The Power of Words: Shaping Beliefs and Actions
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound impact of our words and beliefs, drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs and other Scriptures. We began by reflecting on Proverbs 15:4, which teaches that a wholesome tongue is a tree of life, while perverseness in it breaks the spirit. This verse underscores the power of our words to either uplift or break our spirits. We delved deeper into the idea that our words are a reflection of what we believe, and what we believe is influenced by what we hear. This creates a cycle where our intake shapes our beliefs, which in turn shape our words and actions.
We examined the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, who, despite his great victories, fled in fear from Jezebel. His actions were driven by a belief that he was the only prophet left, a belief that was not true. This story illustrates how our beliefs, even if false, can dictate our actions and break our spirits. Elijah's story teaches us the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against lies and focusing on God's truth.
In contrast, we looked at Jesus on the cross in Luke 23. Despite immense suffering, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness and grace, demonstrating that what was in His heart—love and compassion—came out of His mouth. This contrast between Elijah and Jesus highlights the importance of filling our hearts with God's truth so that, under pressure, we speak life and not despair.
We concluded with a call to examine what we hear and believe, ensuring that it aligns with God's Word. By doing so, we can break free from lies and live in the truth of God's love, forgiveness, and grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Words: Proverbs 15:4 teaches that our words have the power to either give life or break the spirit. This underscores the importance of speaking life-giving words, as they reflect what is in our hearts. Our words are not just casual utterances; they have the power to shape our reality and the realities of those around us. [53:32]
2. Beliefs Shape Actions: Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19 shows that our actions are deeply influenced by our beliefs. Despite his great victories, Elijah fled in fear because he believed he was the only prophet left. This false belief dictated his actions and broke his spirit. It is crucial to align our beliefs with God's truth to ensure our actions reflect His will. [59:46]
3. Guarding Our Hearts: Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts, as everything we do flows from it. This means being mindful of what we hear and believe, ensuring it aligns with God's Word. By guarding our hearts, we protect ourselves from lies and ensure that our actions and words reflect God's truth. [01:07:30]
4. Jesus' Example of Forgiveness: On the cross, Jesus demonstrated the power of a heart filled with love and forgiveness. Despite immense suffering, He spoke words of forgiveness, showing that what is in our hearts will come out of our mouths, even under pressure. This teaches us to fill our hearts with God's love and truth so that we can respond with grace in difficult situations. [01:23:07]
5. Breaking the Cycle of Lies: The story of Elijah and the teachings of Jesus remind us to break the cycle of lies by filling our hearts with God's truth. By hearing and believing God's Word repeatedly, we can dismantle lies and live in the freedom of His truth. This requires intentional effort to focus on God's promises and reject anything that contradicts His Word. [01:16:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[52:17] - Introduction and Personal Anecdote
[53:32] - The Power of Words
[54:50] - Authority Over the Enemy
[56:02] - The Heart-Mouth Connection
[57:14] - The Cycle of Hearing, Believing, and Speaking
[58:27] - Introduction to Elijah's Story
[59:46] - Elijah's Fear and Beliefs
[01:01:03] - Elijah's Journey and God's Protection
[01:03:41] - Elijah's Encounter with God
[01:04:53] - The Importance of Hearing God's Truth
[01:06:15] - Paul's Determination to Hear Only Christ
[01:07:30] - Guarding Our Hearts
[01:10:10] - Elijah's Beliefs and Actions
[01:12:45] - Responsibility and Grace
[01:15:23] - Dismantling Lies with God's Truth
[01:21:48] - Contrasting Elijah with Jesus
[01:23:07] - Jesus' Words on the Cross
[01:26:50] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 15:4 - "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."
2. 1 Kings 19:1-4 - The story of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel.
3. Luke 23:34 - "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 15:4, what are the two contrasting effects of our words?
2. In 1 Kings 19:1-4, what was Elijah's reaction to Jezebel's threat, and what does this reveal about his beliefs at that moment? [59:46]
3. How did Jesus respond to those who crucified Him, as recorded in Luke 23:34, and what does this indicate about His heart? [01:23:07]
4. What cycle is described in the sermon that connects hearing, believing, and speaking? [57:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Proverbs 15:4 describes a wholesome tongue as a "tree of life"? How can our words bring life to others?
