The Power of Words: Shaping Our Destiny
Summary
In our journey through life, the words we speak hold immense power. As we explored last week, the tongue is the most potent tool we possess, capable of shaping our destiny. James 3 reminds us that if anyone can control their tongue, they have perfect control over themselves. Our words reveal our character and set the course for our lives. They are the compass that guides us, and nothing can happen in our lives without first being set into motion by our words. This is why speaking the wrong words is considered the greatest offense.
We are born with a divine promise of 120 years, as stated in Genesis 6:3. However, many of us unknowingly chip away at this promise through the words we speak. Our words have the power to override even the will of God for our lives. This is evident in the story of the Israelites, who, despite God's oath to give them the Promised Land, invalidated it through their complaints and negative confessions. Our words can either align us with God's promises or lead us away from them.
The purpose of pressure is to reveal what's truly in our hearts. Under pressure, we often speak what we truly believe, and these words can set spiritual laws into motion. We must be vigilant about the words we speak, especially in times of stress. Our subconscious absorbs these words, and they manifest in our lives, sometimes in ways we don't expect.
To change the course of our lives, we must audit the words we've spoken over the years. We must repent for the words that have led us astray and begin to speak words that align with God's promises. The Bible assures us that God overlooks our past ignorance, but now calls us to repentance. By aligning our words with God's will, we can restore the promises He has for us.
In conclusion, our words are powerful. They can either build or destroy, bless or curse. Let us be intentional about the words we speak, ensuring they align with God's promises and lead us to the abundant life He has planned for us.
Key Takeaways:
- The tongue is a powerful tool that reveals our character and sets the course for our lives. Our words are the compass that guides us, and nothing can happen without first being set into motion by our words. [10:28]
- We are born with a divine promise of 120 years, but our words can chip away at this promise. Our words have the power to override even the will of God for our lives, as seen in the story of the Israelites. [14:21]
- Pressure reveals what's truly in our hearts, and under pressure, we often speak what we truly believe. These words can set spiritual laws into motion, manifesting in our lives in unexpected ways. [19:29]
- To change the course of our lives, we must audit the words we've spoken and repent for those that have led us astray. By aligning our words with God's promises, we can restore the promises He has for us. [24:30]
- Our words are powerful and can either build or destroy, bless or curse. Let us be intentional about the words we speak, ensuring they align with God's promises and lead us to the abundant life He has planned for us. [31:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:28] - The Power of Words
[13:04] - Spiritual Laws in Motion
[14:21] - The Promise of 120 Years
[15:22] - Pressure and True Beliefs
[19:29] - Words as Seeds
[21:23] - Innocent Words, Lasting Impact
[24:30] - Words and God's Will
[28:40] - The Influence of Negative Confessions
[29:50] - Speaking Life into Giving
[31:00] - Overriding God's Will
[36:40] - God's Oath and Our Words
[42:05] - Invalidating God's Promises
[45:08] - The Consequences of Faithless Speech
[47:51] - Differentiating Ourselves with Words
[49:53] - Toxic Conversations
[50:40] - The Power of Tithing and Confession
[56:37] - Aligning Words with Actions
[01:01:35] - Repentance and Realignment
[01:06:17] - Continuing the Journey
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 3:1-12 - Discusses the power of the tongue and its ability to guide our lives.
