Taming the Tongue: A Sermon on James 5:9 and the Power of Words
Scripture Reading: James 5:7-9
The words we speak have immense power. They can build up or tear down, heal or wound, bring life or death. Today, we will focus on James 5:9, "Do not grumble against one another, brethren," and explore the misuse and right use of the tongue, drawing lessons from the entire book of James.
I. The Misuse of the Tongue: A Destructive Force
A. The Tongue as a Fire (James 3:5-6):
• "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."
• James vividly portrays the destructive power of the tongue, comparing it to a fire that can consume a vast forest.
B. The Prevalence of Tongue-Related Sins in James:
• 1:26: The need to bridle the tongue.
• 2:12: Speak as if you were in judgment.
• 3:1ff: Beware of the untrained tongue.
• 3:6; 4:11, 12; 5:9: The tongue set against members, speaking evil, and grumbling.
C. Speaking Evil and Judging (James 4:11):
• "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge."
• Speaking evil encompasses slander and gossip, which James equates to speaking against and judging God's law.
• This is further supported by 1 Peter 2:1 and Ephesians 4:31, 32.
D. Grumbling and Groaning (James 5:9):
• "Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!"
• Grumbling signifies groaning with complaint, leading to condemnation by the Judge.
E. Examples of Grumbling (Mark 14:4-6):
• The disciples grumbled against the woman who anointed Jesus with fragrant oil, demonstrating how easily we can criticize others' good deeds.
F. The Devil as a Slanderer (2 Timothy 3:3, Matthew 4:1):
• The Greek word for "slanderers" (diabolos) is the same word used for "devil." Slander is a diabolical act.
G. Solutions to Slander:
• Don't believe "about-talk" (Acts 21:21, 24): Verify information before accepting it.
• Don't repeat "about-talk" (Proverbs 11:13; 17:9): Refrain from spreading gossip.
• Attach the name of the "informer" (1 Corinthians 1:11; Proverbs 26:20): Hold people accountable for their words.
• Do not associate (Proverbs 20:19; Titus 3:8-11): Avoid those who habitually slander.
• Proverbs 18:17: "The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him."
• Matthew 18:15: "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother."
• 2 Corinthians 12:20-21: Paul's concern about contentions, backbitings, and unrepentant sin in the Corinthian church.
• Corinthian Division:
◦ In Teachers (1 Corinthians 1:10-3:23)
◦ In Ethics (1 Corinthians 5; 6)
◦ In Liberties (1 Corinthians 8-10)
◦ In Worship (1 Corinthians 11-14)
◦ In Doctrine (1 Corinthians 15)
◦ In Personal Conversations (2 Corinthians 12:20)
II. The Right Use of the Tongue: A Tool for Blessing
A. Including God in Plans (James 4:13-17):
• Speak with humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty over our lives.
B. Speaking Truthfully (James 5:12):
• Let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no, avoiding oaths and deceit.
C. Praying and Singing (James 5:13):
• Use our voices to praise God in joy and to seek His comfort in sorrow.
D. Confessing Sins (James 5:16):
• Confess our sins to one another, seeking forgiveness and healing.
- Preaching on Saying No to a Crazy Life
- Preaching on Complacency: The Silent Thief of Spiritual Vigilance
- Preaching on Revelation: Unveiling the Victory
Conclusion:
Let us heed the warnings of James and strive to tame our tongues. Let us use our words to build up, encourage, and bless, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Let us remember that the Judge is standing at the door, and let our speech be seasoned with grace, bringing glory to God. Amen.
