The Tongue is a Fire
Thesis: To teach the hearers the power of speech, how it needs to be used aright, having one’s life aligned with it.
Text: James 3:1-18
Introduction,
In this lesson we will be looking into the “Epistle of James.” It has been called by some the “Proverbs of the NT,” “a book of wise sayings” for the fact that it is very practical and applicable.
Yet every verse of Bible is applicable to one’s life, the Bible is not a dead letter, or “only” a love letter from the mind of God, as some might assert.
It is indeed a love letter in a sense, God’s love is shown in it though the facts which it reveals, concerning the origin of man, the entering of sin into the world, and God's unfolding plan for the redemption of man, the eternal purpose, the church, the kingdom, being brought to fruition as a working, spiritual organism.
It gives the all important answer to the question, “what must I do to be saved?” by the revealed gospel plan of salvation; and explains how the Christian is to live a holy life in this world as heirs of eternal life.
In fact God’s word gives us “all things” that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3), generally speaking .
Along with the plan of salvation, there is also revealed the organization and work of the church, the “ekklesia” the “called out ones”, the duties of the faithful Christian, and what we can expect when we partake of physical death, from that point on into eternity.
And anything not found in His word nor aligned with it, are not the commands of God, we will be judged by it (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12), thus let us live by it (Col 3:16), properly applying it to our lives, in order that we may hear those longed for words on That Day, “well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord” (Mt 25:21).
In the 3rd chapter of James, the inspired penman, deals with a problem of his day and of ours also, “the want of many to be teachers of the Faith,” it deals with the great importance of communicating God’s message properly, the control of one’s tongue, and the avoidance of hypocrisy out of the mouths and lives of those that do teach.
It is easy to make application of these lessons by us that do teach publicly today, and to all Christians, who are to teach through one’s words and lives, holding forth the word of life (Phili 2:16), shining as lights in a dark and dying, sin sick world (Mt 5:16).
Thus we will break down this lesson into 4 basic sections . . .
1) The control of the tongue (v 1-2)
2) The power of the tongue (v 3-8)
3) The hypocrisy of the tongue (v 9-12)
4) The wisdom that should guide the tongue (v 13-18)
I. THE CONTROL OF THE TONGUE (Ja 3:1-2)
A. (v 1)
Jam 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter (heavier; greater) judgment. (NASB)
Chapter 3 of James is based upon this verse, the first two words here “Let (Be) not” are in the imperative mood, thus this is a command, not merely a suggestion.
1. In the Greek language when something is in the “imperative mood” it means just that, “it is imperative that one do what is stated.”
2. Every Scripture is inspired of God, it is God breathed, it originates from Him (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21), God through the Holy Spirit gave men the very “words” to write down in the original manuscripts, He didn’t put thoughts in their minds and left it up to the fallible penmen to choose the words, but rather gave them the very “words” to use, and they were recorded flawlessly by the power of God (2 Sam 23:2; Jer 1:9; 1 Cor 2:10-13; 1 Thess 2:13).
2Sa 23:2 "The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.
Jer 1:9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
1Co 2:13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
1Th 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
3. This is why it is important that we have a “word for word” translation of the Bible (KJV, ASV, YLT, NKJV, NASB; ESV), when one goes to versions such as the (NIV, NLT) what you are reading is what men think that God meant, instead of what He actually said, this allows for their theological errors to be brought into a text, and many times it does, we see original sin, premillennialism, over riding one’s will, just to name a prevalent few, promoted as truth, when in actuality the Bible teaches none of these.
4. Here the inspired penman was commanding them “let not many of you become teachers,” but why?
a. It seems some had a desire to become teachers of God’s word, and it is certainly a worthy task to take upon oneself, so there was likely some problem involved, there are two likely possibilities this was brought up.
1) It was considered a position of honor, (which some were seeking after for honor’s sake alone, and not for the glory of God, and the good of others).
2) Also in the Roman guild system (which was similar to our labor unions), the son was to follow in their father’s trade, this was to ensure that there was a sufficient number of various types of craftsmen throughout the empire.
b. Yet there were two expectable reasons under Roman law by which one could bypass this statute . . .
1) If one enlisted in the Roman army.
2) Or if one became a religious teacher.
c. Thus it is thought that this may have added to the number of men that decided to do such.
d. Yet this position carries with it a heavy responsibility and repercussions for those that do it not properly, as affirmed by our Lord (Matt 5:19; Gal 1:8-9) . . .
Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
e. Paul wrote . . .
