ESOCS LENTEN SEASON DAY 17 TOPIC: BLASPHEMY AND ALL IDLE TALKS LESSON: JAMES 3:1-END Dearly beloved children of the Most High God, we solemnly welcome you all to the 17th day of the 2014 Lenten Season of the ESOCS Church, worldwide. As usual, our God has proved Himself so faithful and worthy of all glory and as such, we shall not fail to give glory to whom it is due. We glorify Gods name for his immense blessing upon our souls. Our topic for today is BLASPHEMY AND ALL IDLE TALKS and our lesson is being taken from JAMES 3:1-END. As it has always been our custom, let us define our keywords and from there go into our topic lesson for the day. KEYWORDS: *BLASPHEMY: This refers to the act of passing or making unholy statements against things that are considered to be holy, sacred or a deity. BLASPHEMY in some English dictionaries is defined as an evil and unholy speech, action or thought against God or sacred things. *IDLE TALKS: These can simply be defined in general terms as irrelevant, foolish and silly speeches or utterances Since we now have defined our keywords, let us delve into the scriptures and find out what God has in stock for us as regards these sins. SOME NOTES ON OUR LESSONS: * Our lesson for today is a direct or one-on-one discussion between God and us through James. To begin with, James warns that, Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1). This is so because, We all stumble in many ways. However, Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. (James 3:2). From the texts above, we will understand that, even we believers and Christians have our shortcomings. And it is because of this that, we must not profess ourselves as teachers of the law. But on the contrary, if there is any of us, that has no flaws in his or her speech, that person is considered perfect, and has the ability to keep him/herself in order. * James, creates an analogy between how humans tame and control the horse; how a ship in all its mightiness is controlled by a little instrument and is made to go the direction of the master. And how the tongue, being just a small member of the body is able to boast greatly. And he further asks us to consider how a little spark of fire, can burn down a whole forest. (James 3:3-5). The reasons or motives for all these comparisons, we shall soon find out. * Now, our concentration will be shifted to our main subject matter - THE TONGUE. James gives us a metaphorically concise description of the tongue, its capabilities and functions. 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. Here James points to us that, the tongue in itself is a fire, and world full of evil. Its function is to to corrupt, pollute, defile or destroy the body and later on, sets ones life on fire, thus destroying everything. In the end, the tongue itself is destroyed by the fire of hell. These instances are to help us create a vivid imagery of the ferocious nature of the tongue despite its little physical appearance. It is to tell us that, the tongue even as little as it looks, has more power than anybody. It can destroy life and give life. It can make and unmake. Thus, we as Christians need to be watchful, careful and mindful of what we say. And then also, if we fail to watch our words and speak all manner of blasphemy and idle talks, we shall find ourselves being destroyed in the fire of hell. * James continues as he tells us of the mightiness of the tongue as against, the beasts, reptiles and all kinds of animals. He makes it clear that, All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind; but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8). This in effect means that, the tongue possesses a great deal of power that cannot be put under control by human power. And then, he centers on our relationship with God and fellow humans, still with the tongue as the subject matter. He tell us that, With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:9-10). He then asks us, Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (James 311-12). * Here, we must understand that, as Christians, we must be known and noted for good speeches. Our words must be words of encouragement, blessings, hope and those that will increase the faith of fellow believers and even cause unbelievers to come share in our faith. We must emulate what David said in Psalms 39:1 that, I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” This means that, as Christians we must Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. (Proverbs 3:24). * Finally brethren, For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. (1Peter 3:10-11). Dear believers, may we from today put an end to blasphemy and all idle talks. May our words encourage and inspire people that we come across in life and in the end, may we not undergo damnation, condemnation and destruction in the fire of hell, amen. Lord Mensahfio SNTi Correspondent ESOCS Ghana.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:53:47 +0000