Transformative Speech: Building One Kingdom Indivisible

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the theme of "One Kingdom Indivisible," focusing on the commitment to use fruitful speech in our political discourse. We live in a world where public conversations, especially online, are often marked by division, hostility, and a lack of understanding. This is not only shaping the way we interact with each other but also influencing the next generation and even the artificial intelligences that are learning from our behaviors. Our children, like these AIs, are observing and absorbing our words and actions, forming their own patterns and beliefs. Therefore, it is crucial that we reflect the love and transformation of Jesus Christ in our speech and conduct.

We delved into James 3 and Galatians 5, which provide guidance on taming our tongues and living by the Spirit. James warns us of the destructive power of the tongue, likening it to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire. Our words can either build up or tear down, and we must be vigilant in ensuring that they reflect the life-giving nature of Christ. Galatians 5 contrasts the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, urging us to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be evident in our lives, influencing our interactions and discourse.

We are called to a higher standard, one that reflects the transformative power of Christ in our lives. This transformation is not just for our benefit but also for those around us, including our children and the broader community. By committing to engage in political discourse marked by the fruit of the Spirit, we can be a light in a divisive world, showing that the love of Christ is indeed transformative.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Words: Our words have the power to build up or destroy. Like a small spark that can ignite a forest fire, our speech can have far-reaching consequences. We must be mindful of the impact our words have on others and strive to speak life-giving words that reflect the love of Christ. [15:51]

- The Influence of Our Speech: Our children and the next generation are watching and learning from us. They are forming their own beliefs and behaviors based on what they observe. It is crucial that we model speech that is reflective of the love and transformation of Jesus Christ, rather than the anger and division of the world. [10:55]

- Walking by the Spirit: Galatians 5 calls us to walk by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This means living in a way that reflects love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By doing so, we can be a light in a divisive world. [31:11]

- The Battle Within: The real battle is not external but internal. It is a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit within us. By drawing near to Jesus and walking in the Spirit, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live a life that reflects the character of Christ. [24:11]

- Repentance and Transformation: When we recognize areas in our lives that do not align with the Spirit, we must repent and seek God's help. God is not annoyed by our repentance; rather, He is eager to transform us and produce good fruit in our lives. This process requires continual surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [37:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:36] - Introduction to Fruitful Speech
- [02:33] - The Impact of AI and Human Discourse
- [03:26] - Observations from AI on Political Discourse
- [05:25] - The Dangers of Echo Chambers
- [06:46] - Performative Engagement and Mistrust
- [09:41] - The Influence of Our Speech on Children
- [12:17] - Exploring James 3: Taming the Tongue
- [13:39] - Metaphors of Control: Horses and Ships
- [15:51] - The Tongue as Fire and Poison
- [18:53] - The Power of Words: Life-Giving or Life-Killing
- [21:13] - Self-Diagnosis: Have I Been Salty?
- [23:15] - The Call to Walk by the Spirit
- [26:00] - The War Within: Flesh vs. Spirit
- [31:11] - The Fruit of the Spirit
- [35:53] - The Importance of Repentance and Transformation
- [38:13] - Closing Pledge and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: One Kingdom Indivisible

Bible Reading:
- James 3:1-12
- Galatians 5:13-26

---

Observation Questions:

1. In James 3, what metaphors are used to describe the power of the tongue, and what do they illustrate about the impact of our words? [13:39]

2. According to Galatians 5, what are the contrasting lists of behaviors or characteristics, and how are they described? [31:11]

3. How does the sermon describe the influence of our speech on children and the next generation? [10:55]

4. What are some of the negative patterns of online political discourse mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the teachings in James 3? [05:25]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the metaphor of a small spark setting a forest on fire in James 3 relate to the potential consequences of our words in everyday life? [15:51]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our speech can either reflect the love of Christ or the anger of the world? [12:17]

3. How does the concept of "walking by the Spirit" in Galatians 5 provide a framework for engaging in political discourse? [24:11]

4. What does the sermon imply about the internal battle between the flesh and the Spirit, and how does this affect our interactions with others? [26:00]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may have been more like a "spark" than a "life-giving spring." How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [15:51]

2. Consider the influence your speech has on those around you, especially children. What steps can you take to ensure your words reflect the love and transformation of Jesus Christ? [10:55]

3. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with in your political discourse. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this fruit in your interactions this week? [31:11]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of repentance and transformation. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God's help to align more closely with the Spirit? How will you do this? [37:27]

5. Think about a time when you engaged in a heated online debate. How can you shift your focus from "winning" to understanding and fostering respectful dialogue? [06:46]

6. How can you model speech that is reflective of the love and transformation of Jesus Christ in your family life? What specific changes can you make this week? [12:17]

7. The sermon encourages us to tame our tongues and our thumbs. What practical strategies can you implement to ensure your online interactions are marked by the fruit of the Spirit? [01:36]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

---

Day 1: The Power of Words: Building or Destroying

Our words hold immense power, capable of either building up or tearing down. Like a small spark that can ignite a forest fire, our speech can have far-reaching consequences. In a world where divisive and hostile language is prevalent, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact our words have on others. We are called to speak life-giving words that reflect the love of Christ, ensuring that our speech is a source of encouragement and healing rather than harm. [15:51]

"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: Think of a recent conversation where your words may have hurt someone. How can you seek reconciliation and speak words of healing and encouragement to them today?

