WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.439 Let's begin our worship then singing in Psalm 106. That's in the Scottish Psalter, page 378, 00:00:09.939 --> 00:00:12.700 to the tune Warwick. We're singing verses 1 to 5. 00:00:13.560 --> 00:00:19.519 Give praise and thanks unto the Lord, for bountiful is he. His tender mercy doth endure 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:25.839 unto eternity. God's mighty works who can express or show forth all his praise? 00:00:25.839 --> 00:00:33.719 Blessed are they that judgment keep and justly do always. Psalm 106, verses 1 to 5. 00:00:34.039 --> 00:00:35.899 If you're able to stand, please stand to sing. 00:00:55.840 --> 00:01:10.780 His tender mercy doth endure come to eternity. 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:27.859 God's mighty works who can express or show forth all his praise? 00:01:27.859 --> 00:01:42.859 Blessed are they that judgment keep and justly do always. 00:01:42.859 --> 00:01:58.939 We thank God thee, Lord, with the love which thou to thine dost bear. 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:14.939 With thy salvation, O my God, to this safety from here. 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:16.939 God's mighty works who can express or show forth all his praise? 00:02:16.939 --> 00:02:38.939 For thy thy chosen goodness see, and in their joy rejoice, and may with thine inheritance 00:02:38.939 --> 00:02:46.939 cry a prayer with cheerful voice. 00:02:49.139 --> 00:02:53.500 Let's call on the Lord now in prayer. Let's all join together and give our minds to prayer. 00:02:56.579 --> 00:03:02.479 Almighty and ever-gracious God, we do owe thanks to you once again for this privilege 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:04.960 of being gathered in your holy presence. 00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:09.820 We pray that you would make us conscious that it is into your presence that we come 00:03:09.820 --> 00:03:15.180 whenever we gather together like we do now, or even individually when we come, 00:03:15.780 --> 00:03:20.120 to have our prayers addressed to you and our praise given to you. 00:03:20.920 --> 00:03:25.219 We thank you, Lord, for every privilege attached to this time of worship. 00:03:26.020 --> 00:03:29.180 And we give thanks for every promise that is attached to it also, 00:03:29.819 --> 00:03:32.740 that you will not allow your word to return to you empty, 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:36.939 but you will bless it and you will use it for the good of your people 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:39.340 and for the glory of your great name. 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:45.200 We thank you, Lord, today that we come as a people who are not unfamiliar with the gospel. 00:03:45.939 --> 00:03:49.439 And we thank you, Lord, for the way that that familiarity with the gospel 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:53.379 brings us more and more into a knowledge of those holy things 00:03:53.379 --> 00:03:56.060 that pertain to you and to your salvation. 00:03:56.060 --> 00:03:59.699 And we give thanks, O Lord, for every occasion we have, 00:04:00.420 --> 00:04:05.420 that when we're able to gather up our thoughts and our voices and sing your praise 00:04:05.420 --> 00:04:09.560 and come to join together in minds that are united in prayer. 00:04:10.479 --> 00:04:16.019 We thank you, Lord, tonight that you promise to meet with your people as they gather in your name. 00:04:16.899 --> 00:04:21.060 And we pray that as we are conscious, Lord, that the teaching of your word 00:04:21.060 --> 00:04:23.939 reminds us of how you dwell in your people. 00:04:24.040 --> 00:04:25.060 They dwell in their hearts. 00:04:25.860 --> 00:04:31.000 And in that sense, Lord, we know that they carry you even as they come together in this way, 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:34.280 that each of your people carries your presence with them. 00:04:35.040 --> 00:04:37.959 But we pray that we may know that presence in our experience, 00:04:38.959 --> 00:04:42.459 and that we may know it more than a mere theological truth, 00:04:42.540 --> 00:04:44.139 though it is so precious to us, 00:04:44.879 --> 00:04:48.879 that we may know, Lord, your blessing through your Holy Spirit being with us 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:51.379 and blessing your word to us once again. 00:04:52.500 --> 00:04:55.259 Lord, we thank you for every gift that you have given us 00:04:55.259 --> 00:05:00.560 and for all the variety of gifts represented here before us in this congregation. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:04.339 And for all the congregations of your people in the world today, 00:05:05.060 --> 00:05:08.740 we give thanks, Lord, for the variety and the sheer number of gifts 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:10.620 that you have endowed them with. 00:05:11.500 --> 00:05:15.300 And we pray that you would remind us that all the gifts you give us, 00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:17.259 whatever nature they be of, 00:05:17.740 --> 00:05:20.180 that they are for the furtherance of your cause, 00:05:20.340 --> 00:05:21.460 for your glory, 00:05:22.379 --> 00:05:24.860 that we are not to keep them selfishly to ourselves 00:05:24.860 --> 00:05:28.699 or simply enjoy them for ourselves personally alone. 00:05:29.580 --> 00:05:31.879 Help us, Lord, to see that we need to use 00:05:31.879 --> 00:05:34.080 all the gifts that you have given us 00:05:34.080 --> 00:05:37.040 so that we may reach out into our community 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:40.400 and show people around us the wonder of Christ, 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:42.560 the worth of him in his grace, 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:44.519 and the beauty of his holiness, 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:46.860 the perfection of his being, 00:05:47.379 --> 00:05:48.579 the wonder of his salvation. 00:05:49.819 --> 00:05:52.280 We pray, Lord, tonight that your salvation 00:05:52.280 --> 00:05:54.879 will be further imparted to us 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:56.459 in the work of your Spirit. 00:05:57.459 --> 00:06:01.220 Grant us, Lord, that we may know a further understanding 00:06:01.220 --> 00:06:03.279 of these things, 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:06.379 that we may give ourselves and our minds once more 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:10.600 to seek to understand and to read through 00:06:10.600 --> 00:06:13.579 and to come to dwell our minds upon 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:15.879 those things that are of such importance. 00:06:17.019 --> 00:06:19.420 We give thanks tonight for all the ways 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:21.860 in which you have blessed us already as a congregation. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:24.180 Even today we have known your blessing 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:26.100 in the gatherings of your people. 00:06:26.839 --> 00:06:29.639 We pray, O Lord, that your blessing will continue with us 00:06:29.639 --> 00:06:32.159 in all that we have set before us 00:06:32.160 --> 00:06:35.939 by way of our concerns and plans for this week. 00:06:36.700 --> 00:06:39.160 Lord, while we know not what a day might bring forth, 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:41.900 yet we give thanks for the ability you give us 00:06:41.900 --> 00:06:44.580 to look ahead and to seek to make provision 00:06:44.580 --> 00:06:46.520 for ourselves and for your cause. 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:50.760 We pray for all the meetings that are already listed for us 00:06:50.760 --> 00:06:51.400 on this week. 00:06:51.520 --> 00:06:53.660 We pray for the worship services. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:56.740 We pray that you would bless all, Lord, 00:06:56.800 --> 00:06:59.540 who come to attend on the midweek services. 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:02.400 We pray that your blessing will accompany them 00:07:02.400 --> 00:07:04.340 as well as the Saturday meeting 00:07:04.340 --> 00:07:07.360 and all other meetings associated with your cause 00:07:07.360 --> 00:07:08.819 here in the congregation. 00:07:09.160 --> 00:07:11.260 Bless the work amongst our young people. 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:12.520 We thank you for them. 00:07:13.100 --> 00:07:15.280 We thank you for every household and every family 00:07:15.280 --> 00:07:18.259 that has a concern to have their children 00:07:18.259 --> 00:07:20.280 educated in the gospel 00:07:20.280 --> 00:07:23.080 and brought to know you and brought to follow you 00:07:23.080 --> 00:07:25.300 and brought to be for themselves 00:07:25.300 --> 00:07:28.600 a living witness to your grace and to your salvation. 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:31.700 Lord, we ask, too, that you'd bless the meetings 00:07:31.700 --> 00:07:34.320 of Precept Scotland that are anticipated 00:07:34.320 --> 00:07:35.280 in the weeks to come. 00:07:35.980 --> 00:07:38.120 We thank you for Jonathan's organizing of it. 00:07:38.740 --> 00:07:40.420 We pray that you'd bless these meetings 00:07:40.420 --> 00:07:42.500 to young and to adults alike. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:45.280 And we ask that your own blessing will follow them. 00:07:46.140 --> 00:07:48.180 We pray that you'd bless the camps 00:07:48.180 --> 00:07:49.400 as they prepare, Lord, 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:54.060 in the near future to come once again 00:07:54.060 --> 00:07:56.240 to gather as camps throughout the country. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:58.600 We thank you for the work of the church, 00:07:59.199 --> 00:08:01.420 the work of the church and those who give up their time 00:08:01.420 --> 00:08:02.720 so willingly, Lord, 00:08:02.840 --> 00:08:05.900 to give leadership at those camps. 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:08.000 And we pray that once again, 00:08:08.519 --> 00:08:11.800 as these camps come to day by day, 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:14.560 be prayed for and set before you, 00:08:15.160 --> 00:08:17.319 that they might once again be blessed, O Lord, 00:08:17.960 --> 00:08:19.699 and blessed to the young people especially 00:08:19.699 --> 00:08:20.420 who will come. 00:08:20.420 --> 00:08:23.920 We ask that many will come and fill up the spaces 00:08:23.920 --> 00:08:26.000 and that the teaching received 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:27.720 will remain with the young people 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:30.460 and will be a means by your blessing 00:08:30.460 --> 00:08:33.920 of truly buttressing their life with your truth 00:08:33.920 --> 00:08:36.639 and coming to give to them 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:38.600 that biblical wisdom 00:08:38.600 --> 00:08:40.840 which you are pleased to impart 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:43.259 to all who come to trust in you. 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:45.159 Remember them and their families. 00:08:45.159 --> 00:08:46.740 Remember them, Lord, 00:08:46.860 --> 00:08:50.659 as we pray for each and every family 00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:51.980 with children in our midst. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:54.100 And we ask that you would bless them 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:57.399 as they go about their family lives. 00:08:57.519 --> 00:08:58.199 We pray for them 00:08:58.199 --> 00:09:00.860 and pray for your protective care of them. