03-22-2026 🎙️Sermon Title: “The Power of the Tongue”
Guest Notes!!
Key Text: James 3:3–4
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Matthew 12:34 – Bible
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
James 3:8
but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Proverbs 15:4
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life…”
Proverbs 16:24
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech be always with grace…”
HARD ONE FOR SURE
James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life…”
Introduction
Some of the most powerful forces in your life…
are not the biggest things you see.
It’s not always the storm.
It’s not always the situation.
It’s not always the opposition.
👉 Sometimes it’s the small things
that are quietly steering your life.
James gives us two pictures:
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A horse controlled by a small bit
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A ship directed by a small rudder
And he’s trying to show us something profound:
👉 If something small can control something big…
then your tongue is more powerful than you think.
1. The Bit: Control Leads to Direction
James 3:3
“We put bits in the horses’ mouths… and we turn about their whole body.”
A horse is strong.
Powerful.
BUT……..Capable of running wild.
But a small piece of metal in its mouth
can control its entire body.
👉Remember THIS: Control produces direction.
If the bit is working:
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The horse obeys
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The horse is guided
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The horse is useful
If the bit is missing:
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The horse runs wild
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It becomes dangerous
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It loses purpose
Application
Your tongue is the bit of your life.
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If your tongue is under control → your life is guided
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If your tongue is out of control → your life will drift
Some people aren’t losing because of lack of talent…
They’re losing because of lack of control over their words.
THINK ABOUT PEOPLE YOU KNOW:
I wanted to talk about Christians using profanity, BUT that’s another message……..
2. The Rudder: Direction in the Middle of Storms
James 3:4
“…ships… driven of fierce winds… yet are turned… by a very small helm…”
A ship is massive. (THINK about cruise ship)
Winds are powerful.
Storms are unpredictable.
But the rudder—small and unseen—
determines where the ship ends up.
👉 Your direction is not determined by the storm—but by what is steering you.
Application
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You can’t control every storm
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You can’t control every situation
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You can’t control what people do, say for or against you
But you can control what you say
And what you say will determine:
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Whether you drift or stay on course
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Whether you panic or stand in faith
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Whether you sink or survive
3. Small Words Shape Big Outcomes
The bit is small.
The rudder is small.
The tongue is small.
But all three determine outcomes.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
(I’ve sent time with people in prison who would have kept their mouth closed, life would have been much different)
Your life is moving in the direction of your words.
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If you speak defeat → you’ll walk in defeat
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If you speak faith → you’ll walk in victory
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If you speak doubt → you’ll live in confusion
👉 Your mouth is setting your course.
4. Who Is Holding the Reins?
The bit only works if someone is holding the reins.
The rudder only works if someone is steering.
So the real question is:
👉 Who is controlling your tongue?
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Your emotions?
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Your anger?
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Your past hurt?
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Or the Holy Spirit?
Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth…”
You need God to help you:
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Speak when you should speak
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Be silent when you should be silent
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Speak life even when you feel pressure
5. You Can Change Your Direction Today
Here’s the good news:
If a small rudder can change a big ship…
👉 then a small change in your words can change your life.
You don’t need:
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A new environment
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A new opportunity
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A new beginning
You may just need a new confession
Start saying:
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“God is in control”
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“I will not be defeated”
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“My family is covered”
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“This storm will not take me out”
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ALL STORMS PASS RIGHT!
👉 Change your words—and you change your direction.
Closing Illustration
A captain once sailed through a violent storm.
The crew panicked.
The waves were high.
The wind was fierce.
But the captain stayed calm.
Someone asked,
“Why aren’t you afraid?”
He said:
👉 “Because I’m not focused on the storm…
I’m focused on the wheel.” Carrie Underwood (JESUS’ TAKE THE WHEEL)
The storm didn’t determine the outcome.
The steering did.
Closing Challenge
Ask yourself:
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What direction are my words taking me?
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Am I speaking fear—or faith?
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Who is controlling my tongue?
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Because:
👉 Your life is not just happening…
it is being directed—by what you say.
Final Takeaway
Small things control big outcomes.
And your tongue… is steering your life.
👉 So speak wisely—because you are setting your course.
Prayer
“Lord, take control of my tongue.
Let my words align with Your will.
Help me speak life, faith, and truth—
even in the middle of storms.
Guide my direction through my declaration.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
ALL OF THIS STARTS WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
and I choose to follow You
as my Lord.
Thank You for loving me
and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.
Luke 15:10
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reach out to us 336-338-8037 southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
Invite someone to come with you here.