Using, Not Abusing, the Power of Words

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=50 BGCOLOR="#333366" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Using, Not Abusing, the Power of Words</B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=165 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="132" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id213.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Difference Does Your Faith Make?"><U><B><IMG SRC="007151d0.gif" border=0 width="21" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id215.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Handling Conflict By Practicing Wisdom"><U><B><IMG SRC="008151d0.gif" border=0 width="21" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="35" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="20" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="13"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="27"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> Previous/Next Sermon</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.stanbaker.org"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Biblical and Theological Studies"><U><B>Biblical and Theological Studies</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church Ministry"><U><B>Church Ministry</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sermon Notes"><U>Sermon Notes</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>Links</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Personal"><U><B>Personal</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> www.stanbaker.org</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:stan@stanbaker.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:stan@stanbaker.org"><U>stan@stanbaker.org</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=430 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>James 3:1-12, “Using, not abusing, the power of words” Berean Bible Church, 7-8-2001am</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>     </I>How often have you been caught saying something about someone that you shouldn’t say? Remember the phrase, “Sticks and stones . . .” – words do hurt! Do we recognize the incredible power of a mere word? Are we able and willing to use that power properly?</div> <bR> <div> <B>I. Words are harder to control than actions (vss. 1-2).</B></div> <div> Vs. 1, This section is a prelude to a discussion on conflict. Here James addresses people vying for power, control, and influence. Don’t think that being a teacher is easy. It will involved a stricter standard.</div> <div> Vs. 2, Few people make it this far in spiritual growth. May people keep their lists of rules, but they don’t watch their words. They can be complaining, judgmental, and unkind. This shows that they have a lot of growing up to do!</div> <bR> <div> <B>II. Mere words are powerful (vss. 3-5).</B> </div> <div> Three Illustrations. These are small things that can make a big difference.</div> <div> A. Bridles of horses.</div> <div> B. Rudders of ships.</div> <div> C. Fire.</div> <bR> <div> <B>III. Words often have a negative effect (vss. 6-8).</B></div> <div> The tongues produces evil; it is often corrupt (vs. 6). We are able to tame wild animals, but not the tongue. James calls is deadly poison (vss. 7-8). Marriages can be broken up because of a pattern of unkind, hurtful words. The future of a child can be destroyed because he has always heard that he is no good – he will live up to those low expectations. </div> <bR> <div> <B>IV. Be consistent in your speech (vss. 9-12).</B> Vs. 10, “This should not be.” Consistency in our speech demands Holy Spirit-control (Galatians 5, kindness, gentleness). Speak like a follower of Christ.</div> <div> Here are several guidelines: </div> <div> 1. Avoid rumors and complaining. Chuck Swindoll said, “Perhaps like me you’ve received a phone call from someone who says, ‘I want to tell you about so-and-so.’ And I’ll say, ‘Wait a minute. May I quote you?’ There’s usually a long pause. And then they’ll say, ‘We’ll, I’m not sure that would be a good idea.’ Invariably my answer would be, ‘Then I’m not interested in hearing what you have to say. If you’re not interested in putting you name on it, if your not interested in being there when we confront the individual, I’m not interested in listening to what you’ve got to say.” (Oxcart, 575). Gossip and rumors have ruined peoples lives. They’ve ruined churches. They’ve got to stop somewhere. Let them stop with you. Instead of passing on rumors, confront clear wrong in love or else keep quiet. Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15, 25).</div> <div> 2. Think before you speak. Change the way you think about people (think unity and love and grace). Listen carefully. Talk less. Prov 10:19: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”</div> <div> 3. Use speech that builds up. This is not merely neutral speech – don’t remain quiet when an encouraging word is needed. Eph 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”</div> <div> 4. Be careful with jokes and humor. Quick but sharp wit is not a prized characteristic in the Kingdom of God! Humor, used well, can lighten a situation. Used poorly, it can damage people. Be careful.</div> <div> 5. Watch your tone of voice. Some has said, “90% of the friction of daily life is caused by the wrong tone of voice.” Often, it is not what you say, it is how you say it. Communicate grace, even in your tone of voice.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> copyright, 2001, Stanley Baker</div> <div> www.stanbaker.org</div> </td> </tr></table></body>