The Power of Words: A Father's Influence
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and Happy Father's Day to all the dads here today. We are continuing our series called "Faith in Real Life," and today we are diving into James 3. This chapter is particularly relevant as it addresses the power of our words, a topic that resonates deeply on Father's Day. James uses vivid illustrations to convey the untamable nature of the tongue, comparing it to a wild animal, a small bit that controls a large horse, and a tiny rudder that steers a massive ship. These analogies highlight how something so small can have a monumental impact, both positively and negatively.
James emphasizes that while humans can tame all kinds of animals, no one can tame the tongue on their own. It is restless, evil, and full of deadly poison. This is a sobering reminder that our words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to wound. The tongue can set the entire course of our lives on fire, much like a small spark can ignite a great forest fire. This is why it is crucial to harness our words through the Holy Spirit.
On this Father's Day, it's essential to recognize the profound impact that a father's words can have on his family. Some of us have been blessed with encouraging and loving fathers, while others may carry deep wounds from hurtful words. Regardless of our past, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us perfectly and wants to bring healing into our lives.
James also cautions those in leadership roles, reminding us that we are held to a higher standard. Our words can either advance the gospel or do significant damage to it. This is not just a message for pastors but for all of us, especially fathers, as we lead our families. Our words should reflect our faith in Christ and be a metric of our spiritual maturity.
In conclusion, our words have immense power. They can set the direction of our lives and the lives of those around us. As we surrender our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we can use our words to bring life, hope, and healing. Let's commit to being mindful of the words we speak, understanding their potential to either build up or tear down.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to wound. James 3:6 likens the tongue to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire, emphasizing the monumental impact our words can have. This is why it is crucial to harness our words through the Holy Spirit. [33:49]
2. The Untamable Tongue: James makes it clear that no one can tame the tongue on their own; it is restless, evil, and full of deadly poison. This serves as a sobering reminder that we need divine help to control our speech. Our words can either advance the gospel or do significant damage to it. [36:42]
3. Leadership and Responsibility: Those in leadership roles, including fathers, are held to a higher standard. Our words can set the trajectory for our families and communities. James 3:1-2 warns that leaders will be judged more strictly, highlighting the immense responsibility that comes with our words. [49:31]
4. Authentic Faith and Words: A real faith in Christ should produce a filter for our words. James 3:10-12 speaks about the inconsistency of praising God and cursing others with the same tongue. This inconsistency reveals the condition of our hearts and calls us to surrender our speech to the Holy Spirit. [51:18]
5. Words as a Metric of Spiritual Maturity: Our words are a metric of our spiritual maturity. James 3:2 states that if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect, meaning mature and growing in our faith. This challenges us to continually grow in how we use our words, especially under pressure. [01:01:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:38] - Introduction and Father's Day Tribute
[31:23] - The Story of Siegfried and Roy
[32:25] - The Untamable Nature of the Tongue
[33:49] - The Power of Words
[36:42] - The Need for Divine Help
[38:08] - The Impact of Words on Father's Day
[40:50] - The Responsibility of Leadership
[42:16] - The Impact of Hurtful Words
[45:10] - The Power of Encouraging Words
[47:59] - Real Faith and Words
[49:31] - Leadership and Accountability
[51:18] - Authentic Faith and Words
[54:17] - Words and Integrity
[55:55] - The Higher Standard for Leaders
[57:30] - The Impact of Careless Words
[01:01:11] - Words as a Metric of Spiritual Maturity
[01:03:57] - Personal Story: The Impact of a Father's Words
[01:07:12] - Words Under Pressure
[01:10:10] - The Direction of Our Lives
[01:12:08] - The Destructive Power of Words
[01:16:14] - Are My Words Life-Giving?
[01:18:22] - Advocate or Accuser?
[01:20:13] - Words and the Image of God
[01:21:23] - The Positive Impact of Words
[01:24:46] - The Condition of the Heart
[01:27:24] - Invitation to Surrender
[01:28:38] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 3:1-12 (NIV)
> "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
### Observation Questions
1. What analogies does James use to describe the power and nature of the tongue? (James 3:3-6)
2. According to James, what are the consequences of an untamed tongue? (James 3:6-8)
3. How does James describe the inconsistency of the tongue in terms of praising God and cursing others? (James 3:9-10)
4. What does James say about the ability of humans to tame animals versus the tongue? (James 3:7-8)
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that no one can tame the tongue on their own? What does this imply about our need for divine help? [36:42]
2. How does the analogy of a small spark setting a great forest on fire relate to the impact of our words? [33:49]
3. In what ways does James suggest that our words are a metric of our spiritual maturity? [01:01:11]
4. How does James 3:1-2 highlight the responsibility of those in leadership roles, especially in the context of their words? [49:31]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your words had a significant positive or negative impact on someone. How did that experience shape your understanding of the power of your words? [33:49]
2. James mentions that our words can either advance the gospel or do significant damage to it. How can you ensure that your words are advancing the gospel in your daily interactions? [36:42]
3. For those in leadership roles, including fathers, how can you be more mindful of the responsibility that comes with your words? What steps can you take to ensure your words are life-giving? [49:31]
4. James talks about the inconsistency of praising God and cursing others with the same tongue. How can you work on aligning your speech to reflect your faith more consistently? [51:18]
5. Think about the people you interact with regularly. How can you use your words to build them up and encourage them this week? Be specific about what you will say and to whom. [01:16:14]
6. Are there any areas in your life where you feel your words have caused harm? What steps can you take to seek forgiveness and make amends? [01:14:00]
7. How can you incorporate prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit to help you control your tongue and use your words wisely? [36:42]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of Words
Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to wound. James 3:6 likens the tongue to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire, emphasizing the monumental impact our words can have. This is why it is crucial to harness our words through the Holy Spirit. [33:49]
James 3:6 describes the tongue as a small spark that can set a great forest on fire, illustrating the immense power our words hold. This analogy serves as a stark reminder that even the smallest words can have a monumental impact, both positively and negatively. Our words can build up or tear down, heal or wound, and set the entire course of our lives on fire. This is why it is crucial to harness our words through the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and control our speech.
