Power of Words: Aligning Speech with God's Purpose
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family across all our locations, celebrating the work of God in our midst and preparing our hearts for what He wants to do next. We honored those who have gone before us, like Jude and Becky Fuquay, and looked forward to new beginnings with the upcoming church launch in Santa Barbara. We also looked ahead to Baptize America, a day when thousands across the nation will publicly declare their faith, reminding us that God is moving powerfully in our generation.
Turning to the book of James, we explored the profound truth that our words have the power to shape our lives. James teaches that the tongue, though small, is like a rudder steering the entire ship of our existence. The words we speak can bring life or death, blessing or cursing, and the direction of our lives is set by the confessions we make. While it can feel overwhelming to realize how easily our words can cause harm, there is hope: the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak life, to encourage, and to bless.
We considered three practical ways to align our speech with God’s purposes. First, we must continually invite the Holy Spirit to guide our conversations, recognizing that only by His power can we tame the tongue and produce the fruit of self-control, gentleness, and kindness. Second, we need to fuel our hearts with what is good—worship, gratitude, and the Word of God—because what fills our hearts will inevitably come out of our mouths. The atmosphere of our lives changes when we fix our thoughts on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy, and when we let praise and thanksgiving be our daily language.
Finally, we are called to declare what God has spoken over our lives. Just as God spoke creation into being, our agreement with His promises—spoken out loud—shapes our spiritual reality. This is not about wishful thinking or empty declarations, but about aligning our confession with God’s Word and His specific promises for us. We practiced this together, speaking to the mountains of fear and praying for prodigal sons and daughters, believing that God hears and moves when we declare His truth. Ultimately, the most powerful confession we can make is to declare Jesus as Lord, surrendering our lives to Him and allowing Him to set the course of our destiny.
Key Takeaways
- The Direction of Your Life Is Set by Your Words
James compares the tongue to a rudder, emphasizing that the words we speak determine the course of our lives. Even in the midst of strong winds and storms, the direction we set with our words can lead us toward life, peace, and fruitfulness—or toward destruction. This truth calls for a sober evaluation of what we are declaring over ourselves, our families, and our futures. [50:08]
- The Holy Spirit Is Essential for Taming the Tongue
Human effort alone cannot control the tongue; it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can speak words that bring life. Inviting the Spirit daily to guide our conversations produces the fruit of self-control, gentleness, and kindness, transforming not just our speech but the entire atmosphere of our lives. This is a daily discipline, a posture of dependence, and a mark of true spiritual maturity. [54:09]
- What Fills Your Heart Will Fill Your Mouth
Jesus taught that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, so the fuel we pour into our hearts—whether it’s worship, gratitude, or negativity—will inevitably shape our words. The progression is clear: heart fuel shapes thoughts, thoughts become words, words become actions, and actions set our destiny. We must be intentional about what we meditate on, fixing our thoughts on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy, so that our words align with God’s peace and purpose. [01:00:06]
- Faith-Filled Confession Aligns Us with God’s Promises
Declaring what God has spoken over our lives is not about wishful thinking, but about agreeing with His Word and promises. When our confession matches God’s truth, it creates a spiritual reality—just as God spoke creation into being, our words, infused with faith, can move mountains and change destinies. This is especially vital when facing fear, uncertainty, or the pain of loved ones far from God; our declarations release the power of heaven into those situations. [01:09:49]
- The Most Powerful Confession Is Surrender to Jesus
Ultimately, the greatest declaration we can make is to confess Jesus as Lord and surrender our lives to Him. This confession moves us from death to life, darkness to light, and secures our eternal destiny. It is not just a one-time prayer, but a daily posture of inviting Jesus to guide our future, trusting that as we openly declare our faith, He is faithful to save and lead us. [01:15:48]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Honoring Spiritual Legacy
[02:10] - Baptize America Announcement
[04:00] - Congregational Survey
[07:00] - Introduction to James 3
[09:00] - The Power and Danger of the Tongue
[13:00] - The Hope of the Holy Spirit’s Help
[16:00] - Practical Ways to Tame the Tongue
[19:00] - Inviting the Holy Spirit Daily
[23:00] - Fueling Your Heart with Good Things
[27:00] - The Progression from Heart to Destiny
[31:00] - Worship and the Atmosphere of Peace
[35:00] - Declaring God’s Promises Over Your Life
[40:00] - Speaking to Mountains: Fear and Family
[45:00] - The Power of Confessing Jesus as Lord
[48:00] - Ministry Time and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power of Words and Faith-Filled Confession
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### Bible Reading
- James 3:1-12 (The power and danger of the tongue)
- Proverbs 18:21 (“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”)
- Romans 10:9-10 (“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In James 3:3-6, what are the two main images James uses to describe the power of the tongue? How do these images help us understand the impact of our words?
2. According to Proverbs 18:21, what are the two possible outcomes of the words we speak?
3. In the sermon, what practical examples did Pastor Dave give about how words can either bring life or cause harm? ([50:08])
4. What does Romans 10:9-10 say is necessary for salvation, and how does this connect to the idea of confession?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think James compares the tongue to a rudder and a spark? What does this say about the influence of our words on the direction of our lives?
