 00:05:41.500 --> 00:05:46.540 That was the theme of chapter 2, if you look at verse 14. 00:05:48.240 --> 00:05:50.240 Chapter 2, verse 14. 00:05:50.240 --> 00:06:01.420 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith, so they claim to be a Christian, but has no deeds? 00:06:02.500 --> 00:06:04.920 Can such faith save them? 00:06:05.960 --> 00:06:08.579 Well, the answer comes in verse 24. 00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:25.079 You see that a person, as you watch, as you look at a person, a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 00:06:25.079 --> 00:06:32.919 The mark of true Christianity is seen by what we do, how we live. 00:06:34.539 --> 00:06:42.099 And now in chapter 3, James gives us another example of what true Christianity looks like. 00:06:44.159 --> 00:06:48.939 And it all comes down to how we use our tongue. 00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:53.199 Three things we're going to look at. 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:57.479 First, check your tongue. 00:06:57.959 --> 00:06:58.939 Check your tongue. 00:06:59.719 --> 00:07:03.420 Not surprisingly, James starts with teachers. 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:07.759 Those who teach God's word, like pastors. 00:07:08.759 --> 00:07:12.939 Those who are responsible for the teaching of this church, the elders. 00:07:14.099 --> 00:07:14.919 Look at verse 1. 00:07:15.019 --> 00:07:20.339 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers. 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:21.899 Well, why is that? 00:07:21.899 --> 00:07:29.139 Because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 00:07:30.419 --> 00:07:32.259 Right now I'm teaching. 00:07:32.899 --> 00:07:35.439 And as I teach, I'm using my tongue. 00:07:35.539 --> 00:07:36.519 I'm saying a lot. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:37.839 I'm talking a lot. 00:07:38.219 --> 00:07:41.539 I'm going to be doing more speaking than listening. 00:07:42.419 --> 00:07:45.019 That means I have to be very careful. 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:50.019 And as I teach, I've got great influence. 00:07:50.019 --> 00:07:54.060 The words that I use have influence. 00:07:54.500 --> 00:07:57.479 What I say can build up or tear down. 00:07:58.099 --> 00:08:01.759 What I teach can be of great good or of great evil. 00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:06.579 I need to check how I use my tongue. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:10.139 Because, look at the end of verse 1. 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:16.839 You know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 00:08:16.839 --> 00:08:19.839 This is serious. 00:08:21.039 --> 00:08:26.859 The more I say, the more I will be responsible for. 00:08:28.299 --> 00:08:34.419 The more I'm responsible for, the more accountable before God I am. 00:08:34.899 --> 00:08:40.240 So it's crucial that I check out how I use my tongue. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:46.480 But it's not just teachers that James is concerned about. 00:08:46.899 --> 00:08:49.299 He's concerned for the whole church. 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:50.360 Verse 2. 00:08:52.279 --> 00:08:59.379 We all stumble in many ways when it comes to using our tongue. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:04.399 Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect. 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:08.360 Able to keep their whole body in check. 00:09:08.360 --> 00:09:12.139 James is just so real and practical. 00:09:12.300 --> 00:09:14.120 He just gets straight to the issue. 00:09:14.259 --> 00:09:15.159 No messing about. 00:09:15.639 --> 00:09:17.460 Look, he says, we all stumble. 00:09:18.399 --> 00:09:20.159 We all mess up. 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:23.720 We all fail to keep our tongue in check. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:25.460 But here's the encouragement. 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:28.800 When we keep our tongue in check, 00:09:29.919 --> 00:09:33.340 our whole body is kept in check. 00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:35.860 If we can control the tongue, 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:39.580 we can control our whole life. 00:09:41.720 --> 00:09:44.800 Proverbs 18 verse 21 tells us that 00:09:44.800 --> 00:09:49.759 the tongue has the power of life and death. 00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:54.639 And those who love it will eat its fruit. 00:09:57.519 --> 00:09:58.740 Control the tongue 00:09:58.740 --> 00:10:02.659 and we control our whole life. 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:09.700 Sam Albury uses a very helpful illustration in James. 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.720 He talks about it like this. 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:16.779 It's like James is inviting us into the doctor's surgery. 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:20.159 We are to stick out our tongue 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:22.480 and to get it checked out. 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:26.240 Let the word of God 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:29.240 diagnose anything that is sinful 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:32.019 and let the word of God 00:10:32.019 --> 00:10:32.700 heal 00:10:32.700 --> 00:10:35.060 and make it useful. 00:10:36.340 --> 00:10:37.840 Let the word of God 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:40.159 diagnose anything that is sinful 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:42.879 and let the word of God 00:10:42.879 --> 00:10:43.720 heal it 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:46.080 and make it useful. 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:48.960 So as we continue, 00:10:50.060 --> 00:10:51.400 I give us all permission 00:10:51.400 --> 00:10:53.080 to stick out your tongues 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:55.900 and enter into the surgery 00:10:55.900 --> 00:10:58.060 of God's word. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:01.259 What does God's word 00:11:01.259 --> 00:11:02.080 diagnose 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:04.020 about our tongue? 00:11:04.360 --> 00:11:04.940 Well, second, 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:06.600 know your tongue. 00:11:06.940 --> 00:11:07.660 Four things 00:11:07.660 --> 00:11:09.580 we need to know 00:11:09.580 --> 00:11:10.480 about our tongue. 00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:12.440 Four things that the word of God 00:11:12.440 --> 00:11:13.520 diagnoses 00:11:13.520 --> 00:11:16.120 about our tongue. 00:11:16.300 --> 00:11:16.620 First, 00:11:16.820 --> 00:11:19.300 the tongue is a controlling power. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:20.400 Look at verse three. 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:22.580 When we put bits 00:11:22.580 --> 00:11:24.200 into the mouths of horses 00:11:24.200 --> 00:11:26.400 to make them obey us, 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:29.620 we can turn the whole animal. 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:33.480 I don't know if you've ever been on a horse, 00:11:34.380 --> 00:11:36.540 but a horse is very strong 00:11:36.540 --> 00:11:37.960 and very powerful. 00:11:39.020 --> 00:11:40.740 With a tiny bit, 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:43.200 it's a small little steel bar 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:44.399 about so long 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:47.560 which inserts into the horse's mouth 00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:48.779 attached to the reins 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:50.440 and with it, 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:51.879 you control the whole animal. 00:11:52.460 --> 00:11:54.019 A tiny tug in the reins 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:55.139 and the horse will stop. 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:56.539 A pull to the right 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:57.659 or a pull to the left 00:11:57.659 --> 00:11:59.620 and it will go the direction 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:01.360 you want it to go. 00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:04.200 It's the same with a large ship 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:05.320 or a cruise liner. 00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:06.620 Look at verse four. 00:12:07.159 --> 00:12:09.060 Or take ships as an example. 00:12:09.059 --> 00:12:11.539 Although they are so large 00:12:11.539 --> 00:12:14.119 and are driven by strong winds, 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:17.979 they are steered by a very small rudder 00:12:17.979 --> 00:12:21.099 wherever the pilot wants to go. 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:25.059 The largest cruise ship 00:12:25.059 --> 00:12:27.659 that sails the seas today 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:29.879 is called Symphony of the Seas. 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:33.340 It's 360 meters long 00:12:33.340 --> 00:12:36.279 and 60 meters wide. 