THE GRUMBLE GREMLINS

“The Grumble Gremlins”
James 3:1-12

I. The Devastating Power of Words
a. In 1984, the movie “Gremlins” came out in which a boy receives a pet named Gizmo, a cute, fuzzy, and lovable pet called a Mogwai. There is a huge responsibility in looking after Gizmo as there are certain rules which must be followed. The Mogwai must be kept away from bright light, never made wet and never, ever be fed after midnight. When an accident occurs involving Gizmo and water, the next evolution stage of the Mogwai appears, and it isn't nice at all.
i. When you get him wet- it caused him to multiply into a number of mischievous little brothers. Soon enough, the new Mogwai get hold of some food after midnight and this causes them to change from cute fur-balls into nasty, scaly monsters dubbed 'Gremlins.'
ii. Gremlins destroy and cause havoc.
b. Each of us have the ability to go from a nice and peaceful person- to a scaly monster that causes havoc through our WORDS.
i. We have two natures at work with us- Romans 7:14-25- “What a wretched man I am!”- Have you ever regretted what you say? “
ii. Have It Your Way Mentality”
iii. “The Way It Used to Be Mentality”
iv. “Holier Than Thou Mentality”
c. James reminds us that words can produce devastating consequences in our relationships and community.
II. The Root Problem is a Heart Problem
a. James tells us that “no man can tame his tongue” (3:8)
b. The reason is that the tongue is controlled by the Heart.
i. Matthew 12:34- For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
ii. Matthew 15:17-19- 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
c. What controls the heart? Spirit or the Flesh
i. If we are relying on the flesh, we will never able to truly tame the tongue because the flesh is weak.
ii. Our hearts need to be governed by the Spirit
1. Galatians 5- 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
iii. 2 Corinthians 12:9- 9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for (A)power is perfected in weakness" Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (B)boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
III. Easier said than done!- Colossians 3:1-17
a. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
i. Philippians 1- 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
b. Set your mind on Heavenly Things
i. Philippians 4:8- 8Finally, brethren, (N)whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
c. Testing yourself with the cross as the measure- What is your motive?
i. Galatians 6:3-5- 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.
ii. 2 Corinthians 10:5- we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
d. Don’t hide from the problems- address them
i. Ephesians 4:25-27- 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin"[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
e. Forgive as the Lord forgives you
f. Put on Love- “put on” Love is something we do, not something we feel.
g. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
i. Psalm 37:4- Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
h. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you- Stand on the Promises of God
i. Build one another up!
j. Rejoice Evermore!
i. Philippians 4:4- 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!