Reverence, Words, and Heart Transformation in Christ
Summary
In our journey through Ecclesiastes 5, we were reminded of the importance of approaching God with reverence and sincerity. This theme of reverence is echoed in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, where we are told that we are now the temple of God, and His Spirit dwells within us. This profound truth challenges us to see ourselves and others as sacred, deserving of honor and respect. Just as the temple in Jerusalem was approached with awe, we must approach each other with the same reverence, recognizing the divine presence within.
This understanding transforms our relationships, especially within the body of Christ. It compels us to treat one another with the utmost respect, as we are not merely interacting with flesh and blood but with the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. This perspective should change how we speak to and about each other. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and they reflect the condition of our hearts. Ephesians 4:29-30 warns us not to grieve the Holy Spirit with our words, urging us to speak only what is helpful and edifying.
The heart of the matter is not just about controlling our tongues but transforming our hearts. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:34 that our words are an overflow of our hearts. Therefore, the call is to cultivate a heart filled with love, kindness, and truth, so that our words naturally reflect these virtues. This transformation requires repentance and a sincere desire to align our hearts with God's will.
As we reflect on these truths, we are encouraged to think before we speak, using the acrostic THINK: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? This framework helps us ensure that our words are aligned with God's heart and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Reverence for the Temple of God: Recognize that each believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Approach others with the same reverence you would have for the temple in Jerusalem, understanding that God's presence dwells within them. This perspective should transform how we interact with and speak to one another. [03:43]
2. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and they reflect the condition of our hearts. Ephesians 4:29-30 reminds us to speak only what is helpful and edifying, as our words can grieve the Holy Spirit. This calls for a heart transformation, not just tongue control. [11:50]
3. Heart Transformation: Jesus teaches that our words are an overflow of our hearts. Therefore, the focus should be on cultivating a heart filled with love, kindness, and truth, so that our words naturally reflect these virtues. This requires sincere repentance and alignment with God's will. [15:10]
4. THINK Before You Speak: Use the acrostic THINK to guide your speech: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? This framework helps ensure that our words are aligned with God's heart and purpose, promoting edification and grace. [24:03]
5. Repentance and Reconciliation: Reflect on times when your words may have dishonored God's temple in others. Seek forgiveness from God and commit to making things right with those you have wronged. This process of repentance and reconciliation is crucial for maintaining the sanctity of our relationships. [32:12]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Guarding Our Steps
[01:09] - The Glory of God in the Temple
[02:36] - We Are God's Temple
[04:12] - Reverence for Each Other
[06:20] - Changed Perspective on People
[08:47] - God's Children and Temples
[10:16] - The Power of Words
[12:23] - Grieving the Holy Spirit
[14:40] - Heart Overflows into Words
[17:18] - Heart Transformation
[19:06] - Genuine Belief and Salvation
[23:14] - THINK Before You Speak
[29:03] - The Impact of Kindness
[31:24] - Repentance and Reconciliation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
2. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
3. Ephesians 4:29-30
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, what does it mean for believers to be the temple of God? How does this change the way we view ourselves and others? [03:09]
2. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, what instructions are given about approaching God? How does this relate to the concept of reverence discussed in the sermon? [00:17]
3. What does Ephesians 4:29-30 say about the impact of our words on the Holy Spirit? How does this passage connect to the idea of heart transformation? [11:50]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of viewing each other as sacred temples of the Holy Spirit? [05:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding that we are temples of the Holy Spirit influence our interactions within the body of Christ? What practical changes might this perspective bring about in our relationships? [06:20]
2. In what ways can our words grieve the Holy Spirit, according to Ephesians 4:29-30? How does this understanding challenge us to reflect on our speech? [12:23]
3. How does the acrostic THINK (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind) serve as a practical tool for aligning our speech with God's will? What challenges might arise in applying this framework? [24:03]
4. What role does repentance play in transforming our hearts and aligning our words with God's purpose? How does this process of repentance and reconciliation maintain the sanctity of our relationships? [32:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may not have honored the temple of God in others. How can you seek reconciliation and make things right with those you have wronged? [32:12]
2. Consider the THINK acrostic. Which aspect (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind) do you find most challenging to apply in your daily conversations? What steps can you take to improve in this area? [24:03]
3. How can you cultivate a heart filled with love, kindness, and truth, so that your words naturally reflect these virtues? What specific practices or habits can help you align your heart with God's will? [15:10]
4. Identify a relationship in your life that could benefit from a renewed perspective of reverence and respect. How can you begin to treat this person as a sacred temple of the Holy Spirit? [05:09]
5. Think about a time when your words may have grieved the Holy Spirit. How can you be more mindful of the impact of your speech on others and on your relationship with God? [12:23]
6. How does viewing yourself as a temple of the Holy Spirit affect your self-worth and identity? In what ways can this understanding empower you to live out your faith more boldly? [03:09]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that your words are edifying and grace-filled, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29-30? [11:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence for the Divine Within
Recognizing that each believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit, we are called to approach others with the same reverence we would have for the temple in Jerusalem. This understanding transforms our interactions, as we acknowledge the divine presence within each person. By seeing others as sacred, we are compelled to treat them with honor and respect, which should be reflected in our words and actions. This perspective challenges us to view our relationships within the body of Christ as opportunities to honor God's presence in each other. [03:43]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: Think of someone you interact with regularly. How can you intentionally honor the divine presence within them today through your words and actions?