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:39.360 It has 18 decks 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:44.939 and it weighs in at 227,000 tons. 00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:49.000 But the small rudder, 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:52.279 only a few meters long, 00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:54.700 can turn this ship 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:57.100 in any direction. 00:12:57.100 --> 00:13:01.580 verse five. 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:02.659 Likewise, 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:05.220 the tongue is a small part 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.060 of the body. 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:08.620 The tongue is just like a bit 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:10.000 or a rudder, 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:13.460 but it makes great boasts. 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:14.720 It has the power 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:17.560 to control the whole body. 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:19.200 In other words, 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:21.980 the tongue powerfully determines 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:24.300 and directs the course 00:13:24.300 --> 00:13:25.379 of our whole life. 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:27.320 The tongue controls 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:28.700 our destiny. 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:31.139 How we use our words, 00:13:31.439 --> 00:13:32.320 what we say 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:33.519 in our conversations, 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:35.100 how we talk 00:13:35.100 --> 00:13:35.980 to one another 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:37.379 powerfully controls 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:40.120 what our life 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:41.759 is going to be like. 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:46.259 So it's a controlling power. 00:13:48.039 --> 00:13:48.659 Second, 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:52.679 the tongue is a destructive fire. 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:54.739 Look at the second part 00:13:54.739 --> 00:13:55.539 of verse five. 00:13:56.599 --> 00:13:58.719 Consider what a great forest 00:13:58.719 --> 00:14:00.359 is set on fire 00:14:00.359 --> 00:14:02.079 by a small spark. 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:05.839 In France last year, 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:07.399 there was a forest fire 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:10.039 covering eight square kilometers 00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:12.620 and it destroyed 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:14.479 everything in its path. 00:14:15.719 --> 00:14:17.319 Homes, buildings, 00:14:17.779 --> 00:14:18.740 the whole forest, 00:14:18.859 --> 00:14:19.939 the whole habitation 00:14:19.940 --> 00:14:21.800 was all wiped out. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.520 Eight square kilometers 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:25.680 left in a pile 00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:27.080 of ash. 00:14:28.680 --> 00:14:30.040 You know what the cause was? 00:14:31.040 --> 00:14:32.800 A dropped cigarette. 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:36.620 Look at verse six. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:39.220 The tongue also 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:40.680 is a fire, 00:14:41.280 --> 00:14:42.980 a world of evil 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:44.220 among the parts 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:45.560 of the body. 00:14:45.559 --> 00:14:48.059 just one word 00:14:48.059 --> 00:14:49.019 from our tongue 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:50.839 and it causes 00:14:50.839 --> 00:14:52.039 devastation 00:14:52.039 --> 00:14:52.859 and destruction. 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:55.500 One word, 00:14:55.619 --> 00:14:56.399 one phrase 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.779 can break a marriage, 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:00.079 destroy a family, 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:02.219 wreck churches. 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:05.099 Look at the rest 00:15:05.099 --> 00:15:05.739 of verse six. 00:15:05.819 --> 00:15:06.759 It corrupts 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:07.979 the whole body, 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:10.679 sets the whole course 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:11.839 of one's life 00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:13.019 on fire. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:14.839 A tiny spark 00:15:14.840 --> 00:15:17.200 that lasts 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:18.660 barely a second 00:15:18.660 --> 00:15:20.759 and barely visible 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.940 to the human eye 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:23.160 can set a whole 00:15:23.160 --> 00:15:24.560 forest on fire. 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:26.820 And the problem is, 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:27.980 James is saying to us, 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:30.160 when we open our mouths, 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:32.700 sparks fly everywhere. 00:15:33.780 --> 00:15:35.139 A careless word, 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:37.180 a bit of gossip, 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:39.060 a lie, 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:41.019 a put down, 00:15:42.040 --> 00:15:43.519 a snide remark. 00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:45.460 And before we know it, 00:15:45.699 --> 00:15:46.819 our whole life 00:15:46.819 --> 00:15:48.679 is a blazing fire, 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.980 devastated by broken 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:51.740 relationships 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:53.240 all around us. 00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:57.379 How do we cause 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:58.419 such damage? 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:00.840 Well, look at the end 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:01.620 of verse six. 00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:05.059 The whole course 00:16:05.059 --> 00:16:06.019 of one's life 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:07.179 is set on fire 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:09.379 and is itself 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.639 set on fire 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:12.399 by hell. 00:16:13.359 --> 00:16:14.339 The source 00:16:14.339 --> 00:16:15.039 of all this 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:16.459 fiery destruction 00:16:16.459 --> 00:16:18.759 is the influence 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:20.179 of hell itself. 00:16:21.359 --> 00:16:22.359 When we use 00:16:22.359 --> 00:16:23.000 our tongues, 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:24.419 sparks fly 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:26.799 and we're only 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.779 speaking what 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:29.120 the devil himself 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:29.919 speaks. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.679 As one writer 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:33.319 has put it, 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:33.979 our tongues 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:36.039 are satanic. 00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:39.860 So our tongues 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.899 are a controlling 00:16:40.899 --> 00:16:41.480 power, 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:43.259 a destructive 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:43.940 fire, 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:46.279 and third, 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:46.940 they are an 00:16:46.940 --> 00:16:48.460 untamable evil. 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.539 Look at verse seven. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.039 All kinds 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:52.820 of animals, 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:53.519 birds, 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:54.500 reptiles, 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:55.700 and sea creatures 00:16:55.700 --> 00:16:56.879 are being tamed 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.220 and have been 00:16:58.220 --> 00:16:59.580 tamed by mankind. 