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  THE SECRET OF A CONTROLLED TONGUE
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: To have a controlled tongue, we must cultivate a godly heart by
following the instructions in Romans 6 and surrendering ourselves
completely to Christ.

Topics: "Control of Speech", "The Heart and Words"
Scripture References: James 3:7

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the dual nature of the tongue, which can both
praise God and slander others, often within the same context, such as
the church. He points out that such inconsistencies arise from the
heart, and only a godly heart can produce godly words. To cultivate a
godly heart, believers must understand their position in Christ, reckon
it as true, and yield themselves completely to Him. Epp encourages
controlling our words by first controlling our thoughts, aligning them
with Christ's obedience. He concludes with a prayer for divine help in
guarding our speech.

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CONTENT
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James 3:7-12

Is it not strange that the tongue can be praising God one moment and be
slandering some person the next moment often right in the church where
the tongue had been used to praise God? We may even hear the preacher
talk about not slandering others, but before we leave we will say things
concerning others that amount to slander. Such inconsistencies are not
found in nature, but out of the human being can come both bitter and
sweet words.

Remember that the tongue speaks only what is in the heart. Godly words
can come only from a godly heart. To have a godly heart we must follow
the instructions found in Romans 6. We must know what our position is in
Christ; we must reckon, or count, upon it as being true because it is
true; and we must yield ourselves completely to Christ (see vv.
6,7,11-13). This involves our intellect, emotions and will.

Words come from our thoughts, and thoughts come from the mind;
therefore, it is possible to control our words by controlling our minds.
We who know Jesus Christ as Saviour can have our minds controlled by
"bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2
Cor. 10:5). He alone is worthy and is able to give us victory.

"Set a watch, 0 Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Ps.
141:3).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/the-secret-of-a-controlled-tongue/
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