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:04.259 We ask that you'd bless our community at this time. 00:09:05.059 --> 00:09:05.719 Bless us, Lord, 00:09:05.799 --> 00:09:06.939 in days when we know 00:09:06.939 --> 00:09:09.679 so much is done against the gospel, 00:09:10.360 --> 00:09:11.819 so many attempts are made 00:09:11.820 --> 00:09:14.140 to thwart the advance of the gospel. 00:09:14.940 --> 00:09:15.700 Once again, Lord, 00:09:15.740 --> 00:09:18.200 we pray over these proposals 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:20.980 against so-called conversion therapy. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:23.740 We pray that you'd bless your people 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:26.480 so that we will come not only with prayer 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:29.280 but also with the practice of responding 00:09:29.280 --> 00:09:30.720 to these proposals 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:31.960 as we have opportunity. 00:09:32.879 --> 00:09:35.020 We give thanks for that opportunity. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:37.200 And whatever doubts we may have 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:38.260 in our minds about it, 00:09:38.300 --> 00:09:39.300 help us to use it. 00:09:40.040 --> 00:09:41.160 Help us to appeal, Lord, 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:42.879 to those who are in authority over us 00:09:42.879 --> 00:09:44.879 that they may take note of 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:47.100 what your people have to say 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:49.399 in regard to the moral standing 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:51.659 that your word sets out for us. 00:09:52.339 --> 00:09:54.699 And help us especially to prize our freedom, 00:09:55.319 --> 00:09:56.919 not only the freedom that we have 00:09:56.919 --> 00:09:58.059 to promote the gospel, 00:09:58.459 --> 00:09:59.539 to preach the gospel, 00:09:59.699 --> 00:10:00.860 to witness to the gospel, 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:02.759 to speak about the Lord, 00:10:03.439 --> 00:10:04.500 but the many other freedoms 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:06.819 that have over many years, Lord, 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:08.559 been obtained for us, 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:09.899 sometimes at great cost. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:11.679 freedom to speak, 00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:12.699 freedom of religion, 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:13.779 freedom of conscience, 00:10:14.620 --> 00:10:16.319 all the things that ought to mark us, 00:10:16.439 --> 00:10:18.480 Lord, as a free society. 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:20.299 But we thank you especially 00:10:20.299 --> 00:10:21.120 for the freedom 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:23.360 with which Christ makes us free. 00:10:23.980 --> 00:10:25.600 And we pray that that will more and more 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:27.759 be the experience of our people 00:10:27.759 --> 00:10:28.659 and of our nation, 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:30.579 and that you would deliver us, Lord, 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:32.319 from all alternatives 00:10:32.319 --> 00:10:34.360 that will suggest to people 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:35.659 that this is a better way 00:10:35.659 --> 00:10:37.120 than that of the gospel 00:10:37.120 --> 00:10:38.600 and that which the Lord 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:39.879 has provided for us. 00:10:40.799 --> 00:10:41.539 Remember now, 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:42.199 Lord, 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:43.079 those of our number 00:10:43.079 --> 00:10:45.339 who are confined tonight 00:10:45.339 --> 00:10:46.120 to their homes, 00:10:46.679 --> 00:10:48.059 those especially who are ill, 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:49.059 remember them, 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:49.500 we pray. 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:50.439 Remember all who are 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:52.519 participating in the service 00:10:52.519 --> 00:10:53.159 online, 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:54.939 not only locally, 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:55.879 but in places 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:56.719 throughout the world. 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:57.980 We thank you 00:10:57.980 --> 00:10:58.719 that that facility 00:10:58.719 --> 00:10:59.679 is being used 00:10:59.679 --> 00:11:00.240 and blessed. 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:01.539 We thank you 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:02.340 for the messages 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:03.120 we receive 00:11:03.120 --> 00:11:04.620 from time to time 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:05.759 from different parts 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:07.700 that give us, Lord, 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:08.399 to rejoice 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:09.740 that the gospel 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:10.539 as it goes forth 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:11.120 in that way 00:11:11.120 --> 00:11:11.919 is of benefit 00:11:11.919 --> 00:11:13.080 to others 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:13.919 in different parts 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:14.460 of the world. 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:15.879 And so we pray 00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:17.340 that as we commend 00:11:17.340 --> 00:11:17.940 these to you, 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:19.480 we ask that you'd bless 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:20.019 those, Lord, 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:21.360 tonight who have heavy hearts. 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:22.720 Remember again 00:11:22.720 --> 00:11:23.539 those who mourn 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.379 over the passing 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:25.220 of loved ones. 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:26.600 Remember those 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:27.200 who are anxious 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:29.840 over loved ones, 00:11:29.840 --> 00:11:30.759 seriously ill 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:32.379 or terminally ill, 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:33.700 we pray that you'd bless them. 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:35.120 We pray for those 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:36.200 receiving treatment, 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:38.120 those anticipating such, 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:39.259 those who have gone 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:40.060 through surgery, 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:41.519 those who are anticipating 00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:42.440 such as well. 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:44.280 We pray that you'd bless us, 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:44.540 Lord, 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:45.560 by providing us 00:11:45.560 --> 00:11:47.200 further with resources 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.740 that are required 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:49.740 for our well-being 00:11:49.740 --> 00:11:51.440 mentally and physically. 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:53.080 And we give thanks, 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:53.360 Lord, 00:11:53.440 --> 00:11:54.120 for all who have 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:55.540 given of their lives 00:11:55.540 --> 00:11:56.740 to dedicate themselves 00:11:56.740 --> 00:11:59.180 to looking after the sick, 00:11:59.179 --> 00:12:00.620 looking after those 00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:02.000 who are in need 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:03.039 of special care. 00:12:03.699 --> 00:12:04.500 And we pray tonight 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:05.459 for those who do need 00:12:05.459 --> 00:12:06.500 that special care, 00:12:07.239 --> 00:12:07.859 who through whatever 00:12:07.859 --> 00:12:08.719 incapacity 00:12:08.719 --> 00:12:10.419 have a life different 00:12:10.419 --> 00:12:11.299 from many others. 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:12.759 And we pray for them 00:12:12.759 --> 00:12:14.239 and we pray for parents 00:12:14.239 --> 00:12:15.079 and loved ones 00:12:15.079 --> 00:12:16.419 who look after them. 00:12:16.459 --> 00:12:17.359 And we pray that you'd 00:12:17.359 --> 00:12:18.719 bless the facilities 00:12:18.719 --> 00:12:20.219 that are available to us 00:12:20.219 --> 00:12:21.939 in order that these things, 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:22.259 Lord, 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:24.899 may come to give us 00:12:24.899 --> 00:12:25.740 further encouragement 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:26.579 and strengthening. 00:12:27.339 --> 00:12:28.019 Bless us then now, 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:29.199 we pray and lead us 00:12:29.199 --> 00:12:29.919 into your word 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:30.960 and help us 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:31.399 in the singing 00:12:31.399 --> 00:12:32.259 of your praise. 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:33.500 We ask it all, 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:34.379 seeking the pardon 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:35.360 and cleansing 00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:36.759 of all our sins away 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.179 for Jesus' sake. 00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:38.899 Amen. 00:12:42.199 --> 00:12:43.079 Now we're going to sing 00:12:43.079 --> 00:12:44.079 further to God's praise. 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:44.840 Our next psalm 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:46.559 is Psalm 119. 00:12:47.419 --> 00:12:48.159 This time it's 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:48.980 in Sing Psalms 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:51.240 on page 159. 00:12:52.079 --> 00:12:52.779 We'll sing the verses 00:12:52.779 --> 00:12:54.139 33 to 40. 00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:55.600 The tune this time 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:56.360 is rocking him. 00:12:58.440 --> 00:12:59.600 Teach me to follow 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:00.480 your decrees 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:01.540 and I will keep them 00:13:01.540 --> 00:13:02.220 to the end. 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:03.580 Give insight 00:13:03.580 --> 00:13:04.800 and I'll keep your law 00:13:04.800 --> 00:13:05.759 with all my heart 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:06.480 to it attend. 