In the Epistle of James we find various illustrations that are used to make spiritual points. But, these illustrations are not always easy to follow. For example, last Sunday, James used an illustration that involved a man “glancing into a mirror” and then quickly forgetting what he looked like. It took a while to figure out the meaning of his illustration. But, don’t feel bad if you have a tough time picking up the meanings when first reading one of James’ illustrations. A lot of people have problems with illustrations and sometimes miss the point that is intended.
For example, in a sermon not too long ago, a pastor gave the following illustration to his congregation. He placed three worms into jars and sat the jars on a table in front of the pulpit. The first worm was put into a jar of alcohol. The second worm was put into a jar of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a jar filled with good clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, he pointed to each of the jars and reported the results: 1. The worm in the alcohol was dead. 2. The worm in the smoke was dead. 3. But, the worm in the good, clean soil was alive and well. Then, turning to the congregation, the pastor asked: “What can we learn from this illustration?” An old woman in the back pew stood up and proclaimed: “It just goes to show that as long as you drink and smoke, you’ll never have worms!” [1] (Which, by the way, wasn’t exactly the point the pastor was trying to make.)
This morning, we are going to cover some more illustrations from James’ letter that deal with getting control over our lives in order to be in tune with God’s plans for us. So, if you really want to begin getting control over your life, where should you start? Some people would say, “You need to start with your BRAIN—if you get your mind straight, everything else will fall into place.” Others would say, “No, it’s not the brain you need to start with. You need to start with your HEART—that’s where a person’s emotions and core being exists.” But, if you asked James, he’d give you an unexpected answer. Listen to what he says is the most important place to start:
2b If we could control our TONGUES, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. James 3:2-12 (NLT2)
James tells us that if we want to improve as Christians, we must learn to master our TONGUES. A tongue is a power thing, but it is also a fickle thing. As James points out, a tongue that sang a hymn of praise this morning might curse at somebody this afternoon. This could well be the case if someone swerves in front of them on the highway when they are driving back home from church! But, is James correct in giving so much attention to such a small bodily muscle as the tongue? You bet he is! Those who master their tongues’ urge to spew off evil words will have learned a true form of godliness. So, dealing with the words that spring from your tongue is a good place to start if you want to improve other areas of your life. Christian writer and pastor, George M. Stulac, confirms this in saying: “The issue of speech should not be put off while one works on other areas of behavior. If you want purity and Christlikeness to characterize your life, here is a valuable secret of strategy: START WITH YOUR TONGUE!”[2]
So, let’s dig into the illustrations and metaphors used by James to make this point. He refers to the tongue as being “full of deadly poison” that harms, not only the person to whom those words are directed, but also poisons the mouth from which those words came forth. Vulgar language, insulting words, malicious gossip, misinformation, half-truths—these are all examples of the evil poison that the tongue so often produces. It is the kind of thing that some politicians of both political parties have made the hallmark of their popularity, lately. The fact that so many Americans are attracted to such offensive language from their political leaders is reflective of just how far the morals in this country have fallen.
But, we can’t be like that because an evil tongue is not the mark of a Christian. Rather, it is an identifying feature of Satan himself. And don’t feel helpless when James says that “no one can tame the tongue.” What he means by that is you, acting alone, cannot overcome sin. You need the help of the Holy Spirit, for as Paul proclaims, we experience cleansing—especially the cleansing of our tongues—through the work of the Holy Spirit and by trusting in the Truth of God’s Word.[3] Of course, some people will tell you that little things, like mere words, do not matter and can’t really be considered as sin. If someone tells you that, then you need to mark that person off your list of those from whom to take advice. That’s some bad advice, because Jesus says that every word from your mouth matters. Jesus put it plainly: 36 “I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV) Being Jesus’ half-brother, James knew what Jesus meant. And he knew because he too had once been careless with his own words directed toward Jesus. For example, it is quite likely that James’ tongue was wagging, along with the rest of his family when they proclaimed, early in Jesus’ ministry, that Jesus was “out of His mind.”[4] Of course, James and his family members said this when they were unbelievers. Now that he had come to faith in Jesus as the Messiah, James realized just how poisonous and satanic those careless words were. And so, he gives us some powerful illustrations in order that we won’t make the same kind of mistakes with our tongues.
