Living Out Our Faith Skillfully - James 3:5 & 6
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Most of you already know where we are headed for this evenings study. We are in the book of James. We are working our way through it doing a very detailed study of each verse, paragraph, and chapter. Our text for this evening is found in James 3. I would remind you that the entire book of James is all about living out our faith. In chapter 3, the focus is on us living out our faith skillfully. Someone who is skillful is someone who is well versed in their particular art or profession. For example, there are skillful mechanics. Men, and today women, who understand all there is about the mechanics of a car and motor. They have mastered the skills of repairing vehicles. Skillful people are people of experience. Skillful people are those who understand the proper use of the tools in their trade. We like skillful people do we not? If you were going in for heart surgery, for example, would you want a hear surgeon who is experienced and skillful or the surgeon who is performing his very first operation? If we have the choice, we want the experienced and skilled surgeon. In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps understand that we must become skillful at living out our faith. We must use daily experiences to grow in our faith. Additionally, we must learn to use the tools skillfully as live out our faith each day.
One such tool is our tongue. The tongue and its use is the focal point at the beginning of this chapter.
Let’s read the entire paragraph and then we will come back to verses 5 and 6.
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Now go back to verses 5 and 6 where we read.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
GRAMMAR STUDY
GRAMMAR STUDY
Now, before we go much further, you have already the handout with the grammatical work that I did. Instead of me going through and listing them verbally, I have provided the handout for you study on your own. So I am not going to take the time to go through each of these. Instead, I am just going to point out to you anything that stood out as being significant to me as I was doing the grammatical study.
The word “matter” is a word that surprised me as I was studying. Normally, in today’s English and in the context is used, we think of matter as being a substance of some particular kind. For instance, if I say, “Most vegetable matter is compostable”you understand that I am talking about substance that makes up vegetables. However, as I was studying this word, I found that in the Greek language, the original language of the New Testament, the word “matter” is the Greek word used for a forest. Thus, when we read, “How great a matter a little fire kindleth!” it means how great a forest a little fire kindleth or as we know sets on fire. We will come back to that thought in a few minutes when we do our Spiritual Application. I just found that to be interesting.
Another thing that was curiosity to me was some other things like “a world of iniquity,” “the course of nature,” and “set on fire of hell.”
If you look at the notes I gave you, we find the following.
“world of iniquity” means totally unrighteous. “World” has the idea of complete or total. “Iniquity” is, as we know, anything unrighteous failing to meet or adhere to God’s principles, commands, or laws. Thus, our tongue, representing our flesh, is completely and totally unrighteous in its original state.
“course of nature” means the original course of man’s existence. It is a phrase that takes us back to our original sinful state. Remember that Scripture is quite clear in Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Again, we read in Romans 5:12 “12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Thus, nature’s course (origin) is sinful origin due to Adam’s rebellion to God’s command. In our context, the tongue left unchecked will always light the fire of original sin.
“set on fire of hell” gives us the thought that a sinful tongue is a product of hell itself. The verb phrase “set on fire” literally means to set ablaze, to set fire to, or to cause to start burning. Hell, as we know, is a place torment noted for its fire where sinners suffer eternal damnation.
Now, let’s move to the Spiritual Application of these verses.
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION
As always, I like to explore the answer to two very important questions. The first of which is this.
What is the Holy Spirit talking about?
What is the Holy Spirit talking about?
Obviously, the Holy Spirit is talking our tongues. Our tongue is the instrument that we use to communicate with others. In context, the Holy Spirit is addressing the importance of a believer’s use of the tongue. Remember that this chapter and paragraph started with admonition to not seek being a “master” or teacher. Again, we must remember that teaching is a very serious responsibility. The main instrument used in teaching is the tongue. As we will see, the tongue is quite capable of destroying, however, it can also be a wonderful instrument in building up others as well. The tongue, then, is very important and we must learn to use it skillfully according to God’s Word allowing God’s Spirit to control it.
What is the Holy Spirit saying about the tongue?
What is the Holy Spirit saying about the tongue?
Verse 5 states the following.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
First, the tongue “is a little member.” You may remember last week’s study of verses 3 and 4. There the Holy Spirit gave us two example of little things.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
The Tongue is Small
The Tongue is Small
A bit is small. The average size of a bit is about 6 inches. Yet, that small bit is used to control an 1800 lb animal. Helms are a ship’s rudder. Rudders are small. Yet, a small rudder in the hands of a skilled pilot can steer a ship through fierce storms. Each of these are small but yield great power.
In the same manner, the tongue is a “little (small)” part of the body. Here are a few fun facts about the human tongue.
A man’s tongue is typically 3.3 inches in length; however, a woman’s tongue is typically 3.1 inches in length.
Nick Stoebel of Salinis, California holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest tongue recorded at 3.97 inches.
In many cultures around the word, sticking out your tongue is considered rude and quite offensive. However, in Tibet, sticking out your tongue is a way of greeting others. In New Zealand, among the Maori people, sticking out your tongue is part of a war chant and is meant to intimidate the enemy.
Those are some things I found interesting in my research this week. The point, however, is this. Our tongues are small compared to rest of our body. It is a little over 3 inches, but, boy, what power it controls over us and others.
The Tongue is Pride’s Most Valued Tool
The Tongue is Pride’s Most Valued Tool
Note next, according to our text, that the tongue “boasteth great things.”