00:13:07.300 --> 00:13:08.480 Lead me in your commandments 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:09.100 path 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:10.300 for there, O Lord, 00:13:10.420 --> 00:13:11.519 delight I find. 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:13.279 Incline my heart 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:14.399 towards your laws 00:13:14.399 --> 00:13:16.159 from selfish gain. 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:18.060 Preserve my mind. 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:19.460 Verses 33 to 40 00:13:19.460 --> 00:13:21.320 on page 159. 00:13:21.420 --> 00:13:22.340 Teach me to follow 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:23.740 your decrees. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:32.360 Teach me to follow 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:36.399 your decrees 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:40.700 that I will give 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:45.180 back to the end. 00:13:45.179 --> 00:13:49.939 give insight and 00:13:49.939 --> 00:13:53.799 I'll be cured all 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:58.479 with all my heart 00:13:58.479 --> 00:14:02.059 to it attend. 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:04.239 take me to find 00:14:04.239 --> 00:14:06.539 as you know. 00:14:06.539 --> 00:14:08.879 Lead me in them 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:13.519 near your Theme 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:13.939 dogs 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:15.079 for 00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:16.279 give 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:17.019 rồi 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.099 be 00:14:19.099 --> 00:14:20.679 light 00:14:20.679 --> 00:14:21.479 and 00:14:21.479 --> 00:14:22.679 hine 00:14:22.679 --> 00:14:23.759 and 00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:25.000 guide 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:26.579 my 00:14:26.579 --> 00:14:27.899 heart 00:14:27.899 --> 00:14:32.419 To war still lost 00:14:32.419 --> 00:14:36.799 From selfish days 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:41.840 Preserve thy might 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:47.840 O turn my eyes 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:52.139 On worthless things 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:57.159 With life according 00:14:57.159 --> 00:15:01.759 To your word 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:06.899 To be your servant 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:11.120 In your flesh 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:15.480 So that you may 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:20.480 Be feared, O Lord 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:25.159 Bring worth from me 00:15:25.159 --> 00:15:29.759 The ship I bear 00:15:29.759 --> 00:15:34.899 Your cross except 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:38.899 In the uprightness 00:15:38.899 --> 00:15:44.720 O God, my Lord 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:48.639 For your deeds 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:57.439 Preserve me in your righteousness 00:15:57.440 --> 00:16:02.040 Let's now turn to read 00:16:02.040 --> 00:16:02.660 God's word 00:16:02.660 --> 00:16:04.040 And our reading tonight 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:05.460 Is from the letter of James 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:07.840 The letter of James 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:08.800 In chapter 3 00:16:08.800 --> 00:16:10.080 And we can read through 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:10.780 The whole chapter 00:16:10.780 --> 00:16:11.480 From the beginning 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:18.960 That's on page 1216 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:19.720 Or thereabouts 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:21.220 If you're using the Pew 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:21.779 Bibles 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:24.560 So James chapter 3 00:16:24.560 --> 00:16:26.220 Not many of you should become 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:27.320 Teachers, my brothers 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:29.460 For you know that we who teach 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:31.480 Will be judged with greater strictness 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:34.060 For we all stumble in many ways 00:16:34.060 --> 00:16:36.060 And if anyone does not stumble 00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:36.980 In what he says 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.639 He is a perfect man 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:40.779 Able also to bridle his whole body 00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:44.019 If we put bits into the mouths of horses 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:45.860 So that they obey us 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:48.220 We guide their whole bodies as well 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:50.560 Look at the ships also 00:16:50.560 --> 00:16:52.159 Though they are so large 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:53.700 And are driven by strong winds 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:56.539 They are guided by a very small rudder 00:16:56.539 --> 00:16:58.720 Wherever the will of the pilot directs 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:02.139 So also the tongue is a small member 00:17:02.139 --> 00:17:04.660 Yet it boasts of great things 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:07.860 How great a forest is set ablaze 00:17:07.860 --> 00:17:09.380 By such a small fire 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:11.600 And the tongue is a fire 00:17:11.600 --> 00:17:13.980 A world of unrighteousness 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:16.860 The tongue is set among our members 00:17:16.860 --> 00:17:18.860 Staining the whole body 00:17:18.860 --> 00:17:21.400 Setting on fire the entire course of life 00:17:21.400 --> 00:17:24.100 And set on fire by hell 00:17:24.100 --> 00:17:27.100 For every kind of beast and bird 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:29.159 Of reptile and sea creature 00:17:29.159 --> 00:17:32.039 Can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:35.059 But no human being can tame the tongue 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:37.279 It is a restless evil 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:39.519 Full of deadly poison 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:42.279 With it we bless our Lord and Father 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:44.199 And with it we curse people 00:17:44.199 --> 00:17:46.139 Who are made in the likeness of God 00:17:46.139 --> 00:17:47.959 From the same mouth 00:17:47.959 --> 00:17:49.819 Come blessing and cursing 00:17:49.819 --> 00:17:52.899 My brothers these things ought not to be so 00:17:52.899 --> 00:17:55.159 Does a spring pour forth 00:17:55.159 --> 00:17:56.459 From the same opening 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:58.620 Both fresh and salt water 00:17:58.620 --> 00:18:01.620 Can a fig tree my brothers bear olives 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:04.519 Or a grapevine produce figs 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:08.559 Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:12.039 Who is wise and understanding among you 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:14.920 By his good conduct let him show his works 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:16.160 In the meekness of wisdom 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:18.480 But if you have bitter jealousy 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:20.440 And selfish ambition in your hearts 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:23.200 Do not boast and be false to the truth 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:26.580 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above 00:18:26.580 --> 00:18:28.160 But is earthly 00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:29.640 Unspiritual 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:30.440 Demonic 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:33.799 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist 00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:35.460 There will be disorder 00:18:35.460 --> 00:18:37.220 And every vile practice 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:39.440 But the wisdom from above 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:40.440 Is first pure 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:42.039 Then peaceable 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:42.640 Gentle 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:44.059 Open to reason 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:46.299 Full of mercy and good fruits 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:48.500 Impartial and sincere 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:51.019 And a harvest of righteousness 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.819 Is sown in peace 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:55.519 By those who make peace 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:57.359 Amen 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:57.900 May again 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:59.740 God be pleased to bless 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:01.619 That portion of his word to us 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:04.119 Once again we'll sing to God's praise 00:19:04.119 --> 00:19:06.140 And then turn back to this passage in James 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:08.559 Singing this time in Psalm 71 00:19:08.559 --> 00:19:12.220 Psalm 71 again in the Scottish Psalter 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:13.519 Page 312 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:16.180 We'll sing to the tune Colesville 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:17.200 From verse 20 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:19.259 To 24 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:21.400 Thou Lord who great adversities 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:23.639 And sore to me didst show 00:19:23.639 --> 00:19:25.940 Shalt quicken and bring me again 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:27.359 From depths of earth below 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:29.460 My greatness and my power 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:31.519 Thou wilt increase and far extend 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:34.379 On every side against all grief 00:19:34.379 --> 00:19:37.359 Thou wilt me comfort send 00:19:37.359 --> 00:19:40.139 A passage that wonderfully sets out 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:41.000 God's ability 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:43.600 To overcome those things 00:19:43.600 --> 00:19:44.380 In his providence 00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:45.780 Which cause us pain 00:19:45.780 --> 00:19:47.940 And anxiety and distress 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:52.160 And even though these great adversities 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:53.540 At times come to us 00:19:53.540 --> 00:19:55.480 The psalmist is here teaching us 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:57.560 