2. Genesis 6:3 - Mentions the divine promise of 120 years.
3. Numbers 14:26-30 - Illustrates how the Israelites' words affected their destiny.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3, what is the significance of controlling one's tongue, and how does it relate to one's character? [10:28]
2. How does Genesis 6:3 relate to the concept of a divine promise, and what role do our words play in this promise? [13:04]
3. In Numbers 14, what were the consequences of the Israelites' complaints, and how did their words impact God's promise to them? [42:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that our words can override even the will of God for our lives? [31:00]
2. What does the pastor mean when he says that pressure reveals what's truly in our hearts, and how can this understanding affect our speech? [15:22]
3. How can the concept of "spiritual laws" being set in motion by our words be understood in the context of the sermon? [14:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your words may have negatively impacted your life or the life of someone else. How can you begin to change this pattern? [19:29]
2. The sermon suggests auditing the words we've spoken over the years. What specific steps can you take to start this process, and how might it change your future? [45:08]
3. Consider the idea that our words can either align us with God's promises or lead us away from them. How can you intentionally align your speech with God's will this week? [24:30]
4. The pastor mentioned that our subconscious absorbs our words. What are some practical ways you can ensure your subconscious is filled with positive and faith-filled words? [21:23]
5. How can you apply the lesson of the Israelites' negative confessions to your own life, ensuring that your words do not invalidate God's promises for you? [42:05]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance for past words spoken. What does repentance look like for you in this context, and how can it lead to realignment with God's will? [01:01:35]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to speak life and positivity. What are some affirmations or scriptures you can use to reinforce this change? [29:50]
Devotional
Day 1: The Tongue as a Compass
Our words are not just mere sounds; they are powerful tools that reveal our character and set the course for our lives. The tongue acts as a compass, guiding us through the journey of life. According to James 3, if anyone can control their tongue, they have perfect control over themselves. This highlights the immense power and responsibility that comes with the words we choose to speak. Our words can either align us with God's promises or lead us away from them. Therefore, it is crucial to be intentional about the words we speak, ensuring they are in harmony with God's will. [10:28]
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" (Psalm 141:3, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent conversation where your words may have set a negative course. How can you intentionally use your words today to align with God's promises?
Day 2: The Power to Override
We are born with a divine promise of 120 years, as stated in Genesis 6:3. However, our words have the power to chip away at this promise, even overriding the will of God for our lives. This is evident in the story of the Israelites, who, despite God's oath to give them the Promised Land, invalidated it through their complaints and negative confessions. Our words can either build or destroy, bless or curse. It is essential to recognize the impact of our words and strive to speak life and truth, aligning ourselves with God's promises. [14:21]
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you feel has been hindered by your words. What steps can you take to speak life into that promise today?
Day 3: Pressure Reveals the Heart
The purpose of pressure is to reveal what's truly in our hearts. Under pressure, we often speak what we truly believe, and these words can set spiritual laws into motion. Our subconscious absorbs these words, and they manifest in our lives, sometimes in ways we don't expect. It is during these times of stress that we must be vigilant about the words we speak. By aligning our words with God's promises, we can ensure that our lives are guided by His truth and not by our fears or doubts. [19:29]
"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a recent stressful situation. What did your words reveal about your heart? How can you prepare to speak words of faith in future pressures?
Day 4: Auditing Our Words
To change the course of our lives, we must audit the words we've spoken over the years. We must repent for the words that have led us astray and begin to speak words that align with God's promises. The Bible assures us that God overlooks our past ignorance, but now calls us to repentance. By aligning our words with God's will, we can restore the promises He has for us. This process requires intentionality and a commitment to speaking life and truth into our circumstances. [24:30]
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to audit your words from the past week. What patterns do you notice, and how can you begin to align your speech with God's promises?
Day 5: Intentional Speech for Abundant Life
Our words are powerful and can either build or destroy, bless or curse. Let us be intentional about the words we speak, ensuring they align with God's promises and lead us to the abundant life He has planned for us. By speaking words of life, faith, and truth, we can set a positive course for our lives and those around us. This intentionality requires daily commitment and a heart aligned with God's will. [31:00]
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you need to speak more intentionally. What specific words can you use today to align with God's abundant promises?
Quotes
1. "The biggest of offenses is when you offend with your mouth with your tongue when you say the wrong things... the tongue is the revealer of character and you cannot hide for too long because ultimately what is inside you comes out." [10:28] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Nothing has the power to shape your life like the words you speak listen about yourself... nothing has more power over your life like the words you speak over yourself." [10:28] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The purpose of pressure is to get you to speak the wrong words or to say things as they are. That's all the devil wants from you. That's all he wants because once you say it, he's got you." [15:22] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Where you are right now, where you are in your life right now, consciously or unconsciously, is the result of things you have said in the past. Today is a harvest of yesterday's words." [19:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What God can do and will do in your life is restricted by what you say... you cannot be saying how bad things are... and be expecting to break through on the other side." [24:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Your tongue can override the will of God for your life. Look, don't ever fall into that trap that the will of God is automatic." [31:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You cannot pray yourself out of a situation you talked yourself into. So you have talked about how terrible things are, how we are all going to suffer and all that. That's what you've been saying." [45:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Do not use your own mouth to override what God has planned for you. Do not use your own tongue to override the calling of God your life." [56:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You blew it up with your tongue you fix it with your tongue. How cool is that you blew it up with your tongue you fix it with your tongue." [01:06:17] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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