James starts off by using metaphors relating to some very large things that are controlled by some very small things. He uses the metaphor of a great and powerful horse to illustrate the need for “keeping a tight rein” on one’s tongue. A horse can be useless and unruly until a small bit, placed in his mouth, brings him under control. A horse’s bit that exerts control is like one’s tongue that is well disciplined and restrains itself from speaking falsely or in unclean ways. Christian writer, Gary Holloway, explains it this way: “We must say ‘whoa’ to our words before we speak them too hastily.”[5] Now, that’s good advice.
Along the same lines, James uses the relationship between a huge ship and its small rudder. Large ocean-going vessels are turned by relatively small rudders. Just as one mishap regarding the rudder can run a ship aground, so too can a “slip of the tongue” cause great harm in one’s life, causing shame, embarrassment, loss of friends, onset of violence, or loss of respect within one’s community.[6]
And finally, James compares the damaging nature of a person’s tongue to the destructive force of the sparks from a fire. Evil words may appear to be small things, but they act like tiny sparks that can ignite huge forest fires which consume otherwise healthy relationships between family members or friends. James’ thoughts are supported in the Book of Proverbs which informs us: “A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.” Proverbs 16:27 (ESV) And, when the tongue spews out gossip, rumors and misinformation, those sparks can set fires at some very high levels. Will we, as Christians, sit idly by with our hands clasped over our ears like “hear-no-evil-monkeys” and pretend we don’t hear the vulgar, nasty words that flow so naturally from the tongues of popular people today? Or, will we have the moral courage to object to such filth, lies and gossip—especially when they come from our leaders?
Rev. Franklin Graham has that kind of courage. A few weeks ago, Rev. Graham sent the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, a note telling him to please eliminate the vulgar language he so often uses in his campaign speeches. Trump’s initial response was to publicly thumb his nose at Rev. Graham by announcing at one of his political rallies that Rev. Graham was wrong in making such a request. Trump indicated that he planned to continue lacing his speeches with gutter language. But, following the assassination attempt on his life, Trump seems to have reconsidered Graham’s advice. During his recent speech at the Republican National Convention, Trump made reference to Rev. Graham and his earlier suggestion for Trump to use some mouth wash to purge poisonous language from his public discourse. Trump stated: “I want to thank Franklin Graham for being here tonight, he’s an outstanding man. . . He wrote me a note recently—I have a lot of respect for him.” Then, Trump quoted from Graham’s letter in which he told Trump: “Sir, I love your storytelling. I think it’s great in front of the big rallies. But sir, please do me one favor. . . Please, don’t use any foul language.” Trump went on to say: “I think Franklin’s been fantastic. And I’m trying, I’m working so hard to adhere to his note to me.” Then, referring to the assassination attempt on his life, former president Trump added: “But if the events of . . . Saturday make anything clear, it is that every single moment we have on earth is a gift from God.” Rev. Graham responded on his “X” account by posting: “I recently told President Trump that his stories would be even better without foul language. It seems like he really took that to heart! He’s also right about this— ‘Every single moment is a gift from God.’”[7] Amen to that! It was a miracle that Donald Trump wasn’t killed by the gunman who clipped his ear. I, like Franklin Graham, pray for another miracle: That Donald Trump will follow through on taming his tongue as his campaign moves forward. For him, it is not so much that his political future is at stake. Rather, what is really at risk for Mr. Trump and others like him (whether they are Republicans, Democrats, Independents or politically disinterested) is their eternal life if they fail to tame their poisonous tongues. All of us, from the greatest to the least, need to accept God’s bit to curb the evil of our poisonous tongues.