00:16:59.580 --> 00:17:01.940 We've seen 00:17:01.940 --> 00:17:02.540 the pictures 00:17:02.540 --> 00:17:03.500 on television. 00:17:03.700 --> 00:17:04.340 Maybe you've been 00:17:04.340 --> 00:17:05.039 to a circus. 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.759 We can make 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:08.000 bears dance. 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:09.840 We can make 00:17:09.840 --> 00:17:10.720 birds carry 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.240 messages 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:12.079 and come back 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:12.360 again. 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:13.860 We can make 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:14.940 crocodiles not 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:15.460 to bite 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:16.200 and insert 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:16.700 your head 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.539 in its chops 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.180 if you wanted 00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:18.460 to. 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:20.000 We can make 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.680 killer whales 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:21.779 jump in the air 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:22.880 to catch fish. 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:24.440 But, 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.740 look at verse eight. 00:17:27.100 --> 00:17:28.360 No human 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:29.000 being 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:31.179 can tame 00:17:31.179 --> 00:17:32.159 the tongue. 00:17:33.979 --> 00:17:34.899 We can't 00:17:34.899 --> 00:17:35.899 stop ourselves 00:17:35.899 --> 00:17:36.819 from talking. 00:17:38.119 --> 00:17:39.000 We can't 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:39.659 tame this 00:17:39.659 --> 00:17:40.859 tiny organ 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.859 inside of our 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:42.240 mouth. 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:44.279 I hate you. 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:45.779 I'm not 00:17:45.779 --> 00:17:46.819 listening to you. 00:17:47.459 --> 00:17:48.199 You're such 00:17:48.199 --> 00:17:48.799 a pain. 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:50.379 You always. 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.599 Rather than 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:54.299 me taming 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.039 my tongue, 00:17:56.099 --> 00:17:57.039 my tongue 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:58.420 controls me. 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.240 Look at the 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:00.779 end of verse 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:01.099 eight. 00:18:02.139 --> 00:18:02.859 It is a 00:18:02.859 --> 00:18:04.240 restless evil 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:06.299 full of 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:07.460 deadly poison. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.099 How many 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:11.859 times have 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:12.480 we said to 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.059 ourselves, 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:15.159 I wish 00:18:15.159 --> 00:18:16.059 I didn't 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:16.740 say that. 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:19.119 How many 00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:19.779 times have 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.299 we said, 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.639 I wish 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:23.380 I kept 00:18:23.380 --> 00:18:23.860 my mouth 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:24.259 shut? 00:18:26.660 --> 00:18:27.640 Look back 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:28.480 upon the 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:29.080 relationships 00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:29.660 that are 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:30.300 now broken. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.000 What's 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.560 the cause? 00:18:35.200 --> 00:18:35.700 Well, 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.100 it just 00:18:36.100 --> 00:18:37.220 pops out of 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:37.640 our mouth, 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.300 doesn't it? 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:39.580 Before we 00:18:39.580 --> 00:18:40.000 even have 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.580 time to 00:18:40.580 --> 00:18:41.280 think what 00:18:41.280 --> 00:18:41.580 we are 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:41.960 saying, 00:18:42.300 --> 00:18:42.940 our tongues 00:18:42.940 --> 00:18:43.580 just take 00:18:43.580 --> 00:18:44.380 over and 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:45.380 an outburst 00:18:45.380 --> 00:18:45.980 of anger, 00:18:46.380 --> 00:18:46.960 a harsh 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.720 response, 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:49.140 a slanderous 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:49.680 remark? 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:53.259 My tongue 00:18:53.259 --> 00:18:53.900 is like 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:55.000 a viper, 00:18:55.780 --> 00:18:56.240 end of 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:56.800 verse eight, 00:18:57.360 --> 00:18:58.360 full of 00:18:58.360 --> 00:18:59.060 deadly 00:18:59.060 --> 00:18:59.820 poison. 00:19:01.080 --> 00:19:01.880 I open 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.600 my mouth 00:19:02.600 --> 00:19:04.060 and out 00:19:04.060 --> 00:19:04.420 comes 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.220 poisonous 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:06.300 words that 00:19:06.300 --> 00:19:07.120 crush, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:08.620 break, 00:19:09.080 --> 00:19:09.920 and destroy. 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:15.759 the words 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:17.039 I'm quite 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.600 sure that 00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:18.420 my family 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:19.000 remember 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:20.840 are the 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:21.420 words that 00:19:21.420 --> 00:19:21.820 are like 00:19:21.820 --> 00:19:22.320 deadly 00:19:22.320 --> 00:19:22.940 poison, 00:19:24.300 --> 00:19:26.060 words that 00:19:26.060 --> 00:19:27.060 break and 00:19:27.060 --> 00:19:27.620 destroy. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:29.980 I can't 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.360 seem to 00:19:30.360 --> 00:19:31.019 stop it. 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.640 It's an 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:33.720 untamable, 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:35.060 restless 00:19:35.060 --> 00:19:36.400 evil. 00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:44.019 fourth, 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:44.700 the tongue 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.519 reveals 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.700 my heart, 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:47.880 verse ten. 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:50.180 Out of 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.800 the same 00:19:50.800 --> 00:19:51.259 mouth 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:53.140 come praise 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:54.060 and cursing. 00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:55.500 My 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.360 brothers and 00:19:56.360 --> 00:19:56.759 sisters, 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:57.779 this should 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:58.400 not be. 00:19:59.380 --> 00:19:59.759 One 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.420 moment we 00:20:00.420 --> 00:20:00.759 can be 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:01.140 singing 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:02.039 songs of 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:02.680 worship to 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:03.080 God, 00:20:04.320 --> 00:20:04.880 the next 00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:05.360 we're 00:20:05.360 --> 00:20:06.180 criticizing 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:06.820 the people 00:20:06.820 --> 00:20:07.300 who stood 00:20:07.300 --> 00:20:08.060 behind us 00:20:08.060 --> 00:20:08.640 to somebody 00:20:08.640 --> 00:20:09.120 else. 