Last week, from the book of Philippians, we were reminded that people are important. We read about the life of Paul and concluded that he really was a man of God. What we sometimes fail to realize is that the reason he was able to travel around so extensively was due to the fact that he had the right people in his life. In the book of Philippians, we read about Timothy and Epaphroditus. He referred to them as “son” and “soldier” respectively. Both of these men played critical roles in the life of Paul. While all others continually sought their own things, Timothy sought the things of the Lord. How it must have grieved the Apostle’s heart to write that all continually are seeking the things of themselves. Then there was Epaphroditus, who, despite gaining nothing, ministered to the needs of Paul, even to the point of death. Yet, through it all he remained faithful.
We were also reminded that, if we are not careful, we can place too much value on value on things, and in return our joy is stolen. The Apostle Paul, in Chapter 3, gives us his very respectable credentials and how he demanded everyone’s respect. For years, through his daily walk he received the applause of man due to his human abilities and achievements, but he never got what he really desired - the approval of God. But, on that Damascus road when he was travelling to persecute the Christians, his whole life was turned upside down as he gained a new perspective on what really mattered in life and that is an intimate walk with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
What Did You Say?
If you’re like me you sometimes say something without ever thinking about what it is you are actually saying. It is commonly known as the foot in mouth disease, some of us know that situation a little too well. You are not alone because Peter, the disciple, was the same way, and James in his book is talking to believers about that little thing found in their mouths.
James 3:1-12
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 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. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 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. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue amongst our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 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: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” The writer tells us that if we were able to flawlessly control our tongues then we might be a perfect person. But, in reality, it’s not likely that anyone is able to keep from sinning with their tongue. What James is more than likely referring to when he says, “a perfect man” is this: he is describing those who are mature believers and thus able to control their tongues. A lot of people find it extremely difficult to control their tongues but have you ever realized the consequences if you don’t?
James wastes no time in giving us several different analogies that show how the tongue, even though small, has the power to influence everything that they say. James tells that we put a bridle in the mouth of the horse so that we have the power to control its whole body. Then James points to the seas and examines the enormous ships and how by just a small rudder, the Captain steers them in the direction he wants to go. But, just as that bridle and that rudder are very small so is the tongue. Next, James notes that man is able to tame beast and bird, reptile and creature of the sea and yet he still cannot control his tongue. Like fire, the tongue’s sinful words spread destruction rapidly. Even its accompanying smoke can permeate and ruin everything in its surrounding area.
For too long, churches have been known as a bunch of hypocrites; and James is not going to let us off the hook. He wonders how, with the same tongue, a believer can worship His maker and then curse at our fellow brother or sister in Christ. A genuine believer will not contradict his words with his profession. It was Christ who said, that from the heart we speak. I remember in Sunday School we use to sing the song, “Be careful little tongue what you say for the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little tongue what you say.”
In conclusion, I remind you to think before you speak what a lot of grief that can save you if you just remember be swift to hear and slow to speak!
Sunday School is under way as Frank gave a very well thought out lesson on “What is Truth”? (John 18:38) Brian taught the children and from the sounds of that room it seemed to be a very good lesson. The teens will be starting our Sunday School this Sunday.
We have been given the privilege and opportunity to worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a free country. As the Psalmist said, “Let us worship His name together”. I invite you to come and worship the Lamb of God. This Sunday morning we will be meeting for Sunday School at 10:00, followed by the morning service beginning at 11:00. Come worship our Saviour with us! Like never before, the words of the book of Hebrews should be on the minds and hearts of all of those who belong to Jesus Christ: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together; as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see that Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24, 25.
Pastor Paul
May God richly bless your life as you continue to serve and remain faithful to Him!
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