From The Same Mouth Come Blessing And Cursing (Part 3)
In this sermon, we conclude James’ extended warning on the tongue by turning our attention to one of its most sobering contradictions: the same mouth that praises God can also be used to curse those made in His image. James 3:9–12 confronts the inconsistency and hypocrisy that can exist in professing believers, revealing that our speech is not merely a habit to manage but a mirror of the heart’s true condition.
This message walks us through James’ illustrations of fountains and fruit trees to show that nature consistently produces according to what it truly is. In the same way, our words reveal whether our hearts have been genuinely transformed by Christ or remain governed by sinful desires. James presses the truth that blessing God while cursing others is incompatible with new life in Christ, because a renewed heart produces renewed speech with growing consistency.
More than a rebuke, this passage calls us back to the gospel. While believers still struggle with sin, a heart regenerated by Christ and sanctified by the Spirit will increasingly reflect God’s holiness in both word and conduct. James reminds us that true faith does not only confess Christ with the lips but bears fruit in speech that honors God, loves others, and reflects the dignity of those made in His image.
May this message lead us to honest self-examination, humble repentance, and renewed dependence on Christ, who alone restores our hearts and reshapes our tongues. And as we begin this new year, may our words consistently flow from a life being transformed by grace, for the glory of God and the edification of His people.
Capitol Commons Reformed Church, Sermon Recording for January 4, 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.
Have Questions?
Do you have questions about this topic or anything else? We'd love to hear from you and help you on your journey of faith.
Contact Us