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:12.240 verse 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:12.640 11, 00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:13.380 can both 00:20:13.380 --> 00:20:14.420 fresh water 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.120 and salt 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:15.920 water flow 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:16.380 from the 00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:17.160 same spring? 00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:18.860 My 00:20:18.860 --> 00:20:19.460 brothers and 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:19.779 sisters, 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.240 can a 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:20.980 fig tree 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.880 bear olives 00:20:21.880 --> 00:20:22.960 or a 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:23.600 grapevine 00:20:23.600 --> 00:20:24.519 bear figs? 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.680 Neither 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.220 can a 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.039 salt spring 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:28.720 produce 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.300 fresh 00:20:29.300 --> 00:20:29.920 water. 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:33.960 James 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.680 uses his 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:35.460 words so 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:36.039 carefully, 00:20:36.840 --> 00:20:38.200 but they 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:38.680 are so 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:39.100 clear. 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:41.740 his words 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:42.400 are so 00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:42.940 revealing. 00:20:43.840 --> 00:20:44.960 A tree 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.720 will always 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.580 produce its 00:20:46.580 --> 00:20:47.000 fruit, 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.240 pear trees 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.660 don't grow 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:51.200 apples, 00:20:52.080 --> 00:20:52.759 and you 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.279 won't find 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:53.880 an orange 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:54.480 from a 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:55.140 banana tree. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.100 You see, 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:57.660 it's what 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:58.259 comes out 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:58.600 of our 00:20:58.600 --> 00:20:59.100 mouth 00:20:59.100 --> 00:21:01.000 that reveals 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:01.840 the state 00:21:01.840 --> 00:21:02.580 of our 00:21:02.580 --> 00:21:03.080 hearts. 00:21:03.580 --> 00:21:04.500 What comes 00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:05.039 out of our 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:05.940 mouth only 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:07.060 reveals the 00:21:07.060 --> 00:21:07.779 source from 00:21:07.779 --> 00:21:08.220 which it 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:08.720 comes. 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.000 Remember 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.980 what Jesus 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:12.799 said. 00:21:13.899 --> 00:21:14.799 This comes 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:16.139 from Matthew 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:16.879 15. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:18.879 He says, 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.460 what goes 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:20.480 into someone's 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:22.379 mouth does 00:21:22.379 --> 00:21:23.240 not defile 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.879 them, but 00:21:24.879 --> 00:21:25.440 what comes 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:26.160 out of their 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:27.319 mouth, that 00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:27.980 is what 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.819 defiles them. 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.240 The things 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.019 that come out 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.859 of a person's 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.539 mouth come 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:32.980 from the 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:34.399 heart, and 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:35.600 these defile 00:21:35.600 --> 00:21:35.860 them. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:37.140 For out of 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:37.640 the heart 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.840 come evil 00:21:38.840 --> 00:21:40.420 thoughts, false 00:21:40.420 --> 00:21:42.019 testimony, slander, 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:43.940 and we can 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.600 add to that 00:21:44.600 --> 00:21:45.759 crosswords, 00:21:46.060 --> 00:21:47.180 malicious gossip, 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:48.580 destructive 00:21:48.580 --> 00:21:49.320 lies. 00:21:50.620 --> 00:21:51.280 Our tongues 00:21:51.280 --> 00:21:52.340 as we speak 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:53.540 only reveal 00:21:53.540 --> 00:21:55.160 who we are 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:55.960 and what our 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.480 hearts are 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:56.880 like. 00:21:56.880 --> 00:22:02.340 so what 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:02.840 are we to 00:22:02.840 --> 00:22:04.780 do with 00:22:04.780 --> 00:22:05.900 this diagnosis 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:06.980 as we step 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.560 into the 00:22:07.560 --> 00:22:08.400 surgery, as 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:09.400 God's word 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:11.240 makes the 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:12.500 diagnosis, what 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:13.000 are we to 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.720 do with our 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.600 powerful, 00:22:15.840 --> 00:22:16.600 destructive, 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:18.820 untamable, 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:20.100 evil, 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:21.300 poisonous 00:22:21.300 --> 00:22:22.280 tongues? 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:26.319 I guess 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:26.859 we've never 00:22:26.859 --> 00:22:27.500 thought of our 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.079 tongues like 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:28.519 that, have 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:28.720 we? 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.339 Well, as we 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:31.839 said at the 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.539 beginning, let 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:33.180 the word of 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:34.019 God diagnose 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.839 anything that 00:22:34.839 --> 00:22:35.619 is sinful, 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:37.980 and let the 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:38.559 word of God 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:40.180 heal it, and 00:22:40.180 --> 00:22:41.059 make it useful. 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:43.079 God's word 00:22:43.079 --> 00:22:43.980 will diagnose 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:45.119 what is sinful, 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.180 but the same 00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:48.000 word of God 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:49.160 can heal it, 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.980 and make it 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:51.579 useful. 