2. Pastor Dave said, “The direction of your life is set by your words.” How does this idea challenge the way we think about everyday conversations? ([50:08])
3. The sermon mentioned that human effort alone can’t control the tongue, but the Holy Spirit can help us. Why is it important to invite the Holy Spirit into our speech? ([54:09])
4. How does declaring God’s promises out loud (not just thinking them) shape our spiritual reality, according to the sermon? ([01:09:49])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent conversation where your words either built someone up or tore them down. What could you have done differently if you had paused to invite the Holy Spirit into that moment? ([54:09])
2. Pastor Dave talked about fueling our hearts with worship, gratitude, and God’s Word. What is one practical way you can “fuel your heart with the good stuff” this week? Is there a specific song, verse, or practice you want to focus on? ([01:00:06])
3. Are there any negative words or labels you’ve spoken over yourself, your family, or your future that you need to repent of and replace with God’s truth? What would it look like to do that? ([50:08])
4. The sermon encouraged us to declare God’s promises over our lives, especially when facing fear or praying for loved ones far from God. Is there a specific promise from Scripture you want to start speaking over a situation or person in your life? ([01:09:49])
5. When you think about the “mountains” in your life—fear, family struggles, finances, etc.—what would it look like to speak to those mountains with faith instead of just talking about them? ([01:12:59])
6. Pastor Dave said the most powerful confession is to declare Jesus as Lord and surrender our lives to Him. Is there an area of your life where you need to make a fresh surrender to Jesus? What’s holding you back? ([01:15:48])
7. The sermon mentioned that what fills your heart will come out of your mouth. What is one thing you need to stop “fueling” your heart with, and what will you replace it with this week? ([01:00:06])
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Close in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help each person speak life, align their words with God’s promises, and surrender every area of their lives to Jesus.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of the Tongue Sets the Course of Your Life
Our words have the ability to direct the entire course of our lives, much like a rudder steers a ship or a bit guides a horse. The tongue, though small, can bring about great blessing or destruction, and it is impossible to tame it by human effort alone. However, when we yield our speech to the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to speak life, encouragement, and blessing, transforming not only our own destiny but also the lives of those around us. The challenge is to recognize the weight of our words and to continually seek God's help in using them wisely, knowing that both blessing and cursing can flow from the same mouth, but God calls us to maturity and self-control in all we say. [50:08]
James 3:1-10 (ESV)
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where your words have set a negative direction? How can you invite the Holy Spirit today to help you speak life instead?
Day 2: Fuel Your Heart with What Is Good
Whatever you fill your heart and mind with will eventually come out of your mouth and shape your reality. The thoughts you meditate on become words, words become actions, and actions set the direction of your life. God calls us to intentionally fuel our hearts with worship, gratitude, and His Word, fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This daily discipline not only brings peace but also transforms the atmosphere around us, enabling us to speak words that build up rather than tear down. The peace and focus you experience in worship can be carried into every day as you choose to meditate on God’s goodness and let your mouth be filled with praise. [01:00:06]
Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Reflection: What is one negative “fuel” you need to remove from your heart today, and what specific truth or praise can you replace it with?
Day 3: Declare What God Has Spoken Over Your Life
There is supernatural power when you align your confession with what God has already spoken over you. Just as God spoke creation into existence, your words—when rooted in faith and God’s promises—can shift spiritual realities and move mountains in your life. This is not about wishful thinking or empty declarations, but about agreeing with God’s Word and speaking it boldly over your circumstances, your family, and your future. When you believe and therefore speak, you activate faith and set the direction for your destiny, even in the face of obstacles or giants. [01:09:49]
2 Corinthians 4:13 (ESV)
"Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke,' we also believe, and so we also speak."
Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you need to start declaring over your life or situation today?
Day 4: Speak to the Mountains in Your Life
Jesus teaches us not just to talk about our mountains, but to speak directly to them with faith. Whether your mountain is fear, anxiety, a wayward loved one, or a seemingly impossible situation, God invites you to use His Word as your weapon and declare His truth over every obstacle. As you speak out God’s promises, you release His power into your circumstances, and the Holy Spirit begins to move, bringing conviction, divine connections, and breakthrough. Don’t underestimate the authority you have in Christ to speak to the mountains and see them move, especially as you intercede for your family and future. [01:12:59]
Mark 11:23 (ESV)
"Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."
Reflection: What is the biggest “mountain” you are facing right now, and what specific words of faith can you speak to it today?
Day 5: The Most Powerful Confession—Declaring Jesus as Lord
The greatest and most life-changing confession you can ever make is to declare Jesus as Lord of your life. This confession moves you from death to life, from darkness to light, and secures your place in God’s family. Salvation is not just a private belief but a public declaration—when you believe in your heart and openly declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you are saved. This daily surrender and confession is the foundation for every other word you speak, setting the course for a life led by Christ and filled with His Spirit. [01:21:44]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
"Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: Have you openly declared Jesus as Lord of your life? If not, what is holding you back from making that confession today? If you have, how can you reaffirm that declaration in your words and actions this week?
Quotes
But you must verbalize it. Jesus made a statement in Matthew 17, which really seems like almost over the top. But here it is. I'll read it. Truly, I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain. Would you speak that out with me? You can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it'll move and nothing will be impossible for you. [01:12:23] (25 seconds)
When I confess over my life what he speaks, it changes my spiritual reality. Look at 2 Corinthians 4 .13. It is written, I believe, therefore I have spoken. He's quoting the psalmist David in 1 Corinthians. 2 Corinthians, sorry. Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak. [01:08:22] (22 seconds)
Heart fuel develops thought patterns. Thought patterns become words. Words proceed and determine actions. Actions set the direction of our lives. And direction determines destiny. You can't avoid this. [01:00:45] (16 seconds)
Our tongues cannot be controlled in the flesh, in human capacity. We're gonna say things that devastate people, things that we regret, but by the power and the control of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we can speak life over our future. So there is hope to tame the tongue. [00:51:45] (16 seconds)
Consider this today your conversation daily what are you declaring over your life over your future over your finances over your family fuel your heart with faith and as you do that james says the rudder of your life will actually change the direction of the ship even in a storm he said even in a storm some of you are in a storm and the winds are coming and the circumstances but god says no no there's a higher power and it's proclaiming my word over that storm in jesus name. [01:19:26] (35 seconds)
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