05/14/2026
New Testament Church LA | 1941 W Florence Ave LA, CA 90047 | Senior Pastor Robert Hendricks
May 13, 2026
Pastor Robert Hendricks, Teacher
Study Recap
Animal Kingdom vs. Tongue Kingdom
James 3:7–8 (NLT) reminds us:
“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.”
The Power and Problem of the Tongue
• Verses 1–6 show what the tongue can do — its power to bless or destroy.
• Verses 7–8 reveal what we can’t do — control it by our own strength.
We can tame lions and dolphins, yet we can’t master our own words without God’s help. Humanity holds dominion over the Animal Kingdom (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8:6–8) but not over the Tongue Kingdom.
The Spiritual Contrast:
James exposes a divine irony:
• We rule nature by God given ability, yet fail to rule our hearts.
• The untamed tongue reveals a divided, double minded heart (James 1:8).
Words reveal identity — “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34).
Why “Taming” Matters:
James doesn’t call for silence but for sanctification.
• Taming means redirecting the tongue under God’s control.
• The tongue’s power is meant for blessing — not destruction.
• Human discipline alone can’t do it; divine transformation must.
Practical Disciplines for a God Ruled Tongue:
1. Pause before speaking — “Be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19).
2. Pray continually — “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3).
3. Meditate on Scripture — what fills the heart flows through the lips (Matthew 12:34).
4. Live in community — let others lovingly correct and encourage you.
5. Speak life — “The tongue can bring death or life” (Proverbs 18:21).
Why No One Can Tame It Alone:
• The tongue’s restlessness and poison (James 3:8) reflect the restless heart of fallen humanity (Jeremiah 17:9).
• God alone changes the heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
• True control flows from the Spirit within: “The Holy Spirit produces… self control” (Galatians 5:22–23).
Transformation Path:
James 3:8 exposes human inability.
Romans 12:1–2 reveals divine transformation:
• Present yourself to God as a living sacrifice.
• Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
A renewed heart → a renewed mind → renewed speech.
Don’t’ Forget!
1. The Tongue Cannot Be Fully Controlled by Human Strength.
(Proverbs 10:19; Romans 3:23)
2. The Tongue Is Naturally Dangerous.
(Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29)
3. Words Carry Spiritual and Emotional Power.
(Psalm 140:3; Matthew 12:36–37)
4. Only God Can Truly Transform the Tongue.
(Luke 6:45; Galatians 5:22–23)
Challenge:
• Each day, pray Psalm 141:3.
• Catch yourself before speaking in anger — record one victory moment.
• Speak one purposeful word of encouragement daily.
Scripture Index:
Genesis 1:26–28 | Psalm 8:6–8 | Proverbs 10:19 | Proverbs 17:27–28 | Proverbs 18:21 | Psalm 141:3 | Psalm 140:3 | Jeremiah 17:9 | Ezekiel 36:26 | Matthew 12:34, 36–37 | Luke 6:45 | Romans 3:23 | Romans 12:1–2 | Ephesians 4:29 | Galatians 5:22–23
Resources:
• Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation, unless otherwise noted.
• Be Mature (James), Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, David C Cook Publication 1978
Next week: James 3:9–12.
Invitation
All have sinned (Romans 3:23).
God offers eternal life through Jesus (Romans 6:23).
God loves you and gave His Son (John 3:16).
Through faith in Christ, you can know you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
If you haven’t trusted Jesus:
Receive Him as your Savior, or
Return to Him and experience His grace anew.
All of God’s Best!
Pastor Robert Hendricks
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