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:53.859 So we 00:22:53.859 --> 00:22:54.359 check our 00:22:54.359 --> 00:22:54.859 tongue, we 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:55.440 know our 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:57.240 tongue, and 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:59.160 third, we 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.240 transform our 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:00.680 tongues. 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:02.519 Let me show 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.359 you how our 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.420 tongues can be 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.180 transformed. 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:07.779 It requires 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.339 wisdom. 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.740 Wisdom that 00:23:10.740 --> 00:23:11.339 comes from 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:13.079 heaven, not 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:14.119 wisdom from 00:23:14.119 --> 00:23:14.759 the world. 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:15.500 Look at 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.279 verse 13. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:18.559 Who is 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:20.000 wise and 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.799 understanding 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:21.480 among you? 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:23.279 wisdom. 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:24.399 Well, if 00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:25.299 you're wise, let 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:26.000 them show it 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.899 by their good 00:23:26.899 --> 00:23:28.500 life, by 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.619 deeds done in 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:30.339 the humility 00:23:30.339 --> 00:23:31.779 that comes from 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.180 wisdom. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:35.019 Wisdom is not 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:36.399 academic ability. 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:39.180 Being wise is 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:40.619 not about clever 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:41.779 arguments and 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:43.299 using our words to 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:45.359 win people over or 00:23:45.359 --> 00:23:46.200 to prove your 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:46.660 point. 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:50.660 Godly wisdom, true 00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:51.740 wisdom, is about 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:53.380 living life God's 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:55.340 way, living the 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.060 way God has 00:23:56.060 --> 00:23:57.140 created us to 00:23:57.140 --> 00:23:57.340 be. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:00.259 It is, as it 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:00.940 says in verse 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:02.759 13, it's 00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.880 showing it by our 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:06.180 good life, by 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:07.440 deeds done in 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.400 humility that 00:24:08.400 --> 00:24:09.380 comes from 00:24:09.380 --> 00:24:09.740 wisdom. 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:09.799 wisdom. 00:24:10.599 --> 00:24:11.599 So, having 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:12.539 this wisdom, 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:13.200 having the 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.099 right kind of 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:14.759 wisdom in our 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.779 life, will 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:16.579 keep our tongue 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.220 in check. 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.859 It will enable 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:19.839 us to use our 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.680 tongue to build 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:21.620 up rather than 00:24:21.620 --> 00:24:22.160 destroy. 00:24:22.620 --> 00:24:23.380 It will enable 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:24.680 us to tame and 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.700 control our 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:28.120 tongue so that 00:24:28.120 --> 00:24:29.220 we bring healing 00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:30.240 and peace. 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:34.259 So, how do we 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.140 get this wisdom 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:36.819 to transform and 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:37.880 change our 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:38.160 tongue? 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:39.880 Well, there's 00:24:39.880 --> 00:24:40.700 two steps. 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:45.000 First, we 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:45.819 need to repent 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:46.799 of worldly 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:47.759 wisdom. 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.240 Look at 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.059 verse 14. 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:52.660 But if you 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:54.019 harbor bitter 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.640 envy, so if 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.960 you store up, 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:59.620 internalize those 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:01.079 words of bitter 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:02.479 envy and selfish 00:25:02.479 --> 00:25:03.539 ambition in your 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:05.979 hearts, do not 00:25:05.979 --> 00:25:07.139 boast about it 00:25:07.139 --> 00:25:08.539 or deny the 00:25:08.539 --> 00:25:09.000 truth. 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:10.879 You see, the 00:25:10.879 --> 00:25:11.919 reason James has 00:25:11.919 --> 00:25:13.239 been working 00:25:13.239 --> 00:25:14.439 through what the 00:25:14.439 --> 00:25:15.079 tongue is like, 00:25:15.159 --> 00:25:15.879 helping us to 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.779 understand what 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.479 the tongue is, 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.899 is so that we 00:25:18.899 --> 00:25:19.879 can see how 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:21.239 great a problem 00:25:21.239 --> 00:25:22.119 our tongues 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:23.079 actually are. 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.539 And when God's 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.579 word reveals to 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.279 us what our 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:28.199 tongues are like, 00:25:28.459 --> 00:25:29.479 he's revealing to 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.079 us what our 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:31.000 hearts are like 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:32.500 and what comes 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.059 out of our 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:33.539 hearts. 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:37.880 And as the 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.860 diagnosis is 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.559 made, he's 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.400 saying to us, 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:42.539 don't ignore 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:43.019 it. 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:45.200 Verse 14, 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.319 end of verse 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:47.440 14, do not 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:48.819 boast about it 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:50.620 or deny the 00:25:50.620 --> 00:25:51.160 truth. 