To place our trust in God 00:19:57.560 --> 00:19:59.480 But also to continue to praise him 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:01.000 As the psalm finishes 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:02.759 My tongue with just thy justice 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:05.800 Shall proclaim continuing all day long 00:20:05.800 --> 00:20:08.360 For they confounded are and shamed 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:10.740 That seek to do me wrong 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.539 These verses then 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:14.219 Thou Lord who great adversities 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:29.079 O Lord who great adversities 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:36.100 And sore to me didst show 00:20:36.099 --> 00:20:37.099 Shout with me wrong 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:39.099 Shout with me wrong 00:20:39.099 --> 00:20:40.099 Shout with me wrong 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:44.099 And bring me again 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:51.099 From depths of earth below 00:20:51.099 --> 00:20:59.099 My greatness and my power 00:20:59.099 --> 00:21:06.099 Thou wilt increase and far extend 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:16.099 On every side against all grief 00:21:16.099 --> 00:21:20.099 Thou wilt be come for send 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:21.099 Thou wilt be come for send 00:21:21.099 --> 00:21:26.099 In my truth I also praise 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:30.099 In my truth I also praise 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:41.099 In my God with sottery 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:43.099 Thou holy one 00:21:43.099 --> 00:21:47.099 Thou holy one 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:51.099 All this triumph 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:58.099 With hearts I sing to thee 00:21:58.099 --> 00:22:00.099 My soul which thou redeemest 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:01.099 In my heart 00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:05.099 My soul which thou redeemest 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:08.099 Unt witnesses 00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:09.099 In my heart 00:22:09.099 --> 00:22:14.099 Enjожет 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:24.099 Sob 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:54.079 Let us pray. 00:22:54.099 --> 00:23:12.579 I'll turn with me now, please, to James chapter 3. 00:23:14.419 --> 00:23:18.859 James chapter 3, and looking at the last verse of the chapter, 00:23:18.859 --> 00:23:25.879 a harvest of righteousness, is sown in peace by those who make peace. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:31.659 And I want to look at this verse in the context of the chapter as a whole, so we will be taking 00:23:31.659 --> 00:23:38.919 material from the whole chapter as it relates to this particular verse. Let me begin by reading to 00:23:38.919 --> 00:23:45.859 you a comment in one of the commentators on this book of James, Robert Johnston. This is what he 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:53.639 says. James would have us take home this thought, that in proportion as a Christian advances towards 00:23:53.639 --> 00:24:01.500 complete government of the tongue, so he grows in spiritual maturity. We all know that nothing is 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:08.579 generally esteemed to be a better evidence of the state of a man's heart than the habitual tone 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:16.399 of his conversation. Very important words reminding us that our conversation betrays us 00:24:16.399 --> 00:24:22.899 as to what's in our heart. And tonight, as we're looking at this verse in the context of this 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:27.500 chapter, we'll be conscious, I hope, by the end of the chapter that this is actually something 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:34.439 that's very commonly referred to throughout the whole of Scripture. It's not simply an item dealt 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:40.759 with by the likes of James, as we've seen before, a very practical letter, a very telling and cutting 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:46.460 letter at times, in the way that it gives us to address issues that need to be attended to in our 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:52.380 lives practically. But this actually is something that all the way through the Scripture you find 00:24:52.380 --> 00:25:00.340 given a different emphasis, but always set before us as an important topic. Our use of the tongue, 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:07.279 by which it means our conversation, our use of words, the language we use, the words that we use. 00:25:07.939 --> 00:25:17.039 What is in our heart is exposed by the words we use and how we use them, the kind of conversation we 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:25.980 have and how we actually engage in that conversation. You remember Jesus himself saying in the Gospels, 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:33.480 Acts of Mark chapter 7, where in his teaching there he spoke very clearly about how the things that 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:39.299 defile the person are not the things that go into the person or into the body. They are actually the 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:46.700 things that come out of the person that show what he's like inwardly or internally. Mark chapter 7, 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:54.339 very well-known words, I'm sure, where you find at verse 20, the Lord saying, this is actually what 00:25:54.339 --> 00:26:04.599 actually defiles a man. Well, we can read from verse 18, now you still without understanding, do you not 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:11.199 see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him since it enters his heart, not his 00:26:11.199 --> 00:26:17.720 heart, but his stomach and is expelled? And he said, what comes out of a person is what defiles him. 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:26.600 For from within and out of the heart of man come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:38.120 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. What a list! And that's not a complete list. 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:46.319 But the Lord who knew and knows our heart gave us this passage so that we would know that these are 00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:53.159 the evil things, he says, that come from within, and they are what defiles a person. And in a similar 00:26:53.159 --> 00:26:59.759 way, James is setting out for it in this passage, particularly to do with the use of language or words, 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:07.140 these things that are indicative of what's in our hearts. Of course, as I said, going back over the 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:12.940 Scripture takes you back right to the very beginning of things in Genesis, indeed in the Garden of Eden. 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:20.740 Because when the Lord came to question Adam as to what he had done in eating the fruit that God had 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:27.779 forbidden him, his immediate reaction was when he said, who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:34.220 the fruit that I have told you not to eat of it? And he immediately said, my wife gave me, the woman 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:41.539 you gave me. Now, effectively, he was really blaming God. He didn't just say, my wife or this woman gave me, 00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:50.339 the woman you gave me. Look at how quickly the language of human beings was corrupted by the entrance of 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:57.059 sin and our fallenness. And of course, the woman then, she placed the blame on the serpent, on Satan. 00:27:57.779 --> 00:28:02.799 You see, the blame game comes with the wrong use of words, with the misuse of language, 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:09.759 with conversation that's not honoring to God, with lies, with cover-up, with a blame game that's just 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:16.220 part of this whole package of where we actually fall short in our conversation as sinners. And isn't it 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:23.680 interesting that in Isaiah chapter 6, when Isaiah had that wonderful, amazing, stunning vision 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:31.400 and experience of God high and lifted up in the temple as he saw it in his vision there, 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:34.299 his reaction was this, 00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:49.039 I am a man of unclean lips. Woe is me, for I have seen the Lord of hosts. I dwell among a people 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:56.259 of unclean lips. Isn't it interesting that that was what he focused upon? That's what he came to confess, 00:28:56.259 --> 00:29:03.920 his language, his lips, the uncleanness of his mouth, and the uncleanness of the mouths of all 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:10.160 who lived with him in that society. That's what the Lord actually brought to him by seeing this 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:15.720 great vision. That was his first reaction, Lord, I'm unclean, and I'm unclean especially in the words of 00:29:15.720 --> 00:29:22.799 my mouth, in my language. And that's a telling statement, isn't it? And then when you go to, 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:27.960 again, the New Testament, as I said, we're ranging all the way from the beginning of the Bible right 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:35.160 through into the New Testament. You remember Romans chapter 3, where Paul is demonstrating there that 00:29:35.160 --> 00:29:41.500 there isn't a single person as a sinner who is righteous and can therefore claim the favor of God. 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:47.779 And he says, none is righteous. No, not one. No one understands. No one seeks for God. 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:53.880 All have turned aside together. And so he goes on, and then he says, their throat is an open grave. 00:29:54.319 --> 00:30:02.240 They use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:07.220 and bitterness. Who's he talking about? He's talking about you and me. He's talking about the whole world. 00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:13.079 He's talking about human beings, human society, human individuals, human together, humans together. 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:19.339 You see, the quality of our conversation, isn't it, again, is something right throughout Scripture 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:25.539 in line with the emphasis it gives to the wrong use of words. But the quality of your conversation 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:31.880 distinguishes you as a Christian from the world. If there's one thing that really distinguishes you 00:30:31.880 --> 00:30:39.440 from that world that is so full of hatred and antipathy to God and the wrong use of conversation 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:47.400 and language and bad language and denigrating insults and so on, it's that your language is in keeping 00:30:47.400 --> 00:30:53.780 with your heart as a Christian. It's one of the great distinguishing marks of a Christian 00:30:53.779 --> 00:31:01.180 that they can tell you're a Christian by the quality of your conversation, the quality 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:07.700 of your words and how you use them. And that was really a mark of what set Jesus apart, wasn't it? 