Day 2: The Power of Words
Our words hold the power to build up or tear down, reflecting the condition of our hearts. Ephesians 4:29-30 reminds us to speak only what is helpful and edifying, as our words can grieve the Holy Spirit. This calls for a transformation of the heart, not just control over the tongue. By aligning our hearts with God's will, our words can become instruments of grace and encouragement, fostering unity and love within the community. [11:50]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may have hurt someone. How can you seek to make amends and use your words to bring healing and encouragement?
Day 3: Heart Transformation
Jesus teaches that our words are an overflow of our hearts. Therefore, the focus should be on cultivating a heart filled with love, kindness, and truth, so that our words naturally reflect these virtues. This transformation requires sincere repentance and a desire to align our hearts with God's will. By allowing God to transform our hearts, we can become vessels of His love and truth, impacting those around us positively. [15:10]
Psalm 51:10 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Reflection: Identify one area of your heart that needs transformation. What steps can you take today to invite God into this area and allow Him to bring about change?
Day 4: THINK Before You Speak
Using the acrostic THINK—Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?—we are encouraged to think before we speak. This framework helps ensure that our words are aligned with God's heart and purpose, promoting edification and grace. By being intentional with our speech, we can create an environment of love and respect, reflecting God's character in our interactions. [24:03]
Proverbs 15:28 (ESV): "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
Reflection: Choose one conversation today where you will consciously apply the THINK framework. How does this change the way you communicate and the impact of your words?
Day 5: Repentance and Reconciliation
Reflecting on times when our words may have dishonored God's temple in others, we are called to seek forgiveness from God and commit to making things right with those we have wronged. This process of repentance and reconciliation is crucial for maintaining the sanctity of our relationships. By humbling ourselves and seeking to restore broken relationships, we honor God and reflect His love and grace to others. [32:12]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a relationship that needs healing due to past words or actions. What steps can you take today to seek reconciliation and restore this relationship?
Quotes
"Imagine if you yourself right now were approaching that Temple imagine how you would feel as you approach that temple of God knowing that in some way God truly dwelt there somehow he dwelt there in that holy of holies you know behind that curtain we don't understand at all and obviously he wasn't limited to this one spot." [00:01:14]
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's Temple and that God's spirit lives in you if anyone destroys God's Temple God will destroy him for God's Temple is sacred and you are that Temple okay this is an amazing truth you know that Temple that that how somehow the glory of God in the New Testament." [00:03:00]
"As you look at her do you really see her as housing God God like you may just say okay well there's there's another person in our church there's Terry L there's a girl you know I don't know if you see beyond the physical and and look and go that's the Temple of the Holy Spirit." [00:04:22]
"Do we genuinely believe the words of God that right there is the temple of God and that as I approach her the Holy Spirit dwells in her guys when I really dwelt on this passage this week it really changed my perspective on people really changed my perspective on the body of Christ and the Believers in this room." [00:06:02]
"Do not let any UNH wholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen and look at this verse 30 and do not grieve the holy spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." [00:10:53]
"Out of the Overflow of the heart the mouth speaks the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him but I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." [00:14:57]
"Why you gossip is not because you can't control your mouth it's because there's something wrong with your heart the reason why you slander and say negative things about other people is not because you couldn't bite your tongue it's because there's hatred in your heart there is evil in your heart." [00:16:43]
"Changing your feelings so that it will just naturally to actually have love for people in your heart so you will naturally say loving things to them that's what this is about man I've really had to repent over this one I I'm I'm praying from my heart because there's times when I just don't." [00:17:31]
"Before you say anything ask yourself is this going to help this person see so often when we talk about speech in the church we only talk about truth but scripture says very clearly don't even say anything unless it's helpful see a lot of times we'll say things about you know people." [00:25:05]
"Is it true is it helpful is it inspiring is it necessary is it kind Colossians 4:6 says let your conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone Proverbs 12:25 says an anxious heart we weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up." [00:28:02]
"Wouldn't that be cool if we were all that way you know if people walked in the room and they it's really was a room filled with people people filled with the Holy Spirit respecting each other as temples of the Holy Spirit and not being quick with our mouths to say anything to anyone else." [00:31:21]
"Let's apologize to God for what we said to his kids if any of you guys need prayer maybe even in your heart you go you know I've never really begun that relationship with God I may have said it with my lips but I want to from my heart say to God now you need some prayer." [00:33:36]
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