The Sweetness of the Lips Increaseth Learning
The sermon emphasizes the importance of speaking with care and intention, as our words will be judged in the eternal judgment and can either bring victory or defeat in the Christian life.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound impact of words in the Christian life, noting that while actions are significant, the words we speak are equally important. He references James 3:2, highlighting that controlling our speech is a mark of spiritual maturity and a test of victory. Simpson warns that the tongue can be destructive, and true Christians must strive for righteousness in both actions and words, as they are accountable for what they say. He paints a vivid picture of our words being recorded for eternal judgment, urging believers to speak with an awareness of God's presence. Ultimately, he calls for a conscious effort to align our speech with our faith, knowing we will meet our words again in the future.
Text
Life is made up very largely of words. They are not so emphatic, perhaps, as deeds, for deeds are more deliberate expressions of thought. Yet one of the most remarkable authors of the New Testament said, If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man (James 3:2). Not offending in word is often a test of victory in the Christian life. Our triumph in this often depends on both what we say and what we do not say. Speaking of the tongue, James said, It is set on fire of hell. The true Christian, therefore, is righteous in his ways and upright in his words. His deeds appeal to men; and in speech he is looking up, for God is listening.
His words are sent upward and recorded for the judgment.
I can almost imagine that the beautiful blue sky over our heads, seemingly so transparent, is like a wax tablet with a finely sensitive surface which receives an impression of every word we speak, and that these tablets are then hardened and preserved for the eternal judgment. We should speak with our eyes ever upward, never forgetting that we shall some day meet the words that we have spoken.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Words points: - Words are a significant part of our lives - Deeds are more deliberate expressions of thought
- The Importance of Not Offending in Word points: - Not offending in word is a test of victory in the Christian life - Our triumph depends on both what we say and what we do not say
- The Christian's Speech points: - The true Christian is righteous in his ways and upright in his words - His words are sent upward and recorded for the judgment
- The Accountability of Our Words points: - Our words will be judged in the eternal judgment - We should speak with our eyes ever upward
Key Quotes
“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man (James 3:2)” — A.B. Simpson
“It is set on fire of hell” — A.B. Simpson
“His words are sent upward and recorded for the judgment” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive to speak with care and intention, considering how our words will affect others and our own spiritual growth.
- Our words have consequences, and we will meet the words that we have spoken in the future, so we should speak with our eyes ever upward.
- We should aim to be righteous in our ways and upright in our words, making our speech a reflection of our faith in Christ.