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:13.460 Remember in John chapter 7 that some officers were sent out by the Pharisees to try and bring him 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:19.819 into captivity, to take him in for questioning, and they came back without him. And the Pharisees asked 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:28.439 these offers, why have you not brought him? You remember their answer, no one spoke, no one ever 00:31:28.439 --> 00:31:35.899 spoke like this man. They were more or less saying, such is the quality and power and authority of his 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:41.579 conversation, of his language, of his words. It just prohibited us from taking him into captivity. 00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:47.139 We couldn't take him. He was so different in his use of language. 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:56.540 It's quite a thought, isn't it, that Jesus never thought a bad thought, never used a bad word, 00:31:58.320 --> 00:32:03.800 never in all his life on earth sinned in the use of words or in anything else, of course. 00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:10.200 But when you think how easy it is for you and for me to let the sin that's in our hearts out by the 00:32:10.200 --> 00:32:16.920 language we use, by the thoughts we have that then are put into words, it's such an amazing but wonderful 00:32:16.920 --> 00:32:25.120 thing to realize that Jesus was always perfect in his speech and in his whole way of life. 00:32:26.100 --> 00:32:31.900 So we see verse 18 here. Let me turn to the context here. That was by way of introduction. Let me just 00:32:31.900 --> 00:32:34.299 turn to the verse at the end of the chapter. 00:32:34.299 --> 00:32:48.019 And I'm taking the verse as something that really is a climax led into by the chapter as it unfolds. 00:32:48.079 --> 00:32:52.659 The chapter is to do largely with the use of the tongue or the misuse of the tongue, really, 00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:59.460 the misuse of our words and of language, and the damage that's done by the wrong use of language, 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:07.200 by injurious use of words. And it leads into this final verse. If we're going to sow a harvest of 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:12.680 righteousness, then we have to take care that we're dealing with our conversation, that we're 00:33:12.680 --> 00:33:18.240 holding our tongues when we need to hold them, that we have purity of language as far as possible. 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:27.519 A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace, by those whose words are committed 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:35.019 to peacemaking, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. So first of all, as we go through the 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:43.119 chapter, you can see first of all the tongue, our use of language, is always influential. Verses 3 to 5. 00:33:43.599 --> 00:33:50.740 Our language, our tongue, is always influential. Not always influential in a good way, although it is, 00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:55.639 of course, possible, thankfully, to be influential in a good way with the use of your tongue, 00:33:55.640 --> 00:34:01.740 the use of your words that you use, your quality of conversation. But James is really focusing on 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:06.860 the other side of things, because there must have been a problem amongst those that he was writing to, 00:34:06.940 --> 00:34:12.539 or at least he was setting out a standard for them that they needed to keep to. What he knew about this, 00:34:12.599 --> 00:34:17.440 we don't know. He doesn't say for sure, but he is saying, this is really how it should be with you. 00:34:17.440 --> 00:34:24.920 And the tongue is always influential, and he uses three metaphors here that are really powerful 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:32.920 illustrations. You find there in verse 2, a man also able to bridle his whole body, and that 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:38.460 leads him into the illustrations. We put bits in the mouths of horses. Look at the ships, though they 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:45.280 are large, yet they're guided by a very small rudder. And he moves thirdly to a little fire that begins 00:34:45.280 --> 00:34:53.280 and leads to the whole forest being set ablaze. Look at what he's saying there. Small and yet 00:34:53.280 --> 00:35:02.960 potential for really evil influence. Small and yet proportionally, it can do so much damage. 00:35:03.760 --> 00:35:09.060 The wrong use of words, the wrong use of the tongue. Look at what he's saying there. He's saying if we put 00:35:09.060 --> 00:35:13.460 bits in the mouths of horses. Well, you know what a bit is, what's put in the mouth of a horse, 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:18.460 that the rider then, through the reins, can actually pull and control the horse and get the 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:24.440 horse to stop. Hopefully. I've never tried it, but that's how they control the horses, as you know, 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:29.679 and change their direction. And if you look at the bit, the size of the bit, in proportion to the whole 00:35:29.679 --> 00:35:35.519 size of the horse, the bit is much, much smaller than the horse. And the horse itself, in many ways, 00:35:35.519 --> 00:35:42.960 you could say, is a far more powerful creature than that bit on its own. But when that bit in its mouth 00:35:42.960 --> 00:35:49.000 uses the influence that it has by the rider's use of it, it controls that whole horse, that whole 00:35:49.000 --> 00:35:54.280 powerful animal. And he's saying the same about the ships. The ships, although they're so large and 00:35:54.280 --> 00:35:59.840 driven by strong winds, yet they're guided by a very small rudder, wherever the will of the pilot 00:35:59.840 --> 00:36:08.780 directs. You see a massive big tanker, or some container ship, massive in size, and yet you think 00:36:08.780 --> 00:36:15.280 of small rudder in comparison actually steering that ship. And whoever is actually controlling 00:36:15.280 --> 00:36:21.840 the rudder, wherever it's controlled from these days, probably electronically, but it moves about 00:36:21.840 --> 00:36:27.700 in such a way that the whole ship can be steered according to the will of the person that's in charge 00:36:27.699 --> 00:36:33.719 of the direction of the ship. Small in size compared to the whole, but just look at the influence, 00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:40.480 look at the effect, look at what it does to that whole ship, even when it's driven by strong winds. 00:36:41.980 --> 00:36:48.500 Yes, the same with a small campfire. We know how easy it is for a small campfire. You look at it, 00:36:48.539 --> 00:36:55.279 and it's nice. You have a nice evening out, perhaps, with a campfire. But if you're not very careful, 00:36:55.280 --> 00:37:01.740 that campfire can set the whole forest ablaze. That's why people need to be very careful when 00:37:01.740 --> 00:37:06.040 they're out actually lighting fires or having barbecues out in public places where there are 00:37:06.040 --> 00:37:11.980 trees or shrubs or bushes nearby. You need to make sure that it's kept from spreading and that it's out 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:20.580 before you leave it. Because he's saying here, so also a great forest is set ablaze by such a small 00:37:20.579 --> 00:37:28.500 fire. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. And it goes on to speak 00:37:28.500 --> 00:37:34.940 about the tongue is small among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of 00:37:34.940 --> 00:37:43.480 life, and set on fire by hell. Come to that in a minute, but just look at the point that we're making 00:37:43.480 --> 00:37:49.039 just now the smallness of it, the apparent innocuousness of it, the apparent innocuousness 00:37:49.039 --> 00:37:56.519 of our words. They don't seem to be really in any great danger of causing very much damage, but you 00:37:56.519 --> 00:38:02.000 know very well that it doesn't take many words to cause a great deal of damage. And you can't get them 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:08.960 back. And when you put a forest on fire, it takes a lot of effort and a lot of resources to put it out. 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:14.940 And that's the same James is saying about our use of the tongue, our use of conversation, how we use 00:38:14.940 --> 00:38:20.619 our words, what words we choose, and how we present them, and how we go about setting out our thoughts 00:38:20.619 --> 00:38:28.980 and words. It has a capacity to be immensely destructive. And sadly, we all know that to our 00:38:28.980 --> 00:38:34.840 cost to some extent. I doubt if there's anyone here, myself included, that haven't at some point or 00:38:34.840 --> 00:38:41.740 other regretted saying things or saying things in a certain way. And you realize then, I really 00:38:41.740 --> 00:38:45.940 shouldn't have said that. Or I shouldn't have said it in that spirit. I shouldn't have said it in that 00:38:45.940 --> 00:38:52.900 way. And you can't take that back. The damage is done. You can repair it to some extent, but then it's 00:38:52.900 --> 00:38:59.280 sometimes too late. Well, he says, this is what it's like. This with the tongue as well. 00:38:59.280 --> 00:39:07.120 Now, you know that the sixth commandment is a commandment not to take human life. You shall 00:39:07.120 --> 00:39:13.060 not kill. You shall not murder, as it's put in some translations. You shall not kill. You shall 00:39:13.060 --> 00:39:21.160 not commit murder. We mustn't confine that, though it is certainly primarily about committing murder, 00:39:21.280 --> 00:39:27.240 taking a person's life. Nevertheless, as you go through the whole of Scripture, you can see the 00:39:27.239 --> 00:39:35.799 capacity of words to wound and even to kill reputations. All of that is part of what's 00:39:35.799 --> 00:39:46.339 envisaged by that commandment, you shall not kill. Slander, innuendo, using a rumor to actually just 00:39:46.339 --> 00:39:52.879 carry out further damage against somebody or against a family or against people in our society. 00:39:52.880 --> 00:40:00.220 That's the same thing in that commandment as it is with these words of James. 00:40:01.880 --> 00:40:09.260 This little member, this little in proportion, these words, this conversation, this tongue we 00:40:09.260 --> 00:40:16.700 use to speak literally, it's very small compared to the damage that it can do, the capacity it has 00:40:16.699 --> 00:40:23.099 for creating havoc and real damage. And that happens, of course, in the church as well. 00:40:24.039 --> 00:40:28.519 And you notice in verse 9 here that James is actually saying, with this tongue, 00:40:29.179 --> 00:40:35.739 we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 00:40:36.099 --> 00:40:41.119 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so, 00:40:41.119 --> 00:40:48.139 and so on. And he's saying, here is what we find ourselves as sinners confronted with, 00:40:48.659 --> 00:40:53.179 our own capacity to cause great damage by our misuse of the tongue. 