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema; devoted to hell without the hope of redemption).
Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed (anathema).
f. Thus those that take part in teaching must at least meet the most obvious of requirements . . .
1) One must be faithful to the word (2 Tim 2:2).
2) One must posses knowledge of the word, one cannot teach, what he does not know (2 Tim 2:15).
3) One must posses the ability to teach, one can have an astounding amount of knowledge, but if a person is unable to communicate this information to others effectively, it offers little good to others.
4) One must be attempting to live a life lined up with that which he teaches (1 Tim 4:16).
g. Thus the inspired James here is not condemning the “desire” for some to become teachers, but rather the “reason” for which that desire was in them, whether it be for notorieties sake (the pride of life; 1 Jn 2:16), or some other reason besides the love of others souls (1 Tim 1:7; Col 2:8).
1Ti 1:7 They want to be teachers of the Law, yet they do not understand either what they are talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently. (ISV)
Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
5. Application can be quickly made in the church today, in most larger congregations (which are basically oversized because they meet in unscriptural buildings; 1 Cor 3:9; instead of the scriptural house church; Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phile 2) there are a number of children’s classes, each styled to a certain age group, and teachers are needed for said classes.
a. But many times these teachers are not qualified, they may look up certain passages in denominational commentaries and end up teaching the children error, or they may obtain some liberal curriculum that teaches some of the false doctrines propagated in the church today (such as the gap theory, theistic evolution, total depravity) being totally unaware that they are teaching error.
b. Then, if and when this is found out, the children have to be retaught, and the mess cleaned up, yet some of said errors may stick in the children’s minds and have eternal consequences.
c. It is better, if we don’t have enough qualified teachers, to let the adults learn in the assembly, and let the children learn to behave therein, if the lesson is too complex for them, then the fathers can teach their children what they learned at home as commanded in Eph 6:4.
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (ESV)
d. Many congregations are not growing in knowledge today for this very reason, a large number of the adults are teaching children and not learning correctly themselves, thus they remain stagnant in their own Christian growth, for it is written (2 Pet 3:18; 1 Pet 2:2),
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
e. Teachers must be diligent students of the word of God (2 Tim 2:15),
2Ti 2:15 Do your best (give diligence; study) to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
f. Which takes many hours, months, perhaps even years.
B. (v 2)
Jas 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
This verse shows us the universality of sin, thus James includes himself in this group; this fact is also affirmed by the apostle John in 1 John 1:8, where the context concerns antinomian Gnostics, who thought they were impervious to sin (1 John 1:8)
1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1. We must understand that though the writings of inspired men found in the Bible are the flawless, all sufficient word of God, they themselves were not; as seen in the case of Peter’s denial of Christ (Mt 26), in his displaying of hypocrisy in Gal 2:11; and Paul’s and James’ involvement with a Nazarite vow in Acts 21. Thus we need to recognize the difference between inspired writings, and imperfect men.
2. The word “stumble” here is in the present tense which denotes continuous action, yet it must be understood that in the present tense it is either punctilear (. . .), or linear action (_____ ), and is defined by context.
a. The Scriptures teach that those that practice sin (linear action) are separated from God (Isa 59:2; 2 Jn 1:9), this was the lethal error of the Gnostics and is what 1st Epistle of John is combating; thus we must conclude that this denotes punctilear (point) action, scattered sins through ignorance or at moments of weakness.
b. When this takes place the Christian is to repent and confess of said sins to God (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9), in order that forgiveness may take place, this is how a Christian walks in the light of the perfect Law of liberty (Ja 1:25; 1 John 1:7), even though he himself is imperfect.
3. The word “perfect” here is “telios” it denotes “completeness, mature, full grown,” not “perfection” (without a single error) as we understand it today.
a. For the plain fact of the multitude of words used in teaching, the shear numbers alone, this is likely to bring about some mistakes.
b. But one who has mastered his tongue, is likely also to be one who has gained control over the inner appetites which often lead the physical body astray (Pro 21:23) . . .
Pro 21:23 He who guards (keeps) his mouth and his tongue Guards (keeps) his soul from troubles. (NASB)
c. So this speaks of not of sinless perfection, no one except Christ was able to accomplish that (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22), but rather of one who learns and grows from his mistakes, becoming more likened unto God (Col 3:10), like Christ (1 Cor 11:1) as he lives and grows in the Christian life, through the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Tit 3:5).