There is no doubt that all of us are full of pride. It is something that Scripture warns us about in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are just few examples.
2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: Let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Scripture also gives us many example of people who were filled with pride. People such as Pharoah, Naaman, Uzziah, Hezekiah,Haman, Nebuchadnezzar and the list goes on. Of course, the most noted being who filled his heart with pride was Satan.
It is also interesting to note how that many of these individuals exhibited their pride through the use of their tongues. They boasted great things. For example, Satan proclaimed in his own these words.
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
And, so he tried. Christ was quite clear about how what is in our hearts eventually comes out for all to see.
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
So, when the Holy Spirit says the tongue “boasteth great things,” we know that it is pride’s most valuable tool.
We all know this. If you have lived any amount of time around other people, which we all have, you will find how quick the tongue is defending one’s own pride. In fact, all of us are guilty of it. And, it is exactly for this very reason that the Holy Spirit warns us about this small member, the tongue. It is also why the Holy Spirit finishes this verse with an exclamation. Note what He says.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
“Behold” says the Holy Spirit. In other words, “look and see” just “how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” All anyone needs to do to understand just how destructive the tongue can be is to look at a forest devastated by a fire. Just recently and not far from here in North Carolina, there was a great forest fire. Thousands of acres were destroyed. It happens every year all across the United States. Many of those fires started because someone flipped a cigarette butt on the ground. From there, that small spark smoldering on the dry grass erupted into a raging fire destroying forests, homes, and innocent animals. You want an example of how destructive an uncontrolled tongue can be? Look no further than the forest fires. That is the point the Holy Spirit makes.
Now, look quickly at verse 6.
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Not only is the tongue small and pride’s most valuable tool, it is also fire.
The Tongue Uncontrolled is Destructive
The Tongue Uncontrolled is Destructive
We all understand fire. Fire destroys. It is that plain and that simple. Yes, fire can used in good ways. It is used for cooking and for warmth. However, the true essence of fire is that it is an instrument of destruction. Anything that is place in fire is burned up and destroyed. That is the bottom line. It is also the next point the Holy Spirit drives home here.
Note that the Holy Spirit calls it a “world of iniquity.” As we already noted in our Grammar Study, that phrase means that it is completely unrighteous. It is reminder to us that we are sinful people. Sinful people commit sin. It is natural for men to sin because they are born into sin. For this reason, we, as believers, should not be shocked when people sin. Instead, we should be shocked when they actually do something right according to God’s Word but I digress. It is quite natural then for men to sin with their tongues. It is completely unrighteous.
I can give you a very practical example of this point. The world will tell you that our language is evolving. I submit that language is regressing. There was a time not long ago when using curse words in public was not accepted. It was impolite. However, now, you cannot walk through a department store without hearing some use the foulest of language. It used to be that people would say that person speaks like a sailor. Now, our entire population speaks like sailors. Television is just as bad. We have gone from shows like the “Andy Griffith Show” where there are no cuss words to shows today that every other word is a curse word. It is quite shameful to be honest. What has happened? Men are demonstrating the truth of God’s Word. The tongue is a “world of iniquity.” And, when left unchecked, a person’s language becomes worse. Now, today, we have entire society with filthy mouths.
Now, note the Holy Spirit makes it personal to each of us. He says, “so is the tongue among our members.” The tongue is small. It is pride’s most valuable tool. It is fire that destroys. It is a world of iniquity and it resides in all of us. As such, in relation to each of us personally, note two things.
It “defileth the whole body.”
Something defiled is something that is marred, blemished, stained, or flawed. Thus, each of us are flawed by our tongues. The uncontrolled, sinful tongue blemishes us. It causes great stains. We are marred by its uncontrolled use.
2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; Like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
There is no doubt just how corrupt the uncontrolled tongue can be!
Then note the Holy Spirit says this.
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
The tongue “setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” The tongue is small. The majority of people born into this world are born with these very small instruments. Instruments that vital for speech. However, all of us are born into this world already on the path of sin. Thus, the phrase “the course of nature” alludes to our original state of sinfulness. For that reason, I take this to mean that we all are already born with this dangerous tendency to let the tongue have free reign. We are literally born with loose lips.
If you don’t think that is true, spend a few minutes with a 3 or 4 year old. They don’t mind letting you know what they think.
The idea then is we are all born with a small instrument that causes great destruction. It, as the Holy Spirit has noted so adequately, sets everything on fire. The Holy Spirit then makes this statement. The tongue “is set on fire of hell.” We, who know and study God’s Word, associate Hell as the place reserved for the Devil. It is a place that all unbelievers will spend eternity if they do not accept Christ as their personal Savior. I contend then that the uncontrolled tongue is a direct result of man’s original sin and, thus, a product of Hell.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Let me end with this. We must remember that the Holy Spirit is utilizing the apostle James as He writes this letter to believers. We established that fact in chapter one. The context is a believer desiring to teach. Teaching involves using the tongue. We must be aware that the tongue is an “unruly evil.” (verse 8) And, yes, it can be quite destructive and hard to control. However, we will also see that we can control our tongues as we live in obedience to God’s Word and giving the Holy Spirit control of our lives. These verse we are studying right now paint the bleak reality of our sin nature which includes how we communicate with others. However, we must also realize that there is always HOPE with God. The hope is that we can, through the power of the Holy Spirit, reign in our tongues and use them to glorify Him and edify others.