00:40:54.739 --> 00:40:59.539 You know what he's saying? He's saying, with it we bless our Lord and Father, with it we curse people. 00:41:00.460 --> 00:41:06.619 It's quite possible to go from a worship service, where we sing praise to God, 00:41:06.619 --> 00:41:14.559 where we preach the gospel, to go from that context to another context all too soon, 00:41:15.440 --> 00:41:23.480 where we're engaged in something destructive of a person's reputation, or personality, or relationships. 00:41:25.500 --> 00:41:32.599 We're really, it's telling how James is putting here, we curse people with the same tongue as we sing with, 00:41:32.599 --> 00:41:36.159 people who are made in the likeness of God. 00:41:37.539 --> 00:41:38.799 That's not just Christians. 00:41:39.960 --> 00:41:43.779 Everybody's made in the likeness of God, created in the likeness of God. 00:41:45.099 --> 00:41:50.179 And you know, the telling thing about it is, it's not just something that's aimed at people themselves. 00:41:51.179 --> 00:41:53.880 Why does he say, made in the likeness of God? 00:41:53.880 --> 00:42:00.780 Well, because our misuse of words is actually indirectly an assault on God himself. 00:42:02.240 --> 00:42:07.500 You remember Jesus saying to Paul, to Saul of Tarsus, on the way to create further havoc, 00:42:10.160 --> 00:42:13.860 Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? 00:42:15.200 --> 00:42:16.519 Who was Paul persecuting? 00:42:16.559 --> 00:42:17.700 He was persecuting the church. 00:42:17.699 --> 00:42:23.219 He was destructive of the church of God, of the gospel, as far as he could. 00:42:23.859 --> 00:42:26.019 But Jesus said, why are you persecuting me? 00:42:26.439 --> 00:42:30.899 You see, indirectly, his words and his actions were an assault upon Jesus himself. 00:42:31.299 --> 00:42:32.439 And that's the telling thing here. 00:42:32.639 --> 00:42:35.039 We actually assault the image of God. 00:42:35.119 --> 00:42:42.699 We assault God himself indirectly when we actually misuse our words and our language to wrong people. 00:42:42.699 --> 00:42:50.139 And character assassination and all of that stuff that you have so readily nowadays. 00:42:50.239 --> 00:42:53.299 He puts it here, the whole course of life in verse 6. 00:42:53.819 --> 00:42:59.379 The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness, set among our members, staining the whole body, 00:42:59.839 --> 00:43:02.399 setting on fire the whole course of life. 00:43:03.859 --> 00:43:06.419 What does he mean by that, the whole course of life? 00:43:06.420 --> 00:43:10.900 Well, it means certainly from our infancy through to the time that we leave this world, 00:43:11.260 --> 00:43:12.740 our tongue has to be controlled. 00:43:13.099 --> 00:43:15.700 Our tongue has the capacity to cause huge damage. 00:43:16.280 --> 00:43:20.300 Our words have to be carefully chosen and carefully used and carefully presented. 00:43:21.280 --> 00:43:26.639 He's saying here really from the beginning to the end of life, the whole course of life. 00:43:27.180 --> 00:43:28.519 But I think it's more than that. 00:43:29.059 --> 00:43:33.079 It's the words that are indicative of something more than just a personal matter. 00:43:33.079 --> 00:43:37.000 It's not just the whole extent of a person's life individually. 00:43:37.759 --> 00:43:44.219 The whole course of life means really pretty much all of human society is susceptible to being damaged 00:43:44.219 --> 00:43:48.480 by the wrong use of tongues, by the wrong use of language, by misuse of language. 00:43:50.239 --> 00:43:54.920 I mean, all you've got to look at and think about, just to take a primary example nowadays, 00:43:55.420 --> 00:43:57.279 is the use of social media. 00:43:57.280 --> 00:44:05.300 And if you're at all involved with social media, with the likes of X or Twitter, as it used to be called, 00:44:05.900 --> 00:44:07.800 it's a toxic environment. 00:44:08.080 --> 00:44:11.060 It doesn't mean that Christians shouldn't be involved with it at all, 00:44:11.600 --> 00:44:14.340 because you can make points through it, briefly at least, 00:44:14.940 --> 00:44:17.620 in answering some of the stuff that comes up there. 00:44:17.619 --> 00:44:24.099 But it is so, so toxic, especially when you actually write something or put something up 00:44:24.099 --> 00:44:32.000 that's supportive of the gospel, supportive of gospel principles, gospel practices, the truth of God. 00:44:32.299 --> 00:44:36.739 And when you counter the evil of the world, whether it's the evil of abortion, 00:44:36.920 --> 00:44:41.400 the evil of other things related to the ways of the world, 00:44:41.400 --> 00:44:49.559 you will soon find that you're in a toxic environment where words are used simply to try and destroy you 00:44:49.559 --> 00:44:57.220 and destroy your reputation, to annihilate you, to wound you, to deliberately just take it out on you. 00:44:57.579 --> 00:44:58.639 That's the world we live in. 00:44:58.700 --> 00:45:00.500 That's the world as it's always been. 00:45:00.500 --> 00:45:12.039 But all of these present-day means and media are actually usable by those who want to use them in the wrong way to that end. 00:45:12.139 --> 00:45:20.800 And sadly, as you well know, people, many young people sadly, have ended up really drastically taking their lives, 00:45:22.519 --> 00:45:23.500 committing suicide, 00:45:23.500 --> 00:45:31.420 because of the unending attack on social media by others who are bombarding them, 00:45:31.980 --> 00:45:34.920 not just with criticism, but with the nastiest of stuff. 00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:37.900 That's killing with words. 00:45:39.159 --> 00:45:41.340 That's annihilating people's reputation. 00:45:42.179 --> 00:45:46.840 That's attacking people for the sake sometimes of just attacking them. 00:45:48.360 --> 00:45:50.159 And the Lord is saying to us here, 00:45:50.159 --> 00:45:58.000 The tongue with which we bless our Lord should never be used to curse people with, 00:45:58.719 --> 00:46:01.579 to bring destructive forces down on people's heads. 00:46:03.539 --> 00:46:07.159 It has the capacity to cause great damage. 00:46:07.299 --> 00:46:11.899 It is always influential, even the whole force of life. 00:46:11.900 --> 00:46:17.880 And you see, not only that, but does it say that the whole course of life, 00:46:18.280 --> 00:46:23.880 it also says the tongue is a fire in itself, a world of unrighteousness, 00:46:24.500 --> 00:46:28.720 sustaining the whole body, setting on fire the whole course of life, 00:46:29.500 --> 00:46:33.099 and set on fire by hell. 00:46:33.099 --> 00:46:38.259 It's the word Gehenna he used, which is hell, 00:46:38.819 --> 00:46:42.059 the literal sense of the word hell in the teaching of the New Testament. 00:46:43.699 --> 00:46:47.639 Because, you see, Satan has access to our tongues. 00:46:48.900 --> 00:46:51.079 Satan has access to our use of the tongue. 00:46:51.619 --> 00:46:55.059 Satan has access to our use of words, our choice of words, 00:46:55.380 --> 00:46:59.679 our thoughts, and how we're going to present things in the words that we choose. 00:46:59.679 --> 00:47:04.319 And that's always been the case since the fall, 00:47:05.219 --> 00:47:08.179 since Satan had access to our first parents, Adam and Eve. 00:47:08.799 --> 00:47:12.699 And, of course, his first question was, with regard to the words of God, 00:47:13.339 --> 00:47:16.139 Has God indeed said? 00:47:17.339 --> 00:47:18.500 Isn't that telling us well, 00:47:18.679 --> 00:47:23.519 that the first assault on our human lives in Adam and Eve, 00:47:23.739 --> 00:47:25.799 came to Eve, first of all, 00:47:26.059 --> 00:47:29.079 that the first assault from evil, from the evil one, 00:47:29.079 --> 00:47:30.619 was to do with words, 00:47:30.840 --> 00:47:32.360 and to do with the words of God? 00:47:33.380 --> 00:47:34.539 Can you trust God? 00:47:35.299 --> 00:47:36.199 Has he been truthful? 00:47:37.199 --> 00:47:39.400 Has he told you things as they really are? 00:47:39.739 --> 00:47:40.819 That was his thrust. 00:47:41.539 --> 00:47:43.579 And he fell for it, sadly. 00:47:44.420 --> 00:47:46.980 And we fall for it ourselves all the time. 00:47:48.259 --> 00:47:49.259 Because he's still active, 00:47:49.880 --> 00:47:51.739 even in the case of Christians as well. 00:47:52.219 --> 00:47:53.579 Let's not imagine tonight that, 00:47:53.920 --> 00:47:55.000 just because we're Christians, 00:47:55.139 --> 00:47:56.099 we're converted people, 00:47:56.579 --> 00:47:57.799 we're people who follow the Lord, 00:47:57.800 --> 00:47:58.960 and confess the Lord, 00:47:59.480 --> 00:48:02.120 that Satan doesn't have access to our minds 00:48:02.120 --> 00:48:03.480 and to our use of words. 00:48:04.120 --> 00:48:04.860 Of course he does. 00:48:05.360 --> 00:48:06.760 You have to watch against that. 00:48:07.260 --> 00:48:08.620 You have to pray against that. 00:48:09.380 --> 00:48:10.700 You remember how it was with Peter? 00:48:11.400 --> 00:48:14.440 In Matthew 16, verses 22 and 23, 00:48:14.680 --> 00:48:16.440 the Lord had just divulged to them 00:48:16.440 --> 00:48:18.400 that he needed to go to Jerusalem 00:48:18.400 --> 00:48:21.400 and suffer many things 00:48:21.400 --> 00:48:22.720 and be put to death. 00:48:23.519 --> 00:48:26.780 What did Peter do when he heard these words by Jesus? 00:48:27.180 --> 00:48:29.039 It says that he took Peter aside. 00:48:29.460 --> 00:48:30.880 He took the Lord aside. 00:48:31.380 --> 00:48:32.240 Peter actually took him, 00:48:32.300 --> 00:48:32.760 you can imagine, 00:48:32.900 --> 00:48:34.300 just him putting his arm on him 00:48:34.300 --> 00:48:36.300 and taking him away from the rest, 00:48:36.380 --> 00:48:36.780 as it were, 00:48:36.820 --> 00:48:37.440 at that time, 00:48:37.680 --> 00:48:38.500 just a wee distance. 00:48:38.579 --> 00:48:39.320 And what did he say to him? 00:48:39.579 --> 00:48:41.460 This shall not happen to you. 00:48:41.460 --> 00:48:46.240 This is not going to be the case with you at all. 00:48:46.860 --> 00:48:47.940 Put that out of your mind, 00:48:48.019 --> 00:48:48.720 he's saying to Jesus. 00:48:49.159 --> 00:48:51.099 That's really what his words amounted to. 00:48:51.679 --> 00:48:52.840 Don't think those thoughts. 00:48:53.920 --> 00:48:55.119 Don't go down that route. 00:48:55.559 --> 00:48:56.579 That's not for you. 00:48:57.860 --> 00:48:59.260 How did Jesus answer him? 00:49:00.860 --> 00:49:02.860 Get behind me, 00:49:03.659 --> 00:49:04.079 Satan. 00:49:04.460 --> 00:49:04.860 Satan. 00:49:04.860 --> 00:49:09.099 An apostle of the Lord. 00:49:10.160 --> 00:49:12.039 And Satan has access to his mind 00:49:12.039 --> 00:49:13.400 and to his words. 00:49:14.320 --> 00:49:16.280 And got him to use words 00:49:16.280 --> 00:49:19.280 by which he tried to deflect the Lord 00:49:19.280 --> 00:49:21.280 from the course that he was on 00:49:21.280 --> 00:49:22.559 towards the cross. 00:49:23.740 --> 00:49:24.960 Get behind me, 00:49:25.840 --> 00:49:26.180 Satan. 00:49:29.320 --> 00:49:31.380 So what we said at the beginning is important. 00:49:32.340 --> 00:49:33.660 That the whole of Scripture 00:49:33.659 --> 00:49:35.699 brings us teaching 00:49:35.699 --> 00:49:37.639 that we need to take stock of 00:49:37.639 --> 00:49:39.839 every single day we live 00:49:39.839 --> 00:49:42.039 in regard to our use of the tongue, 00:49:42.339 --> 00:49:43.420 our use of language. 00:49:44.359 --> 00:49:45.839 It is always influential 00:49:45.839 --> 00:49:48.219 for good or for evil. 00:49:48.599 --> 00:49:49.239 And as we said, 00:49:49.759 --> 00:49:51.980 James is dealing with that evil side of it. 00:49:52.719 --> 00:49:53.639 And you notice he's saying 00:49:53.639 --> 00:49:55.399 it's an untamable evil 00:49:55.399 --> 00:49:56.739 from verse 7 there. 