4. Thus it is easy to see the importance of “the control of the tongue,” for the teacher, and for all Christians (Christ followers), for Jesus has said (Mt 12:36-37) . . .
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
II. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE (Ja 3:3-8)
A. (v 3-5)
Jas 3:3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
Jas 3:4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
Jas 3:5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
Little things often accomplish great results, a few pound bridle can control a 1,000 lb horse, a relatively small rudder is able to control a ship of amazing tonnage, the same can be said of the tongue, and the effects can be great or devastating as brought forth in Pro 18:21 . . .
Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . .
1. As a small fire can destroy an entire forest, likewise the tongue is capable starting wars, bringing about divisions that can never be mended, within families, congregations, or nations.
a. But as a fire can also warm a cold body and cook nourishing meals, likewise the tongue is also able to encourage the downtrodden, build up the weak, and instruct the unlearned unto eternal life.
b. Let us keep in mind that the context is Christian teachers, this is the main thrust of these teachings.
B. (v 6)
Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining (defiling) the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and (is) set on fire by hell.
1. The tongue is like a fire in 3 ways . . .
1) It inflicts pain
2) Destruction comes about from it.
3) There are lasting effects which afterwards follow it.
2. Improper use of the tongue pollutes the entire person, the Lord said (Mt 15:18) . . .
Mat 15:18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
3. The “wheel of nature” (ASV) or “the course of nature” (NKJV) here refers to “the whole of one’s life,” the ESV translates it as “the entire course of life” the inspired James is teaching that the tongue can have a lasting effect on one’s entire existence.
a. Just think about words you may have said “hurtfully” to someone or “without thinking” and wish you could take back, oftentimes it just can’t be done effectively.
b. Thus our words could lead us to Gehenna Hell if we don’t attain forgiveness and learn to extinguish this fire, as our Lord does affirm in Mt 12:36-37 . . .
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
4. Hell is a real place, in fact, besides here, the word translated “hell” (ge-hen-na) is used 11 other times in the NT, and all of these are used by Jesus, to denote “the eternal fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt 25:41; Enoch 10:11-14), which corresponds with the “lake of fire” in which the lost will spend eternity being punished or annihilated depending upon your view of the second death (Rev 20:15).
Rev 20:14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
a. Let us not allow our tongues, our words be the tool in which the devil rules us and ultimately sends us to hell through, but rather let us confess our sins to God with our tongues, confess Jesus with our tongues, unto heaven instead of hell.
C. (v 7-8)
Jas 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
Jas 3:8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
In the beginning, God gave man dominion over the animals, birds, fish, and so forth (Gen 1:26),
1. It would seem that man and beast alike were “only” allowed to eat plant life (Gen 1:29-30), and that there was no fear of man in the animals, for they were originally purposed to be companions for man (Gen 2:19-20), they even were given the power of speech, but that was taken away by God because they used this gift to lead humanity into sin (Jubilees 3:17-35).
a. But after the flood, God put the fear of man into the animals (Gen 9:2), and after that man was given the animals to eat (Gen 9:3), but not the blood (Gen 9:4), for the life (i.e. spirit; Jn 6:63) is in the blood and it was given to atone for our souls (Lev 17:11), humanity is commanded to abstain from blood even today in the NT age (Acts 15:29).
b. And every one of those creatures are still in subjection to man’s rule today, they have yielded to his superiority, his reasoning stills, which are in the likeness (image) of God’s (Isa 1:18).
c. The word here translated “tamed” (dam-a-zo) primarily means to “tame” but the secondary definition of this word is “to subdue, to curb or restrain” and seems to better fit the context.
d. There have been many animals domesticated (tamed) by man; but some, such as panthers are unruly, restless; they can be put in a cage, but they keep going back and forth, hoping for escape, it is restrained, but still resists, if that cage door were opened, it would bolt, but when captured and caged by man’s superior wisdom, it is no longer a threat, it is subdued.
2. Yet the tongue, may be (subdued, restrained as these creatures) for 40 years, but not indefinitely, it may break loose one time, and send forth its deadly poison. This shows us the determination and extreme control that must be exercised over the tongue and our need for a perfect Savior to impart His perfection to us (2 Cor 5:21), therefore we have hope (Tit 1:2).
2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be (a) sin (offering) who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Rom 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law (perfection) might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
a. With these facts in view, again “let not many of you become teachers,” only those that can exercise a good degree of self-control (which is a fruit of the Spirit; Gal 5:23), that can speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet 4:11), that are able to answer the opposition (Tit 1:9), according to the revealed word based upon years of diligent study, should do so.
