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James Part 4: The Power of the Tongue
Words are small, but their power is immeasurable. They can build nations—or burn them down. In this week’s message from James 3, we explore one of Scripture’s most sobering truths: “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” (James 3:5, ESV)
From Lincoln’s 272 words at Gettysburg to Churchill’s wartime resolve, history has shown that a single sentence can redirect the course of humanity. Scripture goes even further—God created the universe with His words, and Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb with a command.
Yet the Bible is also brutally honest about the destructive power of speech. One lie in Eden unraveled creation. One careless rumor can unravel a marriage, a family, a church.
James 3 confronts us with this tension: the tongue can bless… and it can burn.
In this episode, Pastor Christopher Enix walks through James’s vivid illustrations—a bit in a horse’s mouth, a small rudder steering a massive ship, a spark that ignites a forest fire—to reveal:
• The enormous power of the tongue (James 3:1–6)Why our speech directs our lives, and why teachers will be judged with greater strictness.
• The destructive problem of the tongue (James 3:7–12)Why no human being can tame it, why it contradicts itself, and why our words reveal the state of our hearts.
• The nature of our speech (James 3:11–12)Why our mouths cannot produce what our hearts do not possess.
• The wisdom that must shape a Christian’s words (James 3:13–18)James contrasts earthly wisdom—rooted in jealousy and selfish ambition—with heavenly wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and sincere.
Finally, we look at the essential question:
If no human can tame the tongue… how can a Christian speak in a way that honors Christ?
Pastor Enix offers biblical, practical steps:
• Be born again—new hearts produce new words.
• Be filled with the Spirit—Spirit-filled people speak life.
• Discipline your tongue—ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
• Pray daily for pure speech—“Let the words of my mouth…” (Psalm 19:14)
This message invites believers to examine their speech, search their hearts, and draw on the wisdom from above that produces a “harvest of righteousness.”
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By Christopher EnixWords are small, but their power is immeasurable. They can build nations—or burn them down. In this week’s message from James 3, we explore one of Scripture’s most sobering truths: “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” (James 3:5, ESV)
From Lincoln’s 272 words at Gettysburg to Churchill’s wartime resolve, history has shown that a single sentence can redirect the course of humanity. Scripture goes even further—God created the universe with His words, and Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb with a command.
Yet the Bible is also brutally honest about the destructive power of speech. One lie in Eden unraveled creation. One careless rumor can unravel a marriage, a family, a church.
James 3 confronts us with this tension: the tongue can bless… and it can burn.
In this episode, Pastor Christopher Enix walks through James’s vivid illustrations—a bit in a horse’s mouth, a small rudder steering a massive ship, a spark that ignites a forest fire—to reveal:
• The enormous power of the tongue (James 3:1–6)Why our speech directs our lives, and why teachers will be judged with greater strictness.
• The destructive problem of the tongue (James 3:7–12)Why no human being can tame it, why it contradicts itself, and why our words reveal the state of our hearts.
• The nature of our speech (James 3:11–12)Why our mouths cannot produce what our hearts do not possess.
• The wisdom that must shape a Christian’s words (James 3:13–18)James contrasts earthly wisdom—rooted in jealousy and selfish ambition—with heavenly wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and sincere.
Finally, we look at the essential question:
If no human can tame the tongue… how can a Christian speak in a way that honors Christ?
Pastor Enix offers biblical, practical steps:
• Be born again—new hearts produce new words.
• Be filled with the Spirit—Spirit-filled people speak life.
• Discipline your tongue—ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
• Pray daily for pure speech—“Let the words of my mouth…” (Psalm 19:14)
This message invites believers to examine their speech, search their hearts, and draw on the wisdom from above that produces a “harvest of righteousness.”