00:49:56.859 --> 00:49:57.219 He says, 00:49:57.699 --> 00:49:59.259 every kind of beast and bird 00:49:59.259 --> 00:50:00.579 and reptile and sea creature 00:50:00.579 --> 00:50:01.659 can be tamed 00:50:01.659 --> 00:50:03.159 and has been tamed by mankind, 00:50:03.159 --> 00:50:04.839 but no human being 00:50:04.839 --> 00:50:05.819 can tame the tongue. 00:50:05.920 --> 00:50:06.679 And that's a telling 00:50:06.679 --> 00:50:08.559 and a really solemn point 00:50:08.559 --> 00:50:09.460 that he's making there. 00:50:09.699 --> 00:50:11.379 There is no human being 00:50:11.379 --> 00:50:13.239 that's a mere human being 00:50:13.239 --> 00:50:15.259 that can actually tame the tongue. 00:50:16.179 --> 00:50:16.879 To some extent, 00:50:16.980 --> 00:50:18.339 you can control it 00:50:18.339 --> 00:50:19.099 and to some extent, 00:50:19.219 --> 00:50:21.519 you can keep watch 00:50:21.519 --> 00:50:22.500 over how you use it. 00:50:22.539 --> 00:50:23.480 Of course, it's necessary. 00:50:23.960 --> 00:50:24.559 But he's saying, 00:50:24.639 --> 00:50:24.940 literally, 00:50:25.099 --> 00:50:26.659 no human being 00:50:26.659 --> 00:50:27.679 can tame the tongue. 00:50:27.679 --> 00:50:29.440 It's a restless evil 00:50:29.440 --> 00:50:31.440 full of deadly poison. 00:50:33.759 --> 00:50:34.899 All of these animals 00:50:34.899 --> 00:50:35.440 that I mention 00:50:35.440 --> 00:50:36.759 is possible for a human being 00:50:36.759 --> 00:50:37.559 to tame a lion. 00:50:39.259 --> 00:50:41.539 I understand the only creature 00:50:41.539 --> 00:50:43.139 that's totally untamable 00:50:43.139 --> 00:50:43.739 is what's called 00:50:43.739 --> 00:50:44.779 the Tasmanian devil, 00:50:45.500 --> 00:50:47.219 made famous by the 00:50:47.219 --> 00:50:48.940 Looney Tunes cartoons. 00:50:48.940 --> 00:50:51.220 But that animal 00:50:51.220 --> 00:50:53.440 seems to be untamable. 00:50:54.519 --> 00:50:55.619 Whereas even other animals 00:50:55.619 --> 00:50:57.179 like lions, tigers, 00:50:57.720 --> 00:50:58.720 to a great extent, 00:50:58.800 --> 00:50:59.579 they can be tamed. 00:51:00.059 --> 00:51:01.300 They can become your pets. 00:51:03.300 --> 00:51:04.059 You can have them 00:51:04.059 --> 00:51:07.539 as in friendship with them, 00:51:08.139 --> 00:51:09.480 human and animal terms. 00:51:09.880 --> 00:51:10.420 But he says, 00:51:10.500 --> 00:51:10.920 the tongue, 00:51:11.659 --> 00:51:12.700 nobody can tame. 00:51:12.699 --> 00:51:13.559 No human being 00:51:13.559 --> 00:51:14.939 can tame the tongue. 00:51:15.719 --> 00:51:16.980 It has never been tamed 00:51:16.980 --> 00:51:18.980 by mankind himself. 00:51:19.960 --> 00:51:20.659 What do we need 00:51:20.659 --> 00:51:22.719 when we can't tame it ourselves? 00:51:22.899 --> 00:51:24.019 We need every day to say, 00:51:24.460 --> 00:51:25.339 Lord, help me today 00:51:25.339 --> 00:51:26.059 by your grace 00:51:26.059 --> 00:51:27.059 to tame my tongue. 00:51:27.539 --> 00:51:28.319 Help me today, Lord, 00:51:28.379 --> 00:51:29.439 to think about the words 00:51:29.439 --> 00:51:30.079 that I should say 00:51:30.079 --> 00:51:31.039 before I say them. 00:51:31.419 --> 00:51:31.939 Help me, Lord, 00:51:32.000 --> 00:51:33.839 today to use words wisely, 00:51:34.299 --> 00:51:35.659 to use words cleanly, 00:51:35.739 --> 00:51:37.279 to use words in such a way 00:51:37.279 --> 00:51:38.519 that will not be destructive. 00:51:39.019 --> 00:51:39.859 Help me to think even, 00:51:40.039 --> 00:51:41.559 especially when I'm feeling angry 00:51:41.559 --> 00:51:42.219 or annoyed, 00:51:42.699 --> 00:51:44.159 or concerned about something. 00:51:44.239 --> 00:51:45.639 Help me to choose words 00:51:45.639 --> 00:51:46.460 and to say them 00:51:46.460 --> 00:51:47.039 in such a way 00:51:47.039 --> 00:51:47.980 that honors you, 00:51:48.679 --> 00:51:50.500 that keeps to a purity of speech, 00:51:51.500 --> 00:51:53.159 and that doesn't set out 00:51:53.159 --> 00:51:54.279 in any way 00:51:54.279 --> 00:51:56.460 to destroy reputations. 00:51:58.219 --> 00:51:59.639 It's all too easy, isn't it, 00:51:59.659 --> 00:52:02.059 to throw back at someone 00:52:02.059 --> 00:52:03.859 when they've come at you 00:52:03.859 --> 00:52:04.379 with something 00:52:04.379 --> 00:52:05.799 that accuses you wrongly, 00:52:06.960 --> 00:52:08.639 that denigrates your name, 00:52:09.379 --> 00:52:10.939 that just calls into question 00:52:10.940 --> 00:52:14.260 or speaks about you 00:52:14.260 --> 00:52:14.920 in such a way 00:52:14.920 --> 00:52:16.460 as to really cause 00:52:16.460 --> 00:52:17.659 your hackles to rise 00:52:17.659 --> 00:52:21.000 and easy to return 00:52:21.000 --> 00:52:22.200 in kind, isn't it, 00:52:22.760 --> 00:52:24.139 just to do the same back. 00:52:25.200 --> 00:52:26.400 And here is James saying, 00:52:26.480 --> 00:52:27.139 don't do that. 00:52:28.200 --> 00:52:30.139 Ask the Lord for His help. 00:52:30.700 --> 00:52:32.139 Ask the Lord for the help 00:52:32.139 --> 00:52:32.820 of His Spirit. 00:52:33.659 --> 00:52:34.740 Remember whose cause 00:52:34.740 --> 00:52:35.840 you belong to. 00:52:36.460 --> 00:52:37.720 Remember who your Lord is. 00:52:38.519 --> 00:52:39.339 Remember who your fellow 00:52:39.339 --> 00:52:40.219 Christians are. 00:52:40.799 --> 00:52:41.480 Remember who your fellow 00:52:41.480 --> 00:52:42.639 human beings are. 00:52:43.259 --> 00:52:43.980 Remember the reputation 00:52:43.980 --> 00:52:45.239 of the Lord especially 00:52:45.239 --> 00:52:46.459 is at stake. 00:52:47.519 --> 00:52:48.480 And that's why he's saying 00:52:48.480 --> 00:52:50.299 a greater power is needed 00:52:50.299 --> 00:52:53.500 than actually we have ourselves. 00:52:53.659 --> 00:52:54.399 And you go back to 00:52:54.399 --> 00:52:55.939 the likes of the book of Proverbs. 00:52:57.259 --> 00:52:58.099 The book of Proverbs 00:52:58.099 --> 00:52:59.219 is one of the great books 00:52:59.219 --> 00:52:59.759 of the Bible 00:52:59.759 --> 00:53:01.159 in terms of wisdom. 00:53:01.279 --> 00:53:02.179 And we'll see in a minute 00:53:02.179 --> 00:53:03.079 James is going on 00:53:03.079 --> 00:53:04.759 to speak here about wisdom 00:53:04.759 --> 00:53:06.299 or different kinds of wisdom. 00:53:06.300 --> 00:53:07.920 The book of Proverbs 00:53:07.920 --> 00:53:09.060 chapter 10, for example, 00:53:09.140 --> 00:53:10.140 just picking out a couple 00:53:10.140 --> 00:53:11.940 of example verses. 00:53:12.180 --> 00:53:13.019 There's many in the book 00:53:13.019 --> 00:53:13.640 of Proverbs. 00:53:14.060 --> 00:53:14.780 It's a book to do 00:53:14.780 --> 00:53:15.660 with wisdom 00:53:15.660 --> 00:53:18.260 and how we have wisdom 00:53:18.260 --> 00:53:18.940 from the Lord 00:53:18.940 --> 00:53:20.180 that we need to carry through. 00:53:21.180 --> 00:53:22.560 Proverbs chapter 10 00:53:22.560 --> 00:53:24.019 and verse 19. 00:53:24.600 --> 00:53:26.260 When words are many, 00:53:27.140 --> 00:53:29.100 transgression is not lacking. 00:53:29.980 --> 00:53:31.460 But whoever restrains 00:53:31.460 --> 00:53:33.460 his lips is prudent. 00:53:33.460 --> 00:53:35.500 The tongue of the righteous 00:53:35.500 --> 00:53:36.639 is choice silver. 00:53:37.460 --> 00:53:38.519 The heart of the wicked 00:53:38.519 --> 00:53:40.199 is of little worth. 00:53:41.019 --> 00:53:42.539 Whoever restrains his lips 00:53:42.539 --> 00:53:43.760 is prudent. 00:53:44.940 --> 00:53:46.960 I think we should give thanks to God 00:53:46.960 --> 00:53:49.300 if we're people of few words. 00:53:50.220 --> 00:53:51.240 Because if we're people 00:53:51.240 --> 00:53:52.159 of many words, 00:53:53.119 --> 00:53:55.039 if we're people who speak incessantly 00:53:55.039 --> 00:53:56.079 so that others can hardly 00:53:56.079 --> 00:53:57.360 get a word in edgeways, 00:53:57.960 --> 00:53:59.079 we're in much more danger 00:53:59.079 --> 00:53:59.760 than somebody 00:53:59.760 --> 00:54:01.639 who's not given to that sort 00:54:01.639 --> 00:54:03.279 of volume of speech. 00:54:04.159 --> 00:54:05.279 Because many words 00:54:05.279 --> 00:54:06.379 will undoubtedly 00:54:06.379 --> 00:54:07.460 at some point 00:54:07.460 --> 00:54:09.139 lead to hurtful words 00:54:09.139 --> 00:54:10.519 and harmful words 00:54:10.519 --> 00:54:12.559 and words that we regret. 00:54:14.119 --> 00:54:15.579 Proverbs 13 and verse 3 00:54:15.579 --> 00:54:18.019 also has something similar to that. 00:54:18.539 --> 00:54:20.079 Whoever guards his mouth 00:54:20.079 --> 00:54:21.839 preserves his life. 00:54:22.599 --> 00:54:24.400 He who opens wide his lips 00:54:24.400 --> 00:54:25.859 comes to ruin. 00:54:26.539 --> 00:54:27.099 In other words, 00:54:27.519 --> 00:54:28.960 think before you speak. 00:54:29.739 --> 00:54:30.619 Weigh up your words, 00:54:30.719 --> 00:54:31.579 weigh up your thoughts, 00:54:31.579 --> 00:54:32.440 ahead of speaking. 00:54:33.420 --> 00:54:34.739 And James is really saying that. 00:54:35.019 --> 00:54:37.460 That's what he's teaching here, 00:54:37.799 --> 00:54:39.139 teaching us against. 00:54:40.019 --> 00:54:41.299 And remember again, 00:54:41.380 --> 00:54:42.539 Peter, to go back to Peter, 00:54:42.900 --> 00:54:44.159 not that we're picking on Peter, 00:54:44.259 --> 00:54:44.739 but he's there 00:54:44.739 --> 00:54:46.779 as an example in the Bible for us. 00:54:47.360 --> 00:54:48.819 Chapter 14 of Mark, 00:54:49.360 --> 00:54:50.819 where he comes to be questioned 00:54:50.819 --> 00:54:53.699 about his relationship with Jesus. 00:54:54.619 --> 00:54:55.019 And of course, 00:54:55.059 --> 00:54:56.259 he came to deny Jesus 00:54:56.259 --> 00:54:57.759 in that context three times. 00:54:58.460 --> 00:54:59.239 The third time, 00:54:59.319 --> 00:55:00.039 Mark tells us, 00:55:00.039 --> 00:55:03.099 that he invoked curses upon himself 00:55:03.099 --> 00:55:05.039 and vehemently denied 00:55:05.039 --> 00:55:07.159 that he was ever one of his disciples. 00:55:08.619 --> 00:55:09.539 There's a disciple 00:55:09.539 --> 00:55:11.279 telling lies, 00:55:13.279 --> 00:55:14.480 contradicting himself. 00:55:16.480 --> 00:55:17.900 His use of words 00:55:17.900 --> 00:55:20.699 is the opposite of what it should be. 00:55:20.699 --> 00:55:23.359 And there is, 00:55:23.639 --> 00:55:23.960 again, 00:55:24.019 --> 00:55:24.579 an example 00:55:24.579 --> 00:55:25.939 in the Bible 00:55:25.939 --> 00:55:26.839 of where words 00:55:26.839 --> 00:55:28.759 are so important 00:55:28.759 --> 00:55:29.899 in the wrong use of them. 00:55:30.939 --> 00:55:31.539 But our tongue 00:55:31.539 --> 00:55:33.000 finally should be 00:55:33.000 --> 00:55:34.279 an instrument of wisdom. 00:55:34.419 --> 00:55:36.179 Verses 13 to 18, 00:55:36.299 --> 00:55:36.759 that we said, 00:55:36.919 --> 00:55:38.579 that we're using the chapter 00:55:38.579 --> 00:55:39.359 as it leads up 00:55:39.359 --> 00:55:40.399 to the final verse. 00:55:41.239 --> 00:55:42.899 Evidence of true wisdom, 00:55:43.559 --> 00:55:44.939 the wisdom the Bible speaks of, 00:55:45.000 --> 00:55:45.819 the wisdom you gain 00:55:45.820 --> 00:55:48.559 from coming to know your Bible, 00:55:48.660 --> 00:55:49.380 but especially coming 00:55:49.380 --> 00:55:50.220 to know the Lord 00:55:50.220 --> 00:55:51.220 and to follow him 00:55:51.220 --> 00:55:52.280 and be taught by his Spirit. 00:55:52.640 --> 00:55:54.160 The evidence of that wisdom, 00:55:54.620 --> 00:55:55.380 that true wisdom, 00:55:55.380 --> 00:55:56.680 is that it is meek. 00:55:57.240 --> 00:55:58.080 It is teachable. 00:55:58.160 --> 00:55:59.039 The person that's wise 00:55:59.039 --> 00:56:00.260 is a teachable person. 00:56:00.960 --> 00:56:02.080 That's why he begins the chapter, 00:56:02.220 --> 00:56:02.960 not many of you 00:56:02.960 --> 00:56:04.080 should become teachers. 