May 27, 2018

The Power of Words
May 27, 2018
Scott Bullman

 

Open:

Have you had the experience of asking a friend if she’s pregnant, to learn she’s not? That experience teaches a life-long lesson, right? Will someone share a time when you’ve spoken, and immediately would give anything to take the words back?

Today we are focusing on the power of the words we speak. James tell us that the person who can control his tongue has the power to control the whole body as well (James 3:2). Let’s examine the words we speak, making sure they build up, not tear down; that they encourage, not cause incredible harm.

 

 

Discussion:

Our Words Can Be Life-Giving

Words that Encourage

  • Read 1 Thess. 5:11. List some simple ways to give encouragement that can be the spring board for beginning someone’s day in a joyful manner?
  • What are some effects of encouraging words?

Words that Inspire

  • What results can words of inspiration have?

Words of Kindness and Gentleness

  • Read Prov. 15:4a, and 16:24. What is the effect of kind or gentle words?
  • Read Col. 3:12. What is our responsibility because we are children of God?

Words of Truth and Honesty

  • Read Prov. 6:16, 17b, and 19a. What is the most important reason that we are to be truthful in all we say and do?
  • Read Eph. 4:15 and contrast it with John 8:43-44. Does this include “white lies” and any type of deceit? Why is truth sometimes difficult for us?

 

A Timely Word

  • Read Eccl. 3:7b. How can you know if you need to speak or need to keep silent? Was there a time when you know you were placed in a situation in order to speak God’s word to someone?

A Smart Word

  • Read Neh. 2:1-5. Often we may need wisdom from God in a certain situation but are caught off guard. How can we be prepared for this? How long between the question from the king, and Nehemiah’s answer did he have to pray? Was he prepared, being “prayed up” ahead of time?

 

Our Words Can Be Toxic

Critical Words

  • Read Prov. 26:18-19. What do these verses tell you? (Respond). Is it possible that many unkind remarks are laughingly made under the guise of “Just kidding”?
  • What is the effect of critical words if not spoken in love?

Slanderous Words

  • Read Prov. 25:18. What is slander? Would you even consider wounding or killing a fellow believer? How is that analogous to slander?

 

Gossip

  • Read Prov. 11:13. Have you ever played the game of “Telephone”? If so, you know that the original statement becomes very distorted as it goes down the line of players. How is that like gossip? Why?

Inappropriate Words

  • Read Prov. 4:23-27. Why is it so important to refrain from flirting with anyone other than your spouse, or revealing harsh details of your marriage, thereby causing a friend of the opposite sex to see you as unfulfilled and have the desire to “fix it” or “help”?

 

 

 

Close:

This has been a great time of reflection to examine the ramifications of the things we say, both good and bad. Undoubtedly, we need to strive for a godly answer in everything we say, and to set ourselves apart by a holy conversation. We need always to keep in mind that we will answer to God for our careless words.

It is a sickening thought that some pastors are now speaking profanity from the pulpit, trying to “be all things to all men, so that [they] might win some [for Christ] 1 Cor 9:22.” Christ did not resort to profanity. James said, “Out of the same mouth comes both blessings and cursing—my brethren, these things ought not to be.” (Jas. 3:10). We need to remember we are a testimony to unbelievers, not being so like them the world cannot tell the difference.

The power of our words in this sermon are horizontal: those spoken to people with whom we come into contact, or those people whom we talk about. However, the vertical words that we speak are just as important, if not more so. We are instructed to praise God, to pray without ceasing, to intercede for others as needs arise, to hold conversations as we would with our best friend, and above all, to listen for His reply in our spirit. You will find your kind, gentle words, spoken fitly in season, reap great rewards (Prov. 25:11)!

Key Verse: Psa. 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” (NKJV)

Conclusion:

A heart filled with BITTERNESS speaks ANGRY words A heart filled with FORGIVENESS speaks GRACIOUS words.
A heart filled with ENTITLEMENT speaks COMPLAINING words A heart filled with GRATITUDE speaks UPLIFTING words.

A heart filled with GUILT speaks HARSH words A heart filled with PEACE speaks TENDER words.
A heart filled with REJECTION speaks RESENTFUL words A heart filled with ACCEPTANCE speaks KIND words.

A heart filled with GRUMBLING speaks NEGATIVE words A heart filled with THANKSGIVING speaks POSITIVE words.
A heart filled with CONDEMNATION speaks JUDGMENTAL words A heart filled with LOVE speaks COMPASSIONATE words.

A heart filled with JEALOUSY speaks words of GOSSIP A heart filled with CONTENTMENT speaks words of BLESSING.
A heart filled with SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS speaks CRITICISM A heart filled with HOPE speaks ENCOURAGING words.