This portion of James’ letter is primarily focused on matters involving evil speech. And yet, his imagery of a horse with a bit in his mouth, as well as a huge ship with a small rudder reaches farther than a focus on our speech alone. In other words, James is calling Christians to “tame” their speech as an ACT OF FAITH.[8] Last Sunday, we mentioned James’ emphasis on the connection between faith and “works” (i.e., “good deeds”). In this regard, James teaches us: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26 (NIV) In today’s Scripture from James, chapter 3, he emphasizes the relationship between speech and the way we conducts our lives. He wants us to realize that a Christian’s speech must match up with their lifestyles.[9]
We need to start by acknowledging that the human heart is filled with sin. The Prophet Jeremiah confirms just how bad our hearts can be. He tells us: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT2) So, how does James address this primary problem with the human heart? In his illustrations, he is trying to get us to see that mastering something as small as our tongues will result in big changes in our lives. You see, the failure to tame your tongue is an indicator of a deeper problem. A sinful tongue is a symptom of a sick and sinful heart. Jesus wants to give you a new heart that can tame an unruly tongue.[10] That’s what Jesus meant when He said: “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. WHAT YOU SAY FLOWS FROM WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART.” Luke 6:45 (NLT2) So, you will never master your tongue, or any other area of sin in your life, until you allow Jesus into your heart. You need a bit in your mouth and rudder on your ship. The question is whose bit and rudder will you chose? Will it be the bit and rudder offered by Jesus, or the ones that Satan would love to give you? Your choice will make all the difference in the way you live here on earth. And, more importantly, your choice will decide your eternal destination as well.
But, in making that choice, sometimes Christians suffer from the tendency of minimizing certain sins in their lives. If a sin doesn’t fit squarely within the Ten Commandments, they reason that committing such a “little sin” is no big deal. Now, before going on, let me say that, from God’s perspective, there is no such thing as a “little sin.” Sin is rebellion against God—pure and simple. Whether it’s a “little” rebellion or a “big” one, it’s all SIN just the same. Nevertheless, some people try to tell themselves: “Well, today, I lived a pretty good Christian life. I didn’t commit any ‘big sins.’ I didn’t murder anyone. I didn’t sleep with someone’s spouse. I didn’t rob any banks, etc.” But, the reality is they may have done other things—thinking them to be “little sins—that are actually “big sins.” Maybe they glared with “murder in their hearts” at that person who cut in front of them at the checkout line at Walmart. While they were browsing online , maybe they peaked into that porn website. Or, perhaps, they took that pack of copy paper from their employer’s supply room when they were a little short on paper at home. But, then they assured themselves: “But hey—who doesn’t commit ‘little sins.’ They couldn’t possibly count against me—right?” AH, YEAH!—NEWS FLASH—THEY DO COUNT! Throughout the Bible, we are told why they matter to God and—for that reason alone—should matter to us as well.
Let me take you back to the third reported sinner in world history. He was a man named “Cain.” Although he was the third sinner after his parents, Adam and Eve, he bears the infamous distinction of being the very first murderer—for it was Cain who killed his brother, Abel. But, Cain had no excuse because God had tried to set Cain on the right course well before this murder. God had approached Cain and warned him about the sin of anger, greed and jealousy that he was harboring in his life. Cain needed to stop clinging to these evil habits that were guiding his life like an evil bit or a ruinous rudder. And so, God told him: “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Genesis 4:7 (NIV) The problem was Cain didn’t listen. It appears that Cain felt like anger, greed and jealousy were just “little sins” that he didn’t need to address. And so, these “little sins” kept “crouching” at Cain’s door until one day they pounced upon him like a pack of hungry wolves and consumed him.
In conclusion, as you think about what James’ has to tell us in this passage, consider two things. First, some people have the problem of allowing their tongues to kick in gear before their brains ever start up. Consequently, they say things that are harmful—whether it’s ugly, vile words, or gossip or insults or half-truths. To avoid that, before speaking, take a deep breath and pause. We need to allow our brains to fire up and restrain our tongues before they cause unintended damage. Remember what James told us last Sunday: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak. . .” James 1:19 (NIV) The greater problem is when your tongue replaces your brain, and your heart isn’t right with God. When that happens, it becomes extremely difficult to remind yourself of Jesus’ Second Greatest Commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Matthew 22:39 (TEV) If we would obey that Commandment, gossip, the spread of malicious misinformation, down-right insults and angry words would rapidly disappear.