3. And the Christian, who is not in the public teaching platform, ought to be very wary of the potential power contained in words, that of damage and of consolation (encouragement), justification and condemnation (Mt 12:36-37), therefore it is easy to see “the power of the tongue.”
III. THE HYPOCRISY OF THE TONGUE (Ja 3:9-12)
A. (v 9)
Jas 3:9 With it we bless our (the) Lord (God) and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
The greatest and noblest use of the tongue is to give praises to God the Father, while on the other hand one of its greatest evils is to curse men, who are made in the image of God.
1. The word translated “bless” here is “eulogeo” and it means
“to speak well of, to speak a good word” it is where we get our word “eulogy.”
a. Just as you cannot separate Christ from His church (Mt 25:31-46; Acts 9:1-5)
Mat 25:40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
b. Neither can you separate man from God, for he is made in the image of God (Gen 1:26), the likeness of God,
c. He has been given a mind (reasoning faculties; Isa 1:18), a will (Jos 24:15), and is a spirit within a body (Zech 12:1), God also has a mind, a will, and is a Spirit (John 4:24), in fact the Hebrew writer calls Him the Father of our spirits (Heb 12:9).
Heb 12:9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
2. The reason that it is wrong to kill man without justification is because he is made in the image of God (Gen 9:6).
Gen 9:6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for (because) God made man in his own image.
a. The reason that it is wrong to abort an unborn child is because he is made in the image of God (Luke 1:15, 41, 44).
b. The reason that it is wrong to administer euthanasia to the elderly, infirmed or the homeless is because that person is made in the image of God (Job 1:21)
c. In like manner when we speak evil of man, we speak evil of God, thus Paul’s statement in Tit 3:2 . . .
Tit 3:2 . . . speak evil of no one . . .
d. We need to hate one’s sins, speak evil of their sins, but love the person being like God, separating the two (Heb 1:9; Jn 3:16; Eph 5:1)
e. We need to hate every false way (Ps 119:104, 128), but love the person in error enough to tell him or her the Truth, and pray that the seed planted (Luke 8:11) would be in an open and honest heart, that good ground (Luke 8:15).
3. The fact that humans are created in the image of God is also the basis for our carrying the gospel into all the world (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16).
a. Why should we go and preach ? Because they are the vilest of sinners? No! Because that are in the likeness of God. The person may not be worthy, but God is.
b. This is also the basis for our good works, which is the lot of every Christian (Eph 2:10; Gal 6:10). . .
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
B. (v 10-12)
Jas 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Jas 3:11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?
Jas 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
The other things in God’s creation are consistent as God meant them to be . . .
1. Everything reproduces after its own kind (the law of biogenesis).
a. Life came from the living God, not from lifeless matter.
b. Thus those created after the image of God ought to act and speak God-like.
2. This was expected from the beginning.
a. But the will God gave man likened unto His; in order to love Him from the heart, in order to persevere under trials and be faithful unto Him; but man used the gift of free will inordinately, and followed self-centered desires (lusts), thus sin entered into the world.
b. So man is made in the image of God, yet from his tongue comes forth that which is very ungodlike, therein is seen “the hypocrisy of the tongue.”
c. This ought not to be and this is one of many areas in our lives that God through the gospel is attempting to lead us in the Way that leads to life (1 Pet 3:8-12)
1Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
1Pe 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
1Pe 3:10 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
1Pe 3:11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
IV. THE WISDOM THAT SHOULD GUIDE THE TONGUE (Ja 3:13-18)
A. (v 13)
Jas 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good (life) conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Wisdom comes from God (Ja 1:5), it came miraculously in the first century (1 Cor 12:8)
1. We get that wisdom today from God providentially, from study (reading and considering facts) in God’s Holy Spirit delivered and confirmed word (2 Tim 2:15).
2. To bring forth God’s will to others, one need’s to learn first, and then teach.
a. Thus, if one wants to teach (the context), and is wise and understanding from learning God’s word, let him show forth these 2 attributes . . .
(1) His good life . . .
a. Which entails living a life according to the scriptures¸ which includes doing good works, for which we have been preordained to do in Christ (Eph 2:10) . . .
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(2) and meekness of wisdom or literally “wise meekness.”
b. One must posses “wise meekness”, not be a braggart, nor one that exalts one’s self, but rather one who possesses a wisdom that is controlled and portioned out, in order to accomplish God’s will on earth through himself. Let us keep in mind that “meekness” is defined as “strength under control”, this word in the original referred to wild horses that were tamed, we also are to be under the control of, tamed, by our God.
