Supernatural – Part 5

Illustration

James 3:2–12 

Three Key Words in This Passage for Our Illustration

• The bridle – “the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached” (Oxford Languages with Google)
• The bit – “By definition, a bit is a piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse’s mouth and aids in the communication between the horse and rider. It’s part of the bridle and allows the rider to connect with the horse via the reins.” (https://www.horsehealthproducts.com/horsemans-report/horse-care/a-bit-about-bits)
• The horse

Two Key Comparisons

1. Tongue Compared to the bit (similarity – it controls the body)
2. Tongue Compared to the horse (difference – it can’t be tamed)

The Main Idea

You be quiet so that Holy Spirit can speak through your tongue.

How to Spot a Christian

James 1:26–27

• “bridle his tongue” (What we say)
• “keep oneself unstained from the world” (What we do)
• “visit orphans and widows in their affliction” (How we care)

The Three Cs of Christian Practice

• Conversation 
• Conduct 
• Compassion 

James 1:26 (ESV): 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

The scripture is clear: You cannot tame the tongue, but you can bridle it.

Not only can you bridle your tongue, but you are expected to. It is a .

The Christian Triple Threat

James 1:19–20 

• Quick to Hear
• Slow to Speak
• Slow to Anger

Shut your mouth. Open it on the Holy Spirit’s cue.

Let the Holy Spirit Guide Your Speech

Why is speech so important?

Imitating God is a command and speech is one of the ways we fulfill it. (Ephesians 5:1)

Speech is a vital part of our Christian experience:

• Prayer
• Tongues
• Interpretation
• Prophecy
• Praise
• Worship
• Forgiveness
• Confession of sin
• Moving mountains
• Scriptural meditation
• Exercising spiritual authority
• Resisting the devil
• Rebuking evil
• Encouragement
• Comfort
• Edification
• Teaching
• Preaching
• Spreading the gospel
• Thanksgiving
• Making commitments/oaths
• Testimony
• Storytelling
• Honor

The Holy Spirit guides our speech in two ways:

directly and indirectly

The Holy Spirit guides your speech indirectly through your and character.

• Luke 6:45 
• The good treasure of the heart is the word of God (Proverbs 7:3; Psalm 119:11 )
• Galatians 5:22–23 

Watch Your Mouth

• Ephesians 4:29
• Ephesians 4:31
• Ephesians 5:4 

The Holy Spirit guides us directly through inspired speech:

When you are filled with the Spirit, one of the first things God does is take control of your tongue.

It is a biblical pattern:

1. Luke 1:41–42 
2. Luke 1:67
3. Acts 2:4 
4. Acts 4:8
5. Acts 4:31
6. Acts 13:9–10

Being Filled with the Spirit is a Command

Ephesians 5:18–20

The Beauty of Spiritual Language

When the Holy Spirit guides our speech directly, He bypasses the mind.

• 1 Corinthians 14:2–3 
• 1 Corinthians 14:13–15 
• Romans 8:26 

What Must I Do to Be Full of the Spirit and Full of His Words?

Desire

1 Corinthians 14:1

Prepare

Colossians 3:9–10 

Ask

Luke 11:13 

© Joshua D. Smith, Ph.D., 2022