Faith IRL: Tongue Tied - September 20, 2026 First Service

TONGUE TIED Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 3.1-12 James 1.26 (ESV) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. A transformed tongue requires a transformed heart. James 3.1–2 (ESV) Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. James 3.2 (ESV) 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. James 3.3–5 (ESV) If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder… A sentence can take seconds to say and years to forget. James 3.5 (ESV) How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! “Do people know what you think of everything? They shouldn’t. That’s why you have a journal or a prayer closet or a dog.” - Kevin DeYoung Vs. 8: "It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3.9–10 (ESV) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Luke 6.45 (ESV) Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. What is going on in my heart? Jesus did not come merely to make rude people polite. He came to make dead people alive. The One who forgives can teach us a new tongue. Pause. Pray. Proceed.