2. What does Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19 teach us about the impact of false beliefs on our actions and emotions? [01:01:03]
3. How does Jesus' response on the cross in Luke 23:34 serve as an example for us in dealing with those who wrong us? [01:23:07]
4. The sermon mentions that what we hear repeatedly shapes our beliefs and actions. How can we ensure that what we hear aligns with God's truth? [01:04:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where your words either uplifted or broke someone's spirit. How can you be more intentional about speaking life-giving words? [53:32]
2. Elijah believed he was the only prophet left, which was not true. Are there any false beliefs you hold about yourself or your situation? How can you replace these with God's truth? [01:01:03]
3. Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even in immense suffering. Is there someone you need to forgive? How can you take a step towards forgiveness this week? [01:23:07]
4. Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes guarding our hearts. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart against negative influences and fill it with God's truth? [01:07:30]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of hearing God's truth repeatedly. What are some ways you can incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine? [01:04:53]
6. Think about a time when you acted out of fear or false belief, like Elijah. How can you remind yourself of God's promises in similar situations in the future? [01:01:03]
7. Jesus' example on the cross shows the power of a heart filled with love and forgiveness. How can you cultivate a heart like Jesus' in your daily interactions? [01:23:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Words
Our words have the power to either give life or break the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 teaches that a wholesome tongue is a tree of life, while perverseness in it breaks the spirit. This underscores the importance of speaking life-giving words, as they reflect what is in our hearts. Our words are not just casual utterances; they have the power to shape our reality and the realities of those around us. By being mindful of our speech and ensuring it aligns with God's truth, we can uplift and encourage those around us, creating a positive impact in our communities. [53:32]
Proverbs 15:4 (ESV): "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words may have hurt someone. How can you seek to make amends and speak life-giving words to that person today?
Day 2: Beliefs Shape Actions
Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19 shows that our actions are deeply influenced by our beliefs. Despite his great victories, Elijah fled in fear because he believed he was the only prophet left. This false belief dictated his actions and broke his spirit. It is crucial to align our beliefs with God's truth to ensure our actions reflect His will. By examining our beliefs and ensuring they are rooted in God's Word, we can act in faith and confidence, knowing that God is with us and for us. [59:46]
1 Kings 19:10 (ESV): "He said, 'I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.'"
Reflection: Identify a belief you hold that may not align with God's truth. How can you replace this belief with a promise from Scripture today?
Day 3: Guarding Our Hearts
Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts, as everything we do flows from it. This means being mindful of what we hear and believe, ensuring it aligns with God's Word. By guarding our hearts, we protect ourselves from lies and ensure that our actions and words reflect God's truth. This requires intentional effort to focus on God's promises and reject anything that contradicts His Word. [01:07:30]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What are some sources of information or influences in your life that you need to guard your heart against? How can you replace them with God's truth?
Day 4: Jesus' Example of Forgiveness
On the cross, Jesus demonstrated the power of a heart filled with love and forgiveness. Despite immense suffering, He spoke words of forgiveness, showing that what is in our hearts will come out of our mouths, even under pressure. This teaches us to fill our hearts with God's love and truth so that we can respond with grace in difficult situations. By following Jesus' example, we can extend forgiveness and grace to others, even when it is challenging. [01:23:07]
Luke 23:34 (ESV): "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Breaking the Cycle of Lies
The story of Elijah and the teachings of Jesus remind us to break the cycle of lies by filling our hearts with God's truth. By hearing and believing God's Word repeatedly, we can dismantle lies and live in the freedom of His truth. This requires intentional effort to focus on God's promises and reject anything that contradicts His Word. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer, we can renew our minds and live in the light of God's truth. [01:16:34]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one lie you have believed about yourself or your situation? How can you replace it with a specific truth from God's Word today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There's a broken and needy world out there that needs to hear the gospel and I believe that as we move to two services God's going to do that exactly exact same thing. So I am very, very excited for that." [52:17] (12 seconds)
2. "The reality is he is a defeated foe. Jesus said that. He has given us authority over all, say all, all the power of the enemy. And the reality is he is absolutely petrified of who is inside of you and inside of me." [54:50] (14 seconds)
3. "The very fact that you are still here, that I am still here, that there is breath in our lungs is a testament to the fact that God's hand is still on our life, right? That he still has good plans for you and for I, right?" [01:01:03] (12 seconds)
4. "God wants you and I to hear the truth over and over and over. You're loved. You're loved. You're loved. You're loved. You're forgiven. You're forgiven. You're forgiven over and over and over. He wants you guys and wants us to hear the truth." [01:04:53] (16 seconds)
5. "The Bible says that he desires that none should perish. So because that's what's in his heart, that's what came out of his mouth in that moment." [01:23:07] (7 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What breaks our spirit? A perverse tongue. Something as simple as the words that we speak on a daily basis have the power to either give life or break our spirit. It says in Proverbs 18, 21, that life and death is in the power of the tongue." [54:50] (16 seconds)
2. "Whatever is inside of here, whatever is inside of, our heart is ultimately what is coming out of our mouth. If there is good in here, good is coming out. If there's forgiveness in here, forgiveness is coming out of our mouth. If there is joy in here, joy is coming out of our mouth. If there's hope in here, hope is coming out of our mouth." [56:02] (17 seconds)
3. "What you hear is what we believe. And what you believe is what you believe is what you speak, and it creates that cycle there." [57:14] (6 seconds)
4. "Elijah could call down fire. He could raise the dead. He could withstand 450 prophets of Baal. He could outrun chariots, but he could not outrun his beliefs. What you and I believe goes with us everywhere that we go, which is such good news when we are believing the truth." [01:10:10] (16 seconds)
5. "There is no responsibility that God gives you and I that he doesn't also give us a grace to walk out that very thing. Jesus told Paul, my grace for you is sufficient. My strength is made perfect and weakness. Paul, no matter what you come up against, my grace is greater." [01:14:05] (17 seconds)
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