Unity, Healing, and the Power of Our Words
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the pressing need for unity and healing in our nation. We began by acknowledging the personal and collective need for Jesus, emphasizing that our cries for help should extend beyond ourselves to encompass our entire community and nation. We prayed for peace, unity, and divine protection, recognizing the deep divisions and hatred that plague our society. We also mourned with those who have suffered and asked for God's comfort and healing.
We then transitioned to discussing the importance of faith in action, particularly in the context of the Book of James. James addresses the scattered and persecuted church, urging believers to let their faith move them towards obedience and genuine works. He highlights the power of the tongue, comparing it to a small bit that controls a large horse or a rudder that steers a massive ship. Our words have the power to direct the course of our lives, and James warns us about the destructive potential of an untamed tongue.
We examined the top ten sins of the tongue, such as lying, gossip, slander, and complaining, and how these reveal our need for maturity. James encourages us to integrate God's will, wisdom, and word into our lives, allowing faith to tame our tongues and produce genuine works. We were reminded that our words should consistently reflect the goodness and purity of our faith, avoiding contradictions that undermine our witness and integrity.
Finally, we were challenged to make a conscious decision to cut off destructive words and declare God's goodness over our lives. By doing so, we allow God's word to establish and direct our paths, leading us to a life of integrity and transformational strength.
### Key Takeaways
1. Collective Need for Jesus: Our cries for help should extend beyond personal needs to encompass our community and nation. We must pray for peace, unity, and divine protection, recognizing the deep divisions and hatred that plague our society. This collective cry for Jesus is essential for healing and reconciliation. [15:21]
2. Faith in Action: James urges believers to let their faith move them towards obedience and genuine works. Faith is not just about salvation but about living a life that reflects God's will, wisdom, and word. This active faith is crucial for personal and communal transformation. [34:02]
3. Power of the Tongue: Our words have the power to direct the course of our lives, much like a small bit controls a large horse or a rudder steers a massive ship. An untamed tongue can cause immense destruction, revealing our need for maturity and deeper work in our hearts. [37:03]
4. Top Ten Sins of the Tongue: Lying, gossip, slander, and other sins of the tongue reveal our immaturity and need for growth. By addressing these sins, we can align our speech with God's will and wisdom, leading to a life of integrity and genuine faith. [46:54]
5. Consistency in Speech: Our words should consistently reflect the goodness and purity of our faith, avoiding contradictions that undermine our witness and integrity. By making a conscious decision to cut off destructive words and declare God's goodness, we allow His word to establish and direct our paths. [01:13:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:21] - Cry for Unity and Healing
[16:09] - Prayer for Peace and Protection
[19:26] - Mourning and Comfort
[20:11] - Call to Fast and Pray
[20:58] - Introduction of Missionaries
[27:06] - School of Victory and Community Events
[33:07] - Introduction to James Chapter 3
[34:02] - Faith in Action
[36:00] - The Power of the Tongue
[37:03] - Controlling Our Tongue
[38:04] - The Destructive Potential of the Tongue
[46:54] - Top Ten Sins of the Tongue
[49:46] - Maturity and Words
[50:46] - Faith and Words
[52:43] - Deeper Work in the Heart
[55:34] - Taming the Tongue
[57:31] - The Power of a Tamed Tongue
[58:21] - Words Can Change Lives
[59:44] - The Power to Direct Life
[01:03:13] - Holding on to Faith
[01:05:01] - The Power of God's Word
[01:07:32] - Decision and Decree
[01:09:29] - The Destructive Potential of an Untamed Tongue
[01:10:47] - Faith's Confession
[01:12:44] - God's Word in Our Mouth
[01:13:37] - Consistency in Speech
[01:15:21] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[01:17:19] - Prayer and Dismissal
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."
2. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
> "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
3. Matthew 12:34-37 (NIV)
> "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
### Observation Questions
1. According to James 3:1-12, what analogies does James use to describe the power of the tongue?
2. In Proverbs 18:21, what are the two potential outcomes of the words we speak?
3. What does Jesus say about the relationship between the heart and the mouth in Matthew 12:34-37?
4. What are some of the "top ten sins of the tongue" mentioned in the sermon?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize the importance of controlling the tongue in the context of faith and maturity?
2. How does the analogy of the bit in a horse's mouth and the rudder of a ship help us understand the influence of our words?
3. What does it mean when Proverbs 18:21 says that "those who love it will eat its fruit"? How can this be applied to our daily conversations?
4. How can the concept of "faith in action" from the Book of James be practically applied to the way we speak to others?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may have caused harm. How could you have handled it differently to align with the teachings in James 3?
2. Think about the "top ten sins of the tongue" mentioned in the sermon. Which one do you struggle with the most, and what steps can you take to overcome it?
3. How can you make a conscious decision to cut off destructive words and declare God's goodness in your daily life? Share a specific example.
4. In what ways can you integrate God's will, wisdom, and word into your speech to ensure consistency and integrity?
5. Identify a situation in your community or nation where you can use your words to promote peace and unity. How will you approach this?
