The Power of Words: Building Up, Not Tearing Down
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. The speaker used the analogy of a crumpled piece of paper to illustrate how our words can leave lasting marks on others, even if we try to smooth things over later. The message emphasized the need to always speak to others in a positive and uplifting manner, following the example of Jesus. The speaker challenged us to be people who build others up rather than tear them down.
In the second part of the sermon, the speaker focused on the power of the tongue and its potential for both good and harm. The speaker warned against the misuse of words, particularly in the context of teaching and leading others. The sermon emphasized the responsibility that comes with being a teacher or leader, as their words can steer an entire faith community. The speaker also highlighted the destructive power of words, comparing them to a wildfire that can cause extensive damage once it's set off.
Key Takeaways:
- Our words have the power to either build people up or tear them down, and we should strive to use them positively (#!!01:08:41!!#).
- The role of a teacher or leader in a faith community comes with great responsibility, as their words can influence the direction of the entire community (#!!28:28!!#).
- Words can cause extensive damage, much like a wildfire, and once they're spoken, they can't be taken back (#!!33:54!!#).
- The misuse of words, particularly in the context of teaching, is not a minor issue but a serious one that can lead people astray (#!!30:03!!#).
- We should strive to control our tongue and use it for good, rather than using it thoughtlessly and causing harm (#!!35:19!!#).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The power of language allows us to create worlds of meaning, which can either align with the truth of God or omit it. We have the ability to build a positive picture with our words that can impact those around us. This is not just about refraining from harmful speech, but actively using our words to encourage and uplift. #!!46:04!!#
2. Our speech should not merely treat the symptoms of our issues, but the cause. We are called to undergo a transformation of heart and character, replacing evil talk with glorifying worship that stems from a newness within us. This transformation can only be achieved through God's power. #!!51:25!!#
3. We are made in God's image, gifted with reason, conscience, logic, and language. When we attack someone with our words, we are not just harming their physical body, but also undermining their creativity, relationships, reasoning, and imagination. Our words can leave emotional scars that stay with people for a lifetime. #!!40:25!!#
4. The human being has the capacity to either reject or accept the way of the Creator. The tongue can rebel against its nature to be a blessing only instrument, showing a double-mindedness that is opposed by God. We are called to be consistent, showing the outpouring of a fresh water spring. #!!42:01!!#
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. James 3
2. Luke 6
3. Proverbs 18
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the power of our words based on James 3?
2. How does the sermon describe the impact of harmful words on others?
3. What does the sermon suggest about the transformation of heart and character in relation to our speech?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Luke 6 relate to the sermon's point about the nature of our words reflecting the condition of our hearts?
2. How does Proverbs 18 support the sermon's point about the power and impact of our words?
3. How does the sermon interpret the concept of double-mindedness in relation to our speech?
Application Questions:
1. How can we apply the sermon's message about the power of words in our daily interactions?
2. Can you recall a time when your words had a significant impact on someone else, either positively or negatively?
3. How can we actively work towards transforming our speech to align with God's truth and love?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to heal or to hurt. They can be a source of life or a source of death. The Bible reminds us of the power of our words and encourages us to use them wisely.
Proverbs 18:21 - "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 you had. Were your words used to build up or tear down the other person? How can you ensure your words align with God's truth in future conversations?
Day 2: The Role of Faith in Our Speech
Our faith should influence every aspect of our lives, including our speech. The words we speak should reflect the love, grace, and truth of God.
Ephesians 4:29 - "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."
Reflection: How does your faith influence your speech? Can you recall a time when you replaced unwholesome talk with words that glorify God and build others up?
Day 3: The Responsibility of Our Speech
We have a responsibility to use our words wisely. Our words can bless others, but they can also cause harm. We must be mindful of the impact of our words.
James 3:10 - "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."
Reflection: How have you used your words to bless others recently? Are there instances where you've used your words in a way that you now regret? How can you make amends?
Day 4: The Healing Power of Words
Words have the power to heal. They can bring comfort, encouragement, and hope. We should strive to use our words to bring healing to others.
Proverbs 16:24 - "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
Reflection: Can you think of a time when your words brought healing or comfort to someone? How can you be more intentional about using your words for healing in the future?
Day 5: The Destructive Power of the Tongue
The tongue, though small, can cause great harm. Like a small spark that sets a forest on fire, our words can cause damage that is difficult to repair.
James 3:5 - "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!"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your words caused harm, like a small spark setting a forest on fire. How can you strive to tame your tongue and prevent such harm in the future?
Quotes
1. "With the power of language we are able to create whole worlds of meaning which can structure, which can be structured according to the word of truth from God. Or it can create a universe of meaning in which the truth of God is omitted or ignored." - 46:04
2. "In our speech it is not the symptoms we are to treat rather the cause, it is not just to try really hard to be nice but to undergo a transformation of heart and character. Evil talk is replaced with glorifying worship that stems from a newness welling up within us, a genuine humanity in tune with God and His ways." - 51:25
3. "You have gifted us with the ability to speak life just as useful life unlike your other creation. You have made us in your image with reason and conscience with logic and language." - 53:23
4. "As God is relational, he made us to be relational. As he is creative, he made us to be creative. He gave us a higher order of consciousness and ways of thinking he gave us free will. Ways to express ourselves, he gave us a gift of language, reason and logic and imagination." - 37:06
5. "We pray especially for there to be peace soon in Ukraine. Let this war come to an end, we pray and let other conflicts come to an end too, we ask. Whether between countries or people groups or even within families." - 57:20
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