A Small Tongue; A Large Accountability
In this sermon, we continue in James chapter 3 and consider the sobering truth that a small tongue carries great accountability before God. James 3:2–5 confronts us with the reality that while the tongue is small, it has an extraordinary ability to shape direction, influence lives, and reveal the condition of the heart. Through vivid illustrations, James reminds us that words are never neutral and that our speech reflects whether we are living under the rule of Christ or the impulses of the flesh.
This message walks carefully through James’ teaching on the tongue, drawing attention to our universal struggle with sin and the difficulty of restraining our speech. We reflect on how unguarded words can lead to destruction, division, and spiritual harm, while words submitted to the Lord can guide our lives toward obedience and peace. The sermon highlights how the tongue, like a bit in a horse’s mouth or a rudder on a ship, directs the course of our lives and reveals the will that governs our hearts.
More than a warning, this passage calls believers to sober self examination and humble dependence on God’s grace. It reminds us that growth in Christ is not merely seen in outward actions but in the way we speak, respond, correct, and encourage. James presses us to consider whether our tongues are instruments of righteousness or sources of harm, urging us to take responsibility for our words as those who belong to Christ.
May this message lead you to greater awareness of the power of your speech, deeper repentance where your words have caused harm, and renewed dependence on the Holy Spirit to use your tongue for the glory of God, the edification of the church, and the faithful proclamation of the gospel.
Capitol Commons Reformed Church, Sermon Recording for December 14, 2025
About the Speaker
Ray Caguin
Pastor at Capitol Commons Reformed Church
Ray Caguin is a pastor at Capitol Commons Reformed Church and the founder and CEO of ART Fulfillment Solutions, Inc. He holds a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia & The Pacific, pursued a Master of Divinity at Grace School of Theology, and is currently studying for a Master of Arts in Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, as well as Biblical Studies and Counseling at The Expositors Academy. He serves the Lord alongside his wife, Celina, and their two Shih Tzus, Memo and Nava.
For Biblical Counseling or other matters, you may reach Ray here:
About This Series
The Book of James
The book of James will look piercingly into our lives and how we behave and conduct ourselves, and will force us to see where we are not being who we ought to be in Christ. Are we truly living out in our lives Christ Jesus, who is truly living in us. My prayer is that as we go through this series—and according to the Lord’s will, I estimate this series to go on for about 23 Sundays at the minimum—that the Holy Spirit, as nobody else can, will do surgery on every one of our hearts and minds, so that Sunday after Sunday after Sunday, we are surrendering more and more of our hypocrisies and weaknesses in repentance to Him, but also maturing and being transformed more and more into Christlikeness.
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