I. The secret to controlling our whole body 1-2
A. Teachers have greater responsibility 1
1. My brethren, be not many masters 1
2. Knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation 1
B. Control the tongue (what’s inside us); control the whole body 2
1. Control our words…2
a. For in many things we offend all 2
b. If any man offend not in word 2
2. We are really talking about our heart condition; who we are on the inside; spelled out in our thoughts
a. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Mat 12:34)
b. Our words will eventually picture to others what is on the inside
c. What we love; we talk about; it sort of bursts out of us
3. Control our whole body 2
a. The same is a perfect man 2
b. And able to bridle the whole body 2
II. Illustrations of control the little, to control the big 3-4
A. Control the bit; control the horse 3
1. Behold, we put bits in horses mouths 3
2. That they obey us 3
3. And we turn about their whole body 3
B. Control the rudder; control the whole ship 4
1. Takes a fierce wind to drive ships 4
a. Behold also the ships 4
b. Which though they be so great 4
c. And are driven of fierce winds 4
2. Yet turned by a small rudder 4
a. Yet they are turned about 4
b. With a very small helm 4
c. Wherever the pilot (steering) turns (with violent motion) 4
III. Secret repeated 5
A. Little but powerful (control it; what we are on the inside!! And you control your whole body) 5
1. Even so the tongue is a little member 5
2. And boasts great things 5
B. Next time 5-
1. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindles 5
2. More about fire next time—the destructive force
Conclusion: What does James mean by “justified by works”? Faith produces works just like an apple tree produces leaves and apples.
Review: remember its all done by God’s power—what is on the inside of us
The difference between “faith evidenced by works” and a “works” salvation:
· It depends on who performs the work. God or me. Faith accesses grace; grace is God’s power (God’s work) to say no to the sins of the flesh, selfishness-lust.
· It also depends on what I am depending on. Am I trying to do more good than bad so God will look favorable on me? So now it is a process to earn my salvation-which is impossible. Or am I justified, saved in a moment of time by faith placed in Jesus Christ who gives me perfect righteousness and grace to continue in righteous living?