On this Father's Day, it's essential to recognize the profound impact that a father's words can have on his family. Some of us have been blessed with encouraging and loving fathers, while others may carry deep wounds from hurtful words. Regardless of our past, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us perfectly and wants to bring healing into our lives. As we surrender our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we can use our words to bring life, hope, and healing to those around us.
Bible Passage:
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" (Psalm 141:3, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent conversation where your words had a significant impact. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your speech in future interactions?
### Day 2: The Untamable Tongue
James makes it clear that no one can tame the tongue on their own; it is restless, evil, and full of deadly poison. This serves as a sobering reminder that we need divine help to control our speech. Our words can either advance the gospel or do significant damage to it. [36:42]
James 3:8 states that no human being can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. This vivid description underscores the inherent difficulty in controlling our speech. Despite our best efforts, our words can often slip out in ways that are harmful or destructive. This serves as a sobering reminder that we need divine help to control our speech. Without the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, our words can cause significant damage, not only to our relationships but also to our witness for Christ.
Our words have the potential to either advance the gospel or do significant damage to it. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ in all that we say and do. This means that our speech should be seasoned with grace, love, and truth. By surrendering our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we can ensure that our words are life-giving and edifying, rather than harmful and destructive.
Bible Passage:
"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." (James 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a time when your words caused harm. How can you seek God's help to transform your speech into a tool for blessing and encouragement?
### Day 3: Leadership and Responsibility
Those in leadership roles, including fathers, are held to a higher standard. Our words can set the trajectory for our families and communities. James 3:1-2 warns that leaders will be judged more strictly, highlighting the immense responsibility that comes with our words. [49:31]
James 3:1-2 warns that not many should become teachers, for those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. This passage highlights the immense responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly in the realm of our words. Leaders, including fathers, have the power to set the trajectory for their families and communities through their speech. The words we speak can either build up and encourage or tear down and discourage those we lead.
As leaders, we are called to a higher standard of speech. Our words should reflect our faith in Christ and be a metric of our spiritual maturity. This means that we must be intentional about the words we use, ensuring that they are life-giving and edifying. By surrendering our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we can lead our families and communities in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.
Bible Passage:
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider the influence your words have on those you lead. How can you be more intentional about using your speech to build up and encourage others?
### Day 4: Authentic Faith and Words
A real faith in Christ should produce a filter for our words. James 3:10-12 speaks about the inconsistency of praising God and cursing others with the same tongue. This inconsistency reveals the condition of our hearts and calls us to surrender our speech to the Holy Spirit. [51:18]
James 3:10-12 addresses the inconsistency of using the same tongue to praise God and curse others. This inconsistency reveals the condition of our hearts and calls us to examine the authenticity of our faith. A real faith in Christ should produce a filter for our words, ensuring that our speech is consistent with our beliefs. When we surrender our tongues to the Holy Spirit, He transforms our speech, making it a reflection of our faith in Christ.
Our words are a powerful indicator of the state of our hearts. If we find ourselves speaking words that are harmful or destructive, it may be a sign that we need to examine our hearts and seek God's transformation. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, we can ensure that our words are life-giving and consistent with our faith in Christ.
Bible Passage:
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." (Matthew 12:34-35, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on the consistency of your speech with your faith. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and, consequently, your words?
### Day 5: Words as a Metric of Spiritual Maturity
Our words are a metric of our spiritual maturity. James 3:2 states that if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect, meaning mature and growing in our faith. This challenges us to continually grow in how we use our words, especially under pressure. [01:01:11]
James 3:2 states that if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect, meaning mature and growing in our faith. This passage highlights the significant role our words play in our spiritual maturity. Our ability to control our speech is a reflection of our growth in Christ. As we mature in our faith, our words should increasingly reflect the character of Christ, being seasoned with grace, love, and truth.
