A Small Fire … A Big Flame

James 3:5-6

Small Can Become Big

• In discussing the control of the tongue, James uses three illustrations of small things that have a big impact: a bridle, a rudder, a fire (Jas. 3:3-6)

• Consider how many thousands of acres have burned and lives lost as a result of one match, one cigarette, etc.

• Smokey Bear was right: “Smokey Says – Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires” (earlier slogan) ... “Remember... Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires” (later slogan)

Small Can Become Big

• Satan, “the deceiver of the whole world” (Rev. 12:9), uses small things to accomplish big sins (2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11)

• Sin can start out small and progress (Jas. 1:14-15)

• Sin only gets worse, not better (Rom. 6:19; 2 Tim. 2:16; 3:13)

A Small Fire

• A small word of gossip, slander, or backbiting (Prov. 16:28; 18:8; 25:23; 26:20,22)

• A small lie (Prov. 26:28; Acts 5:1-11; Rev. 21:8)

• A small mocking (Prov. 17:5)

A Small Fire

• A small lustful look leads to coveting (Josh. 7; 2 Sam. 11)

• A small flirting leads to marital unfaithfulness (Prov. 2:16-19; 5:1-8; 7:5-27; 9:13-18)

• A small drink leads to alcohol problems (Prov. 23:29-35; 1 Pet. 4:3)

• A small human tradition or creed leads to man-made religion – denominationalism (Mt. 15:1-8)

A Small Fire

• A small carnality leads to division (1 Cor. 1:10-12; 3 Jn. 9-10)

• A small touching leads to sexual immorality (Gal. 5:19; lasciviousness … then uncleanness … then fornication)

• A small disregard for authority leads to apostasy (Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11)

A Small Fire

• A small departure from truth leads to error (1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:17-18)

• A small forsaking leads to unfaithfulness (Heb. 10:25)

• Seemingly “small” innocent things can mushroom into spiritual monsters … put the fire out!