James 3:1-5
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
We are revisiting James 3 today because in religion, culture and politics the negative power of words has become obvious. Simply by changing the meaning of words, the powerful still hope to control and mislead a people. No one knows this more than Satan himself. He used words, twisted to his purposes, to shatter our relationship with God, lie about reality, and bring suffering and death into the world. Words matter.
When we read in God’s Word about the power of the tongue, we are talking about the power of words. In particular, this section of God’s Word is talking about words used to teach lies. A liar, guided by any number of evil purposes or spirits, can cause great damage, as did the evil one in the beginning.
How can you defend yourself against such an assault? The Word of God as taught by God’s Holy Spirit is our defense. God tells us what is true, and that is the best way to recognize the lies of the evil one.
God’s Word points unerringly to Jesus. The Word of God reveals what is truly good and shows us where we have fallen short. By showing us our sins, God tells us the truth about our lost condition. By showing us our Savior Jesus — HIs life. death on the cross, and resurrection for us — God shows us the truth about Himself. The mercy of God in Jesus encourages us to repent of our sins and trust in God’s mercy.
Thus restored to God, our ears are tuned to His truth so that we can recognize false words. We are given His wisdom by which all teachers, leaders, and cultural movements are to be judged. This is why we gather in God’s house. In His church we listen to God’s Word taught rightly. We practice how to pray in keeping with God’s Word, in Spirit and in truth. And we learn how we can live our faith in the freedom from evil that Jesus has won for us.
Let us pray,
Lord I thank you for the pure teachings of your Holy Word. Bless all who preach and teach in your church during these troubled times. Protect them from the lies of the evil one and all false doctrines. Be with your people so that they will remain true to you in faith and in life. In your name I pray. AMEN
The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue and preserve Your Church is safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.