Grace-Filled Speech

The Tongue’s Power, Poison, and Purity

Part 1 — POWER

Date: 02/22/2026

PRIMARY TEXT: James 3:1–12

MESSAGE OUTLINE

I. THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER TO DIRECT (James 3:1–5)

1) A warning for teachers… and a word for everyone

  • James begins with teachers because words carry influence and accountability.

  • But the principle applies to every believer: everyone’s speech is shaping someone.

  • We all stumble—yet growth is possible. A disciplined tongue is evidence of spiritual maturity.

2) The BIT and the RUDDER: small but decisive

  • A bit directs a horse’s whole body.

  • A rudder directs a ship’s course—even against winds and currents.

  • In the same way, our words steer relationships, decisions, and spiritual direction.

3) The heart is the source

  • “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

  • When Jesus is Lord of the heart, He must become Lord of the lips.

DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICE (THIS WEEK)

Before you speak, ask: “Where will these words steer this person?”

II. THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER TO DESTROY (James 3:5–8)

1) The tongue is like FIRE

  • Fire starts small, spreads fast, defiles what it touches, and leaves lasting damage.

  • Burning words can ignite homes, friendships, churches, and reputations.

2) “Hot hearts” create “burning words”

  • Anger, offense, and pride can heat the heart until the mouth releases flame.

  • Wisdom learns to slow down, cool down, and submit speech to God.

3) The tongue can’t be tamed by human effort

  • James is blunt: no one can tame the tongue by self-power.

  • The tongue must be surrendered to God and governed by the Holy Spirit.

DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICE (THIS WEEK)

When you feel heated: PAUSE. PRAY. PROCEED. Don’t feed the fire.

III. THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER TO DELIGHT / REFRESH (James 3:9–12)

1) The tongue is like a SPRING (fountain)

  • Fresh water blesses life—drinking, cleansing, sustaining.

  • Life-giving words strengthen, heal, refresh, and restore.

2) The tongue is like a TREE

  • Trees provide shade, stability, and fruit.

  • Righteous speech feeds many; Christ’s words are “spirit and life.”

3) Roots determine fruit

  • Deep roots in God’s Word and prayer produce healthy speech.

  • If the mouth is inconsistent, James points us back to the heart.

DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICE (THIS WEEK)

Every day, speak ONE sentence that refreshes: encourage someone, affirm someone, bless someone.

APPLICATION: WHAT GRACE-FILLED SPEECH LOOKS LIKE

• Speech that builds up instead of tears down.

• Truth spoken with love, not harshness.

• Words that calm conflict, not kindle it.

• Encouragement that strengthens faith.

• Repentance when we miss it, and forgiveness when others miss it.

HEART CHECK QUESTIONS

1) Which “power” shows up most in my speech lately—direct, destroy, or refresh?

2) Where have my words been steering my home, my friendships, and my walk with God?

3) What situations tend to heat my heart and ignite my mouth?

4) Who needs to hear a grace-filled sentence from me this week?

5) Is my private speech (at home, in the car, online) consistent with my public worship?

NEXT STEPS (THIS WEEK)

1) Pause-Pray-Proceed before every difficult response.

2) Read Proverbs 10–18 slowly and note what it says about the mouth.

3) Speak one intentional blessing each day (text it, say it, pray it).