Day 2: The Influence of Our Speech on the Next Generation

Our children and the next generation are constantly observing and learning from us. They form their beliefs and behaviors based on what they see and hear. It is essential to model speech that reflects the love and transformation of Jesus Christ, rather than the anger and division prevalent in the world. By doing so, we can positively influence the next generation, guiding them towards a path of love and understanding. [10:55]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: Consider the words you use around children or young people in your life. How can you intentionally model Christ-like speech to them today?

Day 3: Walking by the Spirit: A Call to Reflect Christ

Galatians 5 calls us to walk by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This means living in a way that reflects love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By embodying these qualities, we can be a light in a divisive world, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our interactions and discourse. [31:11]

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one fruit of the Spirit you struggle to exhibit. What practical steps can you take today to cultivate this fruit in your interactions with others?

Day 4: The Battle Within: Flesh vs. Spirit

The real battle is not external but internal, a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit within us. By drawing near to Jesus and walking in the Spirit, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live a life that reflects the character of Christ. This internal battle requires vigilance and a commitment to spiritual growth, allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. [24:11]

"For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." (Galatians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the tension between the flesh and the Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this area today?

Day 5: Repentance and Transformation: Embracing God's Work in Us

When we recognize areas in our lives that do not align with the Spirit, we must repent and seek God's help. God is not annoyed by our repentance; rather, He is eager to transform us and produce good fruit in our lives. This process requires continual surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit, allowing God to work in us and through us for His glory. [37:27]

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a specific area where you need God's transformation. What steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and invite His transformative work in your life?

Quotes

Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:

1. "I commit to engage in political discourse that's marked by the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I will tame my tongue and my thumbs. Some of you are like, what is that about? Well, it's about your phone. And it's about the typing that we do with our thumbs in texting and social media. So today, what we examine is our engagement in political discourse through the lens of Galatians 5, that famous passage about the fruit of the Spirit. And James 3." [01:18] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The younger generation is watching. What? What will they see in us? We can't control what they see in all of the world, but only in our own speech. What will they see? If we speak of the love of Jesus Christ, but we sound like the world, then it will all seem like hypocrisy to them. They need to see that the love of Jesus Christ is transformative in our behavior. They need to see the love of Christ is transformative in their family life. They need to see the love of Christ to be finally transformed into something that they feel calmer and comfortable, that they protect themselves and improve." [11:22] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And the effect that's described here is given with even yet another metaphor, the metaphor of fruit. If we are connected to Christ, the true vine, if we are walking in step with the Holy Spirit that Christ gives to us, then the closer we grow to Christ, this is the fruit that just naturally emerges from our lives. That's beautiful. From Galatians. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there's no law." [31:11] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "There's a war happening inside of us, and I think the biggest mistake that we make is we externalize the war, okay? We think, oh, the battle's out there between good and evil, between this political party, that political party, between that candidate, this candidate, and but between me and my neighbor, we think the war's out there, but actually there's a war inside, inside of us. Good and evil are fighting for us. Flesh and Spirit are fighting within us. Which way are we going to go? And probably daily we kind of flip between them, but the more we draw near to Jesus, the more we receive the Spirit, we walk in the Spirit, and those are very different ways of living." [25:04] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I want to walk with you through two scriptures, James 3 and Galatians 5. We're going to start with James 3. It starts off and says, Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Lord have mercy. Verse 2. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who's never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. Just two early observations here at the beginning. The first one is we all mess up. Nobody's perfect. We all mess up. This is, I stick my foot in my mouth more than anybody that I know." [12:24] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Consider these giant ships, strong winds, stormy seas, with a proportionally tiny rudder. It's such a small piece of the ship, but you turn that rudder, you turn the ship. The scripture tells us it's difficult to turn the rudder. Our old habits die hard. But if you're able to change that rudder just a little bit, the ship goes to a very different place. Consider that ship we just saw. It might be heading thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, but if the rudder turns a little bit, the destination will be very, very different." [15:01] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The Holy Spirit of God Almighty can do these beautiful things in you. The fruit of the Spirit will come into your life if you will receive it, if you will be willing to when you hear that you are in error, drop on your knees and say, I am so sorry. I reject that, Lord. I crucify that so that I might rise and live in you, Lord. May your Spirit exist in my life, and you will see in your life a wellspring of love, joy, peace, patience, and love. Kindness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control." [32:42] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I commit to engage in political discourse that's marked by the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I will tame my tongue and my thumbs. Lord, I pray for you. Lord, we just pray this would be true. We thank you for the fruit available in our lives. We thank you so much for your mercy and your grace." [38:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We thank God for the Holy Spirit who calls us back to the path, who softens our hearts, transforms us from within, and empowers a new life. So what can you do? What can you do? What can you do if you start seeing that in your life? You can repent. You can fall on your knees before God and name the sin in your life. Apologize to God and to anyone else who you've wronged. And in the presence of God, you declare that you reject that way of life. Oh Lord, I'm sorry. Oh Lord, I don't want to go that way anymore." [36:17] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And then you're going to do it again, and you're going to do it again, and you're going to do it again, and you're going to snap again, right? And at some point, you might think, oh my gosh, I'm embarrassed to keep coming back. I've repented of this sin five times. God's going to be annoyed. God is never annoyed with your repentance. Maybe a little annoyed with your non-repentance. So we repent. No matter how many times it takes, we just keep coming before the throne. Oh Lord, forgive me. Oh Lord, help me. And as we do that, we draw near to the Spirit, and the fruit emerges." [37:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?