The second thing that we can glean from what James tells us is that a “little sin” in your life is actually a big problem. Just because you think a sin is hidden from the eyes of the public doesn’t mean it’s a “little sin” that God can’t see—for God sees all things.[11] Strangely enough, some of the “biggest sins” are those that people seem to think they can cover up. Recently, we have seen some big Christian ships that have sunk due to these kinds of sin. The sad examples of international evangelist Ravi Zacharias, Bill Hybels at Willow Creek Community Church, celebrity pastor Carl Lentz of the Hillsong Church, and the rather curious case of Tony Evans who recently stepped down as senior pastor of his megachurch in Dallas, Texas, due to some undisclosed past sin[12]—these are but a few of the cases that come to mind. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can’t hide your sin from God.[13]
For those who repent and turn to Jesus, He gives us the power to resist the temptation if sin. But, Satan does not want that for your life. Rather, he wants to put his bit in your mouth. Satan wants you to steer your life using his rudder. His bit and rudder will enslave you. But, for those who fully surrender to Christ, there is Good News. A day is coming very soon when all tongues will be in harmony. “For the Scriptures say, ‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and EVERY TONGUE will confess and give praise to God.’” Romans 14:11 (NLT2) We need for our minds and souls to be guided by Christ’s bit and His rudder that set us free[14] so that our tongues can sing praises in God’s Name![15]
And yet, in the present world, there is a natural human tendency to reject the idea of having a bit in one’s mouth or someone else’s rudder to guide us. In our fallen state, we see that as a great burden and a yoke upon our freedom. But, when you commit your life to Christ, you can see that the opposite is true. You come to understand what Jesus means in telling us: 28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT2) You see, the reality is this: When you allow Jesus’ bit into your mouth, it isn’t an unpleasant thing. Rather, it is a very sweet thing. Instead of your tongue producing sour, distasteful words, it will gravitate to speaking more in accordance with God’s Word—Words, that the Psalmist describe as being sweeter than honey.[16] That’s the taste you truly want on your tongue—for it is a foretaste of Heaven itself! This morning, make certain your “bit” and your “rudder” have you directed on that Heaven-bound course.
Let us pray.
Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor
Forest Hill Baptist Church
July 28, 2024
©2024 All Rights Reserved as follows:
Anyone is at liberty to use this sermon or any portions thereof for educational or religious purposes, with or without credit. The pastor believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God’s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.
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[1] “Missed the Point,” House to House, Heart to Heart, www.housetohouse.com, Vol. 26, No. 12, p. 3.
[2] George M. Stulac, James, ed. Grant R. Osborne, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 124.
[3] 2nd Thessalonians 2:13 “But we must forever give thanks to God for you, our brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose from the very first to give you salvation, cleansing you by the work of the Holy Spirit and by your trusting in the Truth.” (TLB)
[4] Mark 3:21 “And when His family heard it [i.e., that Jesus was preaching to large crowds], they went out to seize Him, for they were saying, ‘He is out of His mind.’” (ESV).
[5] Gary Holloway, James & Jude, ed. Jack Cottrell, Ph.D. and Tony Ash, Ph.D., (Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Co., 1996), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 79.
[6] Ibid, at 79.
[7] Joe Marusak, “NC’s Franklin Graham had a plea to Donald Trump, and he listened. ‘I’ve been very good,’” The Charlotte Observer, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/nc-s-franklin-graham-had-a-plea-to-donald-trump-and-he-listened-i-ve-been-very-good/ar-BB1qkOaP?ocid=BingNewsSerp (July 21, 2024).
[8] Gary Holloway, James & Jude, ed. Jack Cottrell, Ph.D. and Tony Ash, Ph.D., (Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Co., 1996), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 79.
[9] Ibid, at 79.
[10] Ezekiel 36:26-27 26 “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (NLT2)
[11] Proverbs 15:3 “The LORD sees what happens everywhere; he is watching us, whether we do good or evil.” (TEV)
[12] Anthony Robledo, “Who is Tony Evans? Pastor who stepped down from church over ‘sin’ committed years ago,” USA Today, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/06/11/who-is-tony-evans/74064516007/ (June 12, 2024).
[13] Hebrews 4:13 “There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.” (TEV)
[14] John 8:32 [Jesus said:] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (CSB)
[15] Psalm 51:14 “Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.” (NIV)
[16] Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (NKJV)
Topics: Christian Self-discipline