00:56:04.760 --> 00:56:06.360 Because in what seems 00:56:06.360 --> 00:56:07.780 to be an incessant drive 00:56:07.780 --> 00:56:09.180 towards teaching others, 00:56:09.539 --> 00:56:10.480 not only in our day 00:56:10.480 --> 00:56:11.260 but previously, 00:56:11.720 --> 00:56:12.900 there's always a great danger 00:56:12.900 --> 00:56:13.380 in that. 00:56:13.380 --> 00:56:15.180 A great danger in the fact 00:56:15.180 --> 00:56:16.099 that we take to ourselves 00:56:16.099 --> 00:56:16.920 to be teachers 00:56:16.920 --> 00:56:18.340 when we have far more need 00:56:18.340 --> 00:56:20.440 to be taught at times. 00:56:21.940 --> 00:56:23.820 And verses 14 to 16, 00:56:24.539 --> 00:56:25.780 you find this description, 00:56:26.019 --> 00:56:27.019 if we have bitter jealousy, 00:56:27.780 --> 00:56:28.599 selfish ambition, 00:56:29.340 --> 00:56:30.599 do not boast or be false 00:56:30.599 --> 00:56:31.119 to the truth. 00:56:31.200 --> 00:56:32.039 This is not the wisdom 00:56:32.039 --> 00:56:33.340 that comes from above, 00:56:34.059 --> 00:56:34.880 but is earthly 00:56:34.880 --> 00:56:36.000 and spiritual, 00:56:36.480 --> 00:56:36.940 demonic. 00:56:37.780 --> 00:56:38.440 For where jealousy 00:56:38.440 --> 00:56:39.960 and selfish ambition exist, 00:56:40.559 --> 00:56:41.380 there will be disorder 00:56:41.380 --> 00:56:42.680 in every vile practice. 00:56:42.679 --> 00:56:43.859 Now, just in passing, 00:56:43.980 --> 00:56:44.899 you can see from that, 00:56:46.039 --> 00:56:47.039 again, that it's what's 00:56:47.039 --> 00:56:47.559 in your heart 00:56:47.559 --> 00:56:48.079 that comes through 00:56:48.079 --> 00:56:48.799 in your words. 00:56:50.259 --> 00:56:51.980 You won't have words 00:56:51.980 --> 00:56:52.839 that are destructive 00:56:52.839 --> 00:56:54.539 if you don't have 00:56:54.539 --> 00:56:55.419 selfish ambition, 00:56:56.059 --> 00:56:56.940 if you don't have 00:56:56.940 --> 00:56:59.179 something that's 00:56:59.179 --> 00:57:00.399 marked by jealousy 00:57:00.399 --> 00:57:01.039 and so on. 00:57:01.519 --> 00:57:01.960 It's when you're 00:57:01.960 --> 00:57:02.940 marked by these, 00:57:03.259 --> 00:57:04.099 when these exist 00:57:04.099 --> 00:57:04.539 in your heart, 00:57:04.579 --> 00:57:05.259 when they lurk 00:57:05.259 --> 00:57:06.019 in your soul, 00:57:06.399 --> 00:57:07.440 that's when your words 00:57:07.440 --> 00:57:08.659 accordingly show 00:57:08.659 --> 00:57:09.339 that that's what's 00:57:09.339 --> 00:57:09.919 in your soul 00:57:09.919 --> 00:57:11.179 and you'll use words 00:57:11.179 --> 00:57:12.500 that you regret sometimes. 00:57:13.460 --> 00:57:13.879 But he says, 00:57:13.940 --> 00:57:14.940 the wisdom from above 00:57:14.940 --> 00:57:16.819 is first pure, 00:57:17.500 --> 00:57:18.480 then peaceable, 00:57:19.099 --> 00:57:19.480 gentle, 00:57:20.159 --> 00:57:21.000 open to reason, 00:57:21.619 --> 00:57:22.299 full of mercy 00:57:22.299 --> 00:57:23.500 and good fruits, 00:57:24.099 --> 00:57:25.799 impartial and sincere. 00:57:26.799 --> 00:57:27.839 And a harvest 00:57:27.839 --> 00:57:28.500 of righteousness 00:57:28.500 --> 00:57:29.779 is sown in peace 00:57:29.779 --> 00:57:32.059 by those who make peace. 00:57:33.319 --> 00:57:34.419 One of the great verses 00:57:34.419 --> 00:57:35.099 of the Bible 00:57:35.099 --> 00:57:37.719 is in Matthew chapter 5 00:57:37.719 --> 00:57:38.519 and verse 9, 00:57:39.480 --> 00:57:40.299 part of the Sermon, 00:57:40.300 --> 00:57:40.760 the Mount, 00:57:41.620 --> 00:57:42.800 one of the Beatitudes 00:57:42.800 --> 00:57:43.640 as we call them, 00:57:44.840 --> 00:57:47.160 blessed are the peacemakers, 00:57:47.880 --> 00:57:49.340 for they shall be called 00:57:49.340 --> 00:57:49.920 the children 00:57:49.920 --> 00:57:51.380 or the sons of God. 00:57:51.760 --> 00:57:52.420 See what it's saying? 00:57:52.860 --> 00:57:54.880 Blessed are the peacemakers. 00:57:56.060 --> 00:57:57.019 It's all too easy 00:57:57.019 --> 00:57:58.660 to be a peacemaker, 00:57:58.659 --> 00:58:01.319 but it's not so easy 00:58:01.319 --> 00:58:02.239 to be a peacemaker. 00:58:02.920 --> 00:58:04.159 It means self-denial 00:58:04.159 --> 00:58:05.399 and many other things 00:58:05.399 --> 00:58:06.019 like that. 00:58:06.440 --> 00:58:06.960 But he says, 00:58:07.000 --> 00:58:08.420 a harvest of righteousness 00:58:08.420 --> 00:58:10.119 is sown in peace 00:58:10.119 --> 00:58:11.799 by those who make peace. 00:58:11.800 --> 00:58:13.720 If our heart is set 00:58:13.720 --> 00:58:15.060 on making peace 00:58:15.060 --> 00:58:16.600 and being peaceful people, 00:58:16.940 --> 00:58:17.640 then we're sowing 00:58:17.640 --> 00:58:18.880 a harvest of righteousness, 00:58:19.140 --> 00:58:20.300 not just for ourselves, 00:58:20.720 --> 00:58:22.000 but for others as well. 00:58:25.580 --> 00:58:26.400 And that's why 00:58:26.400 --> 00:58:28.740 in Colossians chapter 4, 00:58:28.800 --> 00:58:29.740 we can finish with that. 00:58:29.860 --> 00:58:30.800 Paul also picks up 00:58:30.800 --> 00:58:31.640 that same theme 00:58:31.640 --> 00:58:34.519 in Colossians chapter 4, 00:58:34.900 --> 00:58:36.940 verses 5 to 6. 00:58:36.940 --> 00:58:58.920 Salt applied to speech 00:58:58.920 --> 00:58:59.800 in the sense in which 00:58:59.800 --> 00:59:01.059 salts apply to food 00:59:01.059 --> 00:59:02.579 to make it savory, 00:59:02.720 --> 00:59:03.760 to make it more palatable, 00:59:04.400 --> 00:59:06.079 to give it a particular taste 00:59:06.079 --> 00:59:06.880 without which it 00:59:06.880 --> 00:59:07.940 wouldn't be the same. 00:59:08.759 --> 00:59:09.259 Well, speech, 00:59:09.340 --> 00:59:09.659 she's saying, 00:59:09.699 --> 00:59:10.299 is the same. 00:59:11.380 --> 00:59:12.239 Let your speech, 00:59:12.940 --> 00:59:15.420 let your speech be 00:59:15.420 --> 00:59:19.719 with that sort of quality 00:59:19.719 --> 00:59:20.239 in it, 00:59:20.679 --> 00:59:21.639 as you find it there 00:59:21.639 --> 00:59:25.019 in the fourth chapter. 00:59:25.099 --> 00:59:25.599 Let your speech 00:59:25.599 --> 00:59:26.659 always be gracious 00:59:26.659 --> 00:59:27.460 or with grace, 00:59:28.400 --> 00:59:29.480 seasoned with salt. 00:59:29.819 --> 00:59:30.400 Now, these things 00:59:30.400 --> 00:59:32.319 are hugely challenging 00:59:32.319 --> 00:59:32.779 for us. 00:59:32.880 --> 00:59:35.599 I haven't been led to this, 00:59:35.599 --> 00:59:36.099 I believe, 00:59:36.219 --> 00:59:37.599 part of the Scripture tonight 00:59:37.599 --> 00:59:38.719 because I know 00:59:38.719 --> 00:59:39.299 that there's something 00:59:39.299 --> 00:59:40.279 wrong in the congregation 00:59:40.279 --> 00:59:41.299 in this respect. 00:59:41.960 --> 00:59:42.699 I'm not choosing, 00:59:42.819 --> 00:59:44.119 I haven't chosen this passage 00:59:44.119 --> 00:59:45.860 because I'm targeting 00:59:45.860 --> 00:59:46.880 some people here 00:59:46.880 --> 00:59:47.460 that I know 00:59:47.460 --> 00:59:48.739 are maybe not living up 00:59:48.739 --> 00:59:50.219 to what they ought to be 00:59:50.219 --> 00:59:50.759 as Christians. 00:59:50.860 --> 00:59:51.460 Nothing like that. 00:59:51.579 --> 00:59:52.279 I'm simply saying, 00:59:52.539 --> 00:59:52.940 here's something 00:59:52.940 --> 00:59:53.940 for me to live by. 00:59:54.940 --> 00:59:55.420 Here's something 00:59:55.420 --> 00:59:56.360 the Bible tells us 00:59:56.360 --> 00:59:57.460 from beginning to end 00:59:57.460 --> 00:59:58.619 is an important feature 00:59:58.619 --> 01:00:00.079 of a believing life. 01:00:00.900 --> 01:00:01.539 Here's something 01:00:01.539 --> 01:00:02.319 we can't afford 01:00:02.320 --> 01:00:02.960 to dismiss 01:00:02.960 --> 01:00:04.100 any day we live 01:00:04.100 --> 01:00:06.880 because our words 01:00:06.880 --> 01:00:08.880 can be hugely destructive 01:00:08.880 --> 01:00:11.400 and cause massive harm 01:00:11.400 --> 01:00:13.240 in the church 01:00:13.240 --> 01:00:14.720 or in society, 01:00:15.240 --> 01:00:16.160 wherever we are. 01:00:16.900 --> 01:00:17.360 Instead, 01:00:17.559 --> 01:00:18.700 we need to come 01:00:18.700 --> 01:00:19.600 to God daily 01:00:19.600 --> 01:00:21.720 and come to God daily 01:00:21.720 --> 01:00:22.640 with that concern, 01:00:22.860 --> 01:00:23.780 with that prayer. 01:00:24.200 --> 01:00:24.539 Lord, 01:00:25.000 --> 01:00:25.880 keep me, 01:00:25.940 --> 01:00:26.380 I pray, 01:00:27.260 --> 01:00:28.220 from unwise, 01:00:28.380 --> 01:00:29.380 damaging speech. 01:00:29.380 --> 01:00:30.800 May God bless 01:00:30.800 --> 01:00:32.320 these words to us. 01:00:32.400 --> 01:00:33.180 We're going to conclude 01:00:33.180 --> 01:00:34.640 with words 01:00:34.640 --> 01:00:36.619 that are very much 01:00:36.619 --> 01:00:37.039 in keeping 01:00:37.039 --> 01:00:37.680 with our thoughts 01:00:37.680 --> 01:00:38.200 this evening 01:00:38.200 --> 01:00:40.460 in Psalm 141. 01:00:42.019 --> 01:00:43.420 Psalm 141 01:00:43.420 --> 01:00:44.220 and sing Psalms 01:00:44.220 --> 01:00:45.240 to the tune Selma. 01:00:46.240 --> 01:00:47.860 That's on page 185. 01:00:51.200 --> 01:00:52.180 And it's interesting 01:00:52.180 --> 01:00:53.119 how the Lord here, 01:00:53.460 --> 01:00:54.820 how the psalmist here 01:00:54.820 --> 01:00:56.460 is calling on the Lord 01:00:56.460 --> 01:00:58.140 in a very difficult circumstance. 01:00:58.139 --> 01:00:59.539 He's obviously 01:00:59.539 --> 01:01:01.480 surrounded by enemies 01:01:01.480 --> 01:01:04.420 and in many ways 01:01:04.420 --> 01:01:04.879 he says, 01:01:05.039 --> 01:01:06.239 verse 9 there, 01:01:06.339 --> 01:01:08.179 protect me from the traps 01:01:08.179 --> 01:01:10.019 the wicked set for me. 01:01:11.099 --> 01:01:11.980 And he's also 01:01:11.980 --> 01:01:13.379 obviously being 01:01:13.379 --> 01:01:14.639 attacked 01:01:14.639 --> 01:01:15.259 and buffeted 01:01:15.259 --> 01:01:17.259 by traps 01:01:17.259 --> 01:01:18.019 and by the 01:01:18.019 --> 01:01:19.900 doings of the ungodly. 01:01:21.179 --> 01:01:21.859 And it's interesting 01:01:21.859 --> 01:01:22.759 in that context 01:01:22.759 --> 01:01:23.759 that he says 01:01:23.759 --> 01:01:24.699 in verses 3 and 4, 01:01:24.819 --> 01:01:25.519 keep watch, 01:01:25.799 --> 01:01:26.039 Lord, 01:01:26.559 --> 01:01:27.559 on my mouth. 01:01:28.139 --> 01:01:29.759 And guard my lips, 01:01:30.179 --> 01:01:30.679 I pray. 01:01:31.359 --> 01:01:32.379 Let not my heart 01:01:32.379 --> 01:01:33.379 to evil thoughts 01:01:33.379 --> 01:01:34.480 be drawn 01:01:34.480 --> 01:01:36.299 and led astray. 01:01:36.339 --> 01:01:37.400 We'll sing these three verses 01:01:37.400 --> 01:01:38.099 from the beginning. 01:01:38.299 --> 01:01:39.179 O Lord, 01:01:39.299 --> 01:01:40.739 I call to you. 01:01:40.739 --> 01:01:50.899 O Lord, 01:01:50.899 --> 01:01:51.699 I call to you. 01:01:51.699 --> 01:01:54.859 Come with me, 01:01:54.859 --> 01:01:58.159 I hear thee. 01:01:58.159 --> 01:02:05.899 And when I cry to you forever, 01:02:05.899 --> 01:02:09.319 do my love, 01:02:09.319 --> 01:02:12.119 you give me. 01:02:12.119 --> 01:02:22.179 thee will murail, 01:02:22.179 --> 01:02:24.279 before earth 01:02:24.279 --> 01:02:26.359 his eyes. 01:02:26.619 --> 01:02:34.359 The mercy of our hands 01:02:34.359 --> 01:02:34.739 be Panic. 01:02:34.739 --> 01:02:42.019 Let not hide the act, let delight, be me in sacrifice. 01:02:44.359 --> 01:02:51.039 It was short on my heart, andissioned by my Welcome Sea, 01:02:51.039 --> 01:02:57.679 and down thy lips I play. 01:02:58.239 --> 01:03:06.079 Let not thy heart to evil's laws 01:03:06.079 --> 01:03:12.259 be torn and let us stay. 01:03:14.119 --> 01:03:16.579 If you allow me to get to the main door, please, 01:03:16.639 --> 01:03:17.940 tonight I'll greet you at the door. 01:03:17.940 --> 01:03:21.440 Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 01:03:21.539 --> 01:03:22.780 the love of God the Father, 01:03:23.300 --> 01:03:24.800 and the communion of the Holy Spirit 01:03:24.800 --> 01:03:26.679 be with you now and always. 01:03:27.179 --> 01:03:27.619 Amen.