This challenges us to continually grow in how we use our words, especially under pressure. When we face difficult situations, our true character is often revealed through our speech. By surrendering our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we can ensure that our words are a reflection of our spiritual maturity, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Bible Passage:
"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." (Proverbs 21:23, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a recent situation where you were under pressure. How did your words reflect your spiritual maturity? What steps can you take to grow in this area?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We all know that no matter how much control, no matter how much man, how much you have tamed an animal that is a powerful animal like that, that if that animal decides that he doesn't want to act like a kitten at that point, that is a dangerous animal. Well, when we look in James chapter three, what we're going to see is that James, this, who was a half brother of Jesus, maybe you don't know much about the Bible and you're new to this and maybe this we're working our way through this book of James, what James is going to say to these believers, these people who had put their faith in Jesus." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We cannot tame the tongue on our own, fellow believers. We can't do it. We need help from God. We need help from the Holy Spirit. James would show us this. Okay. Now you need to know that if you don't know this, that the book of James says no one can tame the tongue. The book of James, as we've been working through, it's broken up by chapter and verses. We see it like this, but whenever it was originally written, there were no chapter and verses." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There are some of you who I know who are here this morning, some of you who are online with us today, that words, words of somebody who is close to you have left you with very deep wounds, wounds. You still carry today, even as an adult, wounds that maybe have even impacted you in your relationships could be positively because you've learned how maybe not to do some things. So what I've been asking the Lord to do all this week, number one, if that is you, I want you to know that there is a heavenly father who is perfect, who loves you, who wants you in his family, and who will be a perfect father to you." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "My words determine my life's direction. The things you are saying is determining the way that you are going and I would kick it up a notch for us dads I really believe this because God is God has placed you with great responsibility as a father the words that you're saying is not only casting a direction and the trajectory of yourself but for your family too guys for your children for your wife if you are married and he's saying like this horse bit where you've got a huge stallion a 2,000 pound Clydesdale that under under control of a bit right can give direction and then right and so he's saying this and then he says consider a ship consider a ship and this massive ship I'm blown away by the size of these ships." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Are my words life-giving? Do the people that I have conversations with feel more hope? Do they feel peace? Do they feel instruction that's godly? Do they feel truth? Or are my words, are my words draining life? When they leave, are people just depleted because we've slandered or our anger's out of control or our criticism is just toxic or we're judgmental? This is, James is saying, you're not gonna be perfect, none of us will be, but are you growing? Are your words careless? Are your words being harnessed?" (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "James is a good pastor is coming alongside them and he's trying to comfort, comfort them where they need comfort. But James, like a good pastor is also trying to challenge them and he's trying to coach them and he's trying to help them know how to live a life for Christ when they are under pressure, the kind of pressure that they were under. And so James is going to end up saying something like this in chapter three. He's going to say, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. People can tame all kinds of animals. People can tame all kinds of animals. Birds, reptiles, and fish, lions, and tigers, and bears. Go ahead. Oh my, right? You can say all that, but look, but no one can tame the tongue. James says no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "James knew that a life that is lived in Christ by the Spirit of God who lives within us because of the work that Jesus did on the cross, he knows that the Spirit of God can help us with this tame, this mouth. Tame this tongue that, however, James is what he's going to say is he wants us to understand that James is cautioning us that sometimes I think maybe that's what happened in that show. He'd gone through the motions over and over and over again. And we can perhaps get too overly confident or we can grow complacent. And maybe we think that we've got this conquered a hundred percent. And what James is saying to these believers is you need to understand the power of this, that if it is not, if our words are not harnessed by the Holy Spirit in our life, they can do incredible damage, right?" (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "James says, I love you so much. I'm going to pastor you in this because God has so much for you. And if you don't grow in this area, you need to understand that you, in many cases, are doing more damage to the gospel than you are helping the gospel. By your words, by your words, right? They will know. James would caution us who are in places of leadership. I want to say this, okay? Because I want our church to be healthy. I want us all to understand we're in this together. This, yes, is for me. This is for all of our pastors. So if you're a pastor here today, please receive this today. I know sometimes you come on Sundays and you're so busy working and trying to do the things. This is for you today. Are you hearing that, pastors? It's for you. He loves you." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "James is saying, for the sake of the gospel, surrender your heart to Jesus. Some of you are thinking, all right, I'm gonna go out, I'm gonna make this happen. I'm gonna strive more. I'm gonna do it. That's not what we're saying today. You can try. You're gonna keep failing. This is what it really comes down to. Surrender. Surrender. Lord, I surrender daily. Some of you have never put your faith in Christ, so he wants to give you a new heart today. But some of you are believers, and we're struggling, but here's what he's saying. Don't strive more. Surrender. Give me all of your life every day. I can do this through you. I can help harness this. I can use this for good when you partner with me." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Pick one and do it this week. Pick one. You can set a new trajectory for your life and for the life of somebody. Maybe your kids need to hear something from you. Maybe your wife does or your husband does. Maybe you've been negative lately and the Lord is going to... Maybe you realize, I complain a lot at work. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you today. He loves you. He wants the best for your life. Don't go out of here condemned. Just let the Holy Spirit convict and lead you and let's grow together." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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