Loose Lips Sink Ships

Everton Park - 9th August 2015 am

Be Genuine
#9 - Loose Lips Sink Ships

James 3:1-12
Isaiah 6:1-8

1. The allure of the tongue
   a) The itch to teach
   b) The need for teachers

   • God calls some in particular to teach in the church
   • God requires every on to teach in some way
     c) The need for restraint
   • Teaching brings its own responsibility, and accountability
   • "We all stumble in many things..."
   • Our speech is the last stronghold in our ongoing sanctification

2. The power of the tongue
   a) From little things, big things grow

   • Bits in horses mouths
   • Rudders on ships
     b) From little things, big things are destroyed
   • A fire out of control
   • An untameable beast

3. The control of the tongue
   a) An untamed tongue poisons relationships

   • An untamed tongue poisons our relationships with others...
     • Proverbs 10:18 ...by slander
     • Proverbs 25:23 ...by back-biting
     • Proverbs 26:20,22 ...by gossip
     • Proverbs 26:28a ...by lies
     • Proverbs 26:28b... by flattery
     • Proverbs 12:18a... by sarcasm
     • Proverbs 15:1b ...by stirring up trouble
   • An untamed tongue poisons relationships with God
     b) A tongue under control is a well of life
   • Proverbs 10:11 - "The mouth of the righteous is a well of life..."
     • Hebrews 13:15 ...to speak praise and thanksgiving
     • Ephesians 6:19 ...to share the gospel
     • Hebrews 3:13 ...to encourage others
     • Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20 ...to correct others, where it is necessary
     • Proverbs 15:1 ...to calm things down, rather than stir up strife