00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:54.700 You see, if we 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.759 try and hide the 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:57.660 problem, if we 00:25:57.660 --> 00:25:58.940 fight against it 00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.860 and deny the 00:25:59.860 --> 00:26:01.240 truth, it's 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:02.060 going to break 00:26:02.060 --> 00:26:03.100 us and destroy 00:26:03.100 --> 00:26:03.820 us. 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:06.100 Verse 15, 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:08.200 such wisdom 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:09.360 does not come 00:26:09.360 --> 00:26:10.279 down from heaven 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:11.440 but is earthly, 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:13.040 unspiritual, 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.160 demonic. 00:26:15.340 --> 00:26:16.160 For where you 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:17.420 have envy and 00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:18.480 selfish ambition, 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:19.820 there you find 00:26:19.820 --> 00:26:21.200 disorder and 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:22.460 every evil 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.060 practice. 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.319 us. 00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:26.200 You see, as I 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:27.299 sit under God's 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:28.940 word and as 00:26:28.940 --> 00:26:29.799 the diagnosis 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:30.779 has been made, 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:32.179 if my response 00:26:32.179 --> 00:26:33.599 is, well, I 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:34.200 don't have a 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:35.019 problem with my 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.779 tongue, I 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.399 don't have a 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:38.139 problem with how 00:26:38.139 --> 00:26:41.779 I speak, well, 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:43.200 such a view, 00:26:43.419 --> 00:26:44.099 we're told in 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.200 verse 15, is 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:46.220 earthly or 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:47.339 worldly wisdom. 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.019 It's 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.879 unspiritual, 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:51.559 it's demonic. 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:54.440 And all it 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.379 will result in 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:55.980 is more 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:57.240 damaged, broken 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.440 relationships, end 00:26:58.440 --> 00:26:59.879 of verse 16, for 00:26:59.879 --> 00:27:00.559 there you will 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:02.960 find disorder and 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:04.000 every evil 00:27:04.000 --> 00:27:04.980 practice. 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:07.079 If we walk 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:08.019 into a surgery 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:10.240 and a diagnosis 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:11.159 is made and we 00:27:11.159 --> 00:27:12.119 just walk out and 00:27:12.119 --> 00:27:12.980 do nothing about 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:14.879 it, we will 00:27:14.879 --> 00:27:15.559 just get more 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:15.980 sick. 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:18.079 And I think 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:18.879 that's the point 00:27:18.879 --> 00:27:19.919 James is making 00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:20.319 here. 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:22.379 the diagnosis 00:27:22.379 --> 00:27:23.319 has been made. 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.619 Worldly wisdom 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:27.279 says, ignore the 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:27.939 diagnosis. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:30.019 Just keep on 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.819 going and live 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.500 the way you 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:32.200 want to live 00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:33.799 and, well, if 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:35.679 we do, we 00:27:35.679 --> 00:27:36.399 will just find 00:27:36.399 --> 00:27:37.480 further disorder 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.980 and every evil 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.460 practice. 00:27:40.659 --> 00:27:41.720 We need to 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:43.819 repent of 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:45.000 worldly wisdom. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.059 wisdom. 00:27:47.059 --> 00:27:47.759 And second, 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:49.740 we need to 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:51.119 receive heavenly 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:51.660 wisdom. 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.500 Verse 17. 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.519 But the 00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:56.259 wisdom that 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.880 comes from 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:58.619 heaven is 00:27:58.619 --> 00:27:59.480 first of all 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:01.420 pure, then 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.380 peace-loving, 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.240 considerate, 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.299 submissive, 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.319 full of 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:07.099 mercy and 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.960 good fruit, 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.079 impartial and 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.700 sincere. 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:10.900 fear. 00:28:12.340 --> 00:28:13.080 Now, when I 00:28:13.080 --> 00:28:13.620 look at verse 00:28:13.620 --> 00:28:14.720 17, I think, 00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:16.259 well, where 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.460 do you see that 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:18.279 kind of wisdom 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:18.900 displayed? 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.840 Well, the only 00:28:21.840 --> 00:28:22.799 place that wisdom 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:25.120 is displayed is 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:25.940 in the person of 00:28:25.940 --> 00:28:26.360 Christ. 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:28.900 Because the 00:28:28.900 --> 00:28:29.500 wisdom that 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.100 comes from 00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:31.860 heaven is 00:28:31.860 --> 00:28:32.340 Christ. 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:34.859 Christ is 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:35.480 pure. 00:28:37.039 --> 00:28:37.859 Christ is 00:28:37.859 --> 00:28:39.000 peace-loving. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.740 He is 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:41.819 considerate. 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:43.359 He is 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:44.220 submissive. 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.199 Christ is 00:28:46.199 --> 00:28:46.759 full of 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:47.539 mercy and 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:48.559 good fruit. 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:50.539 Christ is 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:52.179 impartial and 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:52.659 sincere. 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:53.579 So, 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:55.019 Christ is 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:55.740 the wisdom 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.519 that we 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.000 need. 00:28:58.559 --> 00:28:59.119 Look at 00:28:59.119 --> 00:28:59.699 how Paul 00:28:59.699 --> 00:29:00.519 refers to 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:00.980 Christ. 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:02.360 in 1 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:02.940 Corinthians. 