The Power of Words

Guard Every Word, James 3:1-8

I.      Warning for Teachers: Do Pursue the Teaching Position Unless You are Willing to Take the Responsibilities that Come with It

II.     We All Stumble in a Variety of Ways

III.    A Person Who Has Control of Their Words, Marks a Person with Control Over Their Whole Person

Examples: The same way a bit controls a horse and a rudder controls a boat, so too the tongue drives the person

IV.    Though the Tongue is Small Compared to the Whole Body, It Can Do Great Damage

Example: The way a small flame can set the entire forest on fire, so too the tongue can do great damage

Counter Example: Though humans have been able to tame every creature on the planet, we struggle to control our own tongue

V.     Conclusion: Since our words can do so much good and so much evil, we must guard every word we say.  In doing so, the spiritual discipline of guarding every word will not only protect what we say, but will lead to a life of greater spiritual discipline in all other areas.