B. (v 14)
Jas 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (faction) in your hearts, do not boast and (lie against) be false to the truth.
Verse 13 showed us the positive attributes needed for bringing forth God’s will, this verse shows us some negatives we ought not practice.
1. The word translated “jealousy” here comes from the Greek word “ze-los”
a. It is used in the good sense (zealous; zeal) in the Scriptures
b. Or in a bad sense (jealous; ASV; envying; KJV) as seen here, context dictates its translation.
c. We need zeal to go, and speak the Truth, the gospel of Christ to others.
d. While envy is discontent, bitter, harsh, it’s a hateful type of zeal towards other’s accomplishments
2. “Faction” (ASV) or “strife” (KJV) here refers to the desire to put one’s self forward with a factious spirit or rivalry, competition, to destroy another in order to lift up one’s self, thus some translations render this “self-seeking” (NKJV) or “selfish ambition” (ESV).
a. This is a problem seen with preachers today, attempting to put one’s self forward of others and their spreading of the Truth, we should be thankful when others are spreading the borders of the kingdom, and pray that they and we may bear much fruit.
3. “Do not boast and lie against the Truth,” there is to much, “me, me,” and “I, I,”
these days, rather it should be, “speak Lord Thy servant heareth” (1 Sam 3:10), humbleness is our lot in Christ, not boastful pride (Ja 4:10) . . .
Jam 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.
a. The “Truth” here would be God’s revealed will, His word, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17), we must always be aligned with the “Truth.”
b. We can’t oppose the “Truth” by bringing forth “some new thing” in order to lift ourselves up,
c. Yet we should examine everything, if it is truth, OK, but our motivation is paramount, it is to be humble, based upon the love of God and others . . . (Mt 22:37-39)
Mat 22:37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the great and first commandment.
Mat 22:39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor (others) as yourself.
C. (v 15)
Jas 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (sensual), demonic.
This (factious, envying, boasting, lying against the word) is a wisdom that promotes self and not God (1 Cor 10:31), it will be manifest in our words. Let us remember the context of teachers, who wanted to be teachers for the wrong reasons.
1. Christians are either spiritual (living, talking, acting as directed by the Holy Spirit delivered word of God, that sword of the Spirit; Eph 6:17), or they are carnal (living, talking, and acting like those of the world), one emulates, imitates God, or Satan . . .
a. There has never been any middle ground for the child of God as affirmed by the Lord . . . (Mt 12:30)
Mat 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
2. That which originates “not” from God, the precepts of men (which produces vain worship; Mt 15:9; will worship Col 2:23) are defined as doctrines of demons, as seen the 1 Tim 4, where it speaks of the coming apostasy (1 Tim 4:1-3) . . .
1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit says expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Ti 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats (foods), which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
a. This is why God’s word can be our only creed, the creeds of men are made because they basically don’t believe what the Bible says, therefore they have to reword the Word, here is a wise saying concerning the creeds of men . . .
b. “If it has less than the Bible, it has too little,
If it has more than the Bible, it has too much,
If it has exactly the same content as the Bible, we don’t need it,
we have the Bible.”
c. I want to qualify this saying, I believe that many uninspired men took away much of God’s word over the centuries to fit their doctrines of men. Books like Enoch, Jubilees, and the so called apocrypha should still be included in the Bible, the Ethiopian church is one of the few that still hold to the original 1st century canon.
D. (v 16)
Jas 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Here is the fruit of that earthly, sensual, demonical wisdom which is not from heaven, we always need to ask the question Jesus asked concerning the baptism of John, and apply it to our every practice . . .
1. “Is it from heaven, or from men” (Mt 21:25).
2. This is to be the Christian’s clarion call (Col 3:17a) . . .
Col 3:17a And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
a. “In the name of” means “by the authority of” and is similar to “in the name of the law.”
b. Authority is always given, authority that is taken, is rebellion, and the whole of scriptures affirm this truth, those that took it, were punished by the mighty hand of God.
c. God may not be miraculously dropping people dead in their sins today, but the things written in the OT are to teach us, to warn us (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:6, 11; Heb 4:9-13), all the ledgers will be paid on The Judgment Day (Eccl 12:13-14).
Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
D. (v 17)
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (without hypocrisy).
That which comes from heaven, God’s once and for all time settled word (Ps 119:89), is pure (Ps 12:6).