00:29:04.120 --> 00:29:04.759 He says, 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:05.319 Christ, 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:06.180 the power 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:06.799 of God 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:08.200 and the 00:29:08.200 --> 00:29:08.640 wisdom 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:09.360 of God. 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:11.880 Again, 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.019 Christ 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.480 Jesus, 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.019 who has 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:15.799 become for 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:17.079 us wisdom 00:29:17.079 --> 00:29:18.000 from God. 00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:18.720 That is 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:19.539 our righteousness, 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:20.240 holiness, 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.620 and redemption. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.120 Christ is 00:29:23.120 --> 00:29:23.740 the wisdom 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.920 we need. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:26.019 And Christ 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:26.620 is the one 00:29:26.620 --> 00:29:27.120 who has 00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:27.700 come to 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:27.960 us. 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:28.700 And in 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.420 his wisdom, 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:29.960 he came 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:30.519 to us 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:31.900 from heaven 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:33.539 to me 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:34.359 and to 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:34.799 you. 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:36.319 And through 00:29:36.319 --> 00:29:37.119 his wisdom, 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:37.779 through his 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:38.500 work here 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:39.059 on earth, 00:29:39.379 --> 00:29:40.019 through his 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:40.759 death on 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.319 the cross, 00:29:41.660 --> 00:29:42.980 my destructive, 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.139 evil, 00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:45.579 poisonous tongue 00:29:45.579 --> 00:29:46.460 has been 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:47.139 dealt with. 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.099 Christ 00:29:48.099 --> 00:29:49.740 has paid 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:51.359 the punishment, 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:52.220 the price 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:53.700 for all 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:55.079 my wrong, 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.139 hurtful, 00:29:56.819 --> 00:29:57.279 cursing 00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:57.819 words. 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:59.779 and through 00:29:59.779 --> 00:30:00.619 his wisdom, 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:01.480 he has 00:30:01.480 --> 00:30:02.299 now forgiven 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:03.200 me and 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:03.679 gives me 00:30:03.679 --> 00:30:04.439 the power 00:30:04.439 --> 00:30:05.039 of his 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:05.939 Holy Spirit 00:30:05.939 --> 00:30:07.619 to control 00:30:07.619 --> 00:30:09.220 and tame 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.960 my tongue. 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:12.720 A greater 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:13.279 power 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:14.779 that I do 00:30:14.779 --> 00:30:15.539 not possess 00:30:15.539 --> 00:30:16.579 within myself. 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:18.839 And when 00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:19.460 our tongue 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.079 is so 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:20.919 transformed, 00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:22.659 it produces 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:23.759 words that 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:24.079 are, 00:30:24.679 --> 00:30:25.539 verse 17, 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:27.240 pure, 00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:29.399 peace-loving, 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.599 considerate, 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:33.559 words that 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.740 are submissive, 00:30:35.859 --> 00:30:36.500 words that 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:37.180 are full of 00:30:37.180 --> 00:30:37.980 mercy and 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.779 good fruit, 00:30:39.460 --> 00:30:40.019 words that 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.180 are impartial 00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:42.139 and sincere. 00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:44.520 when we 00:30:44.520 --> 00:30:45.320 repent of 00:30:45.320 --> 00:30:46.420 worldly wisdom 00:30:46.420 --> 00:30:47.820 and humbly 00:30:47.820 --> 00:30:48.500 receive 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:49.900 heavenly wisdom, 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.060 our tongues 00:30:51.060 --> 00:30:52.580 are transformed 00:30:52.580 --> 00:30:53.500 and look 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.100 what happens 00:30:54.100 --> 00:30:54.540 when we 00:30:54.540 --> 00:30:55.200 speak with 00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:56.080 a transformed 00:30:56.080 --> 00:30:56.600 tongue, 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:57.720 verse 18, 00:30:58.600 --> 00:30:59.480 peacemakers 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:00.259 who sow 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.000 in peace 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:02.740 reap a 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.600 harvest of 00:31:03.600 --> 00:31:04.220 righteousness. 00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:07.340 Rather than 00:31:07.340 --> 00:31:08.320 sowing words 00:31:08.320 --> 00:31:09.160 that produce 00:31:09.160 --> 00:31:10.500 hurt and 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.019 division 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:13.579 and angry 00:31:13.579 --> 00:31:14.500 responses 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:16.819 and put 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.380 downs, 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:19.980 we now 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:20.579 can sow 00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.380 words that 00:31:21.380 --> 00:31:21.940 reap a 00:31:21.940 --> 00:31:22.660 harvest of 00:31:22.660 --> 00:31:23.240 righteousness, 00:31:25.099 --> 00:31:25.859 transform 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:26.960 tongues that 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.740 bring words 00:31:27.740 --> 00:31:28.839 of healing, 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.299 words that 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:32.140 begin to 00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:33.180 redeem and 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:34.980 forgive where 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:35.859 marriages are 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:36.980 breaking down, 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:39.180 words that 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:40.580 can restore 00:31:40.580 --> 00:31:41.539 families, 00:31:43.120 --> 00:31:43.900 words that 00:31:43.900 --> 00:31:44.900 can renew 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:45.700 churches, 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:48.620 words that 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.519 enable us to 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:51.200 unite broken 00:31:51.200 --> 00:31:52.180 relationships, 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:56.500 peacemakers 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:58.100 who sow 00:31:58.100 --> 00:31:58.840 in peace 00:31:58.840 --> 00:31:59.580 reap a 00:31:59.580 --> 00:32:00.420 harvest of 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:01.160 righteousness, 00:32:02.860 --> 00:32:04.240 transform tongues 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:05.759 that enable