Psa 12:6 The words of Jehovah are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, Purified seven times.
1. That pure doctrine of Christ, the apostle’s doctrine, the Gospel, the Way, the Truth, the word of God, it produces these traits today in the Christian . . .
a. “Peaceable” . . . Christians are at peace with God, and with all people as much as is possible within the sphere of God’s commands (Rom 12:18), the one Faith must be contended for (Jude 3), yet in a gentle fashion, for without such people cannot be saved, the church (the called out ones) are to be the pillar and ground of the Truth (1 Tim 3:15).
b. “Gentle” this keeps us from demanding our own way, it makes us fair, kind, and reasonable, neither are we to be ravening madmen in our defense of the gospel.
c. “Open to reason (easy to be entreated),” we need to be ready to hear anyone on any subject, and be open to the “Truth” for there is but one, and if we possess it, it will stand under scrutiny, if it doesn’t, we need to change.
d. “Full of mercy” here refers to compassion, a desire to help those in need, those that don’t posses mercy will not experience it on the Judgment Day (Ja 2:13).
e. “Good fruits” are that which come forth from those who let the seed of the kingdom, which is the word of God (Lk 8:11), work within them, and through their lives.
f. “Impartial (without variance)” one’s faith, disposition, words and actions are to be consistent, not uncertain or indecisive, to be otherwise would make you the “double minded person of Ja 1:8.
g. “Without hypocrisy (sincere)” hypocrisy is a form of dishonesty, on the surface the hypocrite seems to be one thing, but is reality he is something totally different. The word “hypocrite” originates from an actor is ancient plays who would don two masks and play two differing roles at the same time.
2. These traits are essential for the public teacher, and for all Christians who are to be salt and lights in this dark and dying world.
E. (v 18)
Jas 3:18 And a harvest (the fruit) of righteousness is sown in peace by (for) those who make peace.
“The fruit of righteousness” is “the doing of which righteousness promotes in the obedient,” righteousness is doing right, doing what God says (Ps 119:172; Acts 10:34-35; Rom 1:16-17; 10:1-4; 1 John 3:7)
Psa 119:172 Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness. (ASV)
Act 10:34 And Peter, opening his mouth, said: "In truth I comprehend that God is not One to show partiality.
Act 10:35 But in every nation, he that fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable to Him.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
Rom 10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.
Rom 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Rom 10:3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed (the word; Lk 8:11) abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
1. Thus James is basically summarizing here . . .
a. The truly wise person is not one who sows seeds of discord to lift one’s self up,
but rather seeks to bring true peace between God and man – never compromising the Truth, but in a peaceful manner, with reverence and fear, seeking the lost, only the gospel of Christ can accomplish this peace (Rom 5:1-11).
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Rom 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Rom 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—
Rom 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
3. This is “the true wisdom that should guide the tongue.”
Conclusion,
1. In this lesson we looked at . . .
1) The control of the tongue (v 1-2)
2) The power of the tongue (v 3-8)
3) The hypocrisy of the tongue (v 9-12)
4) The wisdom which should guide the tongue (v 13-18)
2. Yet that wisdom should not only guide the tongue, but also our bodies, our minds, our spirits and the entirety of our lives, this is God’s will for the whole of mankind (Eccl 12:13; 2Cor 6:16-7:1; John 14:15; 1 Pet 1:15).
3. He sent forth His Son born of a virgin, the Son declared the Father, shed His blood in His obedience unto death, leaving for us that example of how far we are to go in our obedience, unto death if necessary (Heb 5:8-9).
4. He was raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven and is at the right hand of the Father, that place of power, and is presently ruling over His kingdom. His church, His body, through the New Covenant, which originated from the Father.
5. We too, can look forward to heaven, but we must believe and obey, as did He, looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. The Way has been the same for almost 2,000 years . . .
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17).
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Jn 20:31), Who died for our sins, was raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-4), and ascended into heaven (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:51; Acts 1:9-11), being our Forerunner (Heb 6:20), our living hope (1 Pet 1:3-4).
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) leaving that old person behind, don’t try and drag him along
Confess Christ before people (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), this promotes into all the world, and makes us salt and light (Mt 5:13-16).
Be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27), into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
And live a holy life (1 Pet 1;15), being determined to follow God’s instructions, the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, that perfect Law that produces spiritual liberty, with our tongues, our minds, our bodies, all that we have and are, which are from God (1 Cor 4:7), unto His glory (1 Cor 10:31).