us 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:07.039 to respond to 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:08.799 the people we 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.200 will meet 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:09.940 this week, 00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:12.180 not with 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:12.980 anger or 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.420 bitterness, 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:16.019 but with 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:16.659 words of 00:32:16.659 --> 00:32:17.420 compassion, 00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:19.879 words of 00:32:19.879 --> 00:32:20.879 grace and 00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:21.440 mercy, 00:32:22.859 --> 00:32:23.259 offering 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:24.200 people the 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:24.799 hope of 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.259 Christ, 00:32:26.099 --> 00:32:26.859 the true 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:27.599 wisdom who 00:32:27.599 --> 00:32:28.119 has come 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:28.799 down from 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:29.159 heaven, 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:30.539 the one 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.200 who said, 00:32:32.399 --> 00:32:33.399 I will 00:32:33.399 --> 00:32:33.879 give of 00:32:33.879 --> 00:32:34.639 my life, 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:35.480 I will 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.099 die for 00:32:36.099 --> 00:32:38.019 you so 00:32:38.019 --> 00:32:38.439 that you 00:32:38.439 --> 00:32:38.879 can have 00:32:38.879 --> 00:32:39.359 life. 00:32:45.659 --> 00:32:46.439 James's 00:32:46.439 --> 00:32:48.359 words are 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:49.119 so clear. 00:32:51.719 --> 00:32:52.679 Check out 00:32:52.679 --> 00:32:53.379 our tongues, 00:32:55.879 --> 00:32:56.559 listen to 00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:57.579 the diagnosis 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:58.599 from God's 00:32:58.599 --> 00:32:59.000 word, 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:01.679 and let 00:33:01.679 --> 00:33:02.500 that same 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.759 word heal 00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:04.400 our tongues 00:33:04.400 --> 00:33:07.099 and bring 00:33:07.099 --> 00:33:07.599 about a 00:33:07.599 --> 00:33:09.539 healing so 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:09.920 that our 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:10.720 tongues become 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.359 useful, 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:15.019 peace-loving, 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.599 peacemaking 00:33:16.599 --> 00:33:18.400 tongues in 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.220 this broken 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:20.859 and disordered 00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:21.259 world. 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:23.759 Let's pray 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.480 together. 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:24.980 Amen. 00:33:24.980 --> 00:33:25.480 Amen. 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:25.980 Amen. 00:33:25.980 --> 00:33:26.480 Amen. 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:26.980 Amen. 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:27.480 Amen. 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:27.980 Amen. 00:33:27.980 --> 00:33:28.480 Amen. 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:28.980 Amen. 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:29.480 Amen. 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:29.980 Amen. 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.480 Amen. 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:30.519 Amen. 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:30.980 Amen. 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.059 Amen. 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.420 Amen. 00:33:31.420 --> 00:33:32.480 Amen. 00:33:32.480 --> 00:33:32.980 Amen. 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:33.420 Amen. 00:33:33.420 --> 00:33:33.740 Amen. 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:47.819 As we pray, 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:48.720 reflect on 00:33:48.720 --> 00:33:49.420 these words 00:33:49.420 --> 00:33:51.140 and after 00:33:51.140 --> 00:33:51.599 I've read 00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:51.759 them, 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.160 we'll just 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:52.700 leave a 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:54.000 quiet moment 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:54.579 for you 00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:55.180 to bring 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:57.099 our own 00:33:57.099 --> 00:33:58.220 confession 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:59.720 and our 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:00.000 own 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:00.559 response 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.160 to God 00:34:01.160 --> 00:34:01.799 in the 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:02.500 quietness. 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:08.360 these words come from Psalm 139 00:34:08.360 --> 00:34:14.579 you have searched me Lord 00:34:14.579 --> 00:34:17.579 and you know me 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:21.880 you know when I sit and when I rise 00:34:21.880 --> 00:34:26.099 you perceive my thoughts from afar 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:31.940 before a word is on my tongue 00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:37.019 you Lord know it completely 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:44.179 search me God and know my heart 00:34:44.179 --> 00:34:49.440 test me and know my anxious thoughts 00:34:49.440 --> 00:34:54.980 see if there is any offensive way in me 00:34:56.920 --> 00:34:59.880 and lead me in the way everlasting 00:34:59.880 --> 00:35:06.180 exist 00:35:06.900 --> 00:35:07.000 I 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:09.019 I 00:35:09.019 --> 00:35:12.900 I 00:35:12.900 --> 00:35:23.240 I 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:33.799 Father, we all stumble in many ways. 00:35:35.459 --> 00:35:39.939 All of us use our tongues in the wrong way. 00:35:41.879 --> 00:35:44.179 We ask that you would forgive us 00:35:44.179 --> 00:35:50.659 for the times where we have used our tongues unwisely. 00:35:50.659 --> 00:35:58.000 Help us, Father, that we would repent of worldly wisdom 00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:02.059 and stop trying to fix things on our own, 00:36:03.399 --> 00:36:07.399 but rather that we would receive humbly the wisdom from heaven, 00:36:07.619 --> 00:36:08.639 Christ himself, 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:15.099 asking that you would fill us afresh with the power of your Holy Spirit 00:36:15.099 --> 00:36:18.299 as we depend upon you. 00:36:18.300 --> 00:36:24.820 Heal us so that our tongues may become useful, 00:36:25.640 --> 00:36:29.700 that we may use words to build up, 00:36:30.560 --> 00:36:33.620 that we would be peacemakers, 00:36:35.200 --> 00:36:39.580 and that our words would point people to Christ, 00:36:40.580 --> 00:36:41.960 the true healer, 00:36:41.960 --> 00:36:46.420 the one who gives life to all who turn to him. 00:36:48.139 --> 00:36:49.440 Father, thank you. 00:36:49.699 --> 00:36:50.960 Thank you for one another. 00:36:51.840 --> 00:36:53.960 Thank you for words of encouragement. 00:36:54.760 --> 00:36:56.900 Thank you for words that build up. 00:36:58.019 --> 00:37:01.400 Thank you for your gifts to us. 00:37:01.400 --> 00:37:05.000 And we pray that we would go into this week 00:37:05.000 --> 00:37:08.059 speaking words of peace, 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:10.780 bringing words of compassion. 00:37:12.059 --> 00:37:13.740 Help us, Father, we pray. 00:37:14.579 --> 00:37:15.740 In Jesus' name. 00:37:16.700 --> 00:37:17.059 Amen. 00:37:17.059 --> 00:37:17.199 Amen. 00:37:21.739 --> 00:37:28.900 We're going to sing in response to that last verse in James about sowing peace. 00:37:29.259 --> 00:37:31.059 Make me a channel of your peace. 00:37:32.119 --> 00:37:34.579 Where there is hatred, let me bring your love. 00:37:34.679 --> 00:37:37.119 Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord. 00:37:37.940 --> 00:37:42.019 And where there's doubt, true faith in you. 00:37:42.019 --> 00:37:46.759 Let's sing this as a prayer for ourselves personally, 00:37:47.400 --> 00:37:48.960 and our prayer for each other, 00:37:49.559 --> 00:37:52.179 that we would be a channel of peace. 00:37:52.320 --> 00:37:53.860 Let's stand together as we sing. 00:37:53.860 --> 00:37:53.940 Amen.