6. How can you encourage others in your small group to hold each other accountable for the words they speak?
7. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your words consistently reflect the goodness and purity of your faith?
Devotional
Day 1: Collective Need for Jesus
Our cries for help should extend beyond personal needs to encompass our community and nation. We must pray for peace, unity, and divine protection, recognizing the deep divisions and hatred that plague our society. This collective cry for Jesus is essential for healing and reconciliation. [15:21]
In today's world, it's easy to become consumed by our personal struggles and challenges. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to look beyond ourselves and recognize the broader needs of our community and nation. The divisions and hatred that we see around us are symptoms of a deeper spiritual crisis that can only be healed through a collective turning to Jesus. By praying for peace, unity, and divine protection, we acknowledge that true healing and reconciliation come from God alone. Our collective cry for Jesus is not just a plea for personal salvation but a call for the transformation of our entire society.
As we come together in prayer, we must remember that our unity in Christ transcends all earthly divisions. Whether it's racial, political, or social, the barriers that separate us can be overcome through the love and grace of Jesus. By lifting up our voices together, we can create a powerful chorus that reaches the heavens and brings down the blessings of peace and unity upon our land. Let us commit to praying not just for ourselves but for our neighbors, our leaders, and our nation as a whole.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of a specific division or conflict in your community. How can you pray for unity and healing in that situation today?
Day 2: Faith in Action
James urges believers to let their faith move them towards obedience and genuine works. Faith is not just about salvation but about living a life that reflects God's will, wisdom, and word. This active faith is crucial for personal and communal transformation. [34:02]
Faith is more than just a belief in God; it is a call to action. The Book of James reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through our actions and obedience to God's will. It's not enough to simply profess our faith; we must live it out in our daily lives. This means making choices that reflect God's wisdom and word, and actively seeking to do good works that honor Him. When we allow our faith to move us towards genuine works, we become instruments of God's love and grace in the world.
Living out our faith in action is essential for both personal and communal transformation. As we align our lives with God's will, we experience growth and maturity in our spiritual journey. At the same time, our actions can have a profound impact on those around us, inspiring others to seek God and follow His ways. By being obedient to God's call and integrating His wisdom into our lives, we become a light in the darkness, guiding others towards the hope and salvation found in Jesus.
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can put your faith into action today. What specific steps can you take to live out God's will in that area?
Day 3: Power of the Tongue
Our words have the power to direct the course of our lives, much like a small bit controls a large horse or a rudder steers a massive ship. An untamed tongue can cause immense destruction, revealing our need for maturity and deeper work in our hearts. [37:03]
The words we speak hold incredible power. They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, heal or harm. James uses vivid imagery to illustrate this truth, comparing the tongue to a small bit that controls a large horse or a rudder that steers a massive ship. Just as these small instruments can direct the course of something much larger, our words can shape the direction of our lives and the lives of those around us. An untamed tongue, however, can cause immense destruction, revealing our need for maturity and deeper work in our hearts.
It's essential to recognize the impact of our words and to strive for maturity in how we use them. This means being mindful of what we say, avoiding harmful speech such as lying, gossip, slander, and complaining. Instead, we should aim to speak words that reflect the goodness and purity of our faith, words that build up and encourage others. By allowing God's wisdom to guide our speech, we can use our words to bring life and healing rather than destruction.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "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 where your words may have caused harm. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends? What steps can you take to ensure your words are life-giving in the future?
Day 4: Top Ten Sins of the Tongue
Lying, gossip, slander, and other sins of the tongue reveal our immaturity and need for growth. By addressing these sins, we can align our speech with God's will and wisdom, leading to a life of integrity and genuine faith. [46:54]
The sins of the tongue, such as lying, gossip, slander, and complaining, are often overlooked but can be incredibly damaging. These sins reveal our immaturity and the need for growth in our spiritual lives. When we engage in harmful speech, we not only hurt others but also undermine our own integrity and witness as followers of Christ. Addressing these sins is crucial for aligning our speech with God's will and wisdom, leading to a life of integrity and genuine faith.
To overcome the sins of the tongue, we must first acknowledge their presence in our lives and seek God's help in addressing them. This involves being honest with ourselves about the ways we use our words and being willing to make changes. By immersing ourselves in God's word and allowing His wisdom to guide our speech, we can begin to speak in ways that reflect His love and truth. As we grow in maturity, our words will become a powerful testimony to the transforming power of God's grace in our lives.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "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: Think about a recent instance where you engaged in gossip or slander. How can you seek to change this behavior and align your speech with God's will? What practical steps can you take to avoid these sins in the future?
Day 5: Consistency in Speech
Our words should consistently reflect the goodness and purity of our faith, avoiding contradictions that undermine our witness and integrity. By making a conscious decision to cut off destructive words and declare God's goodness, we allow His word to establish and direct our paths. [01:13:37]
Consistency in our speech is vital for maintaining our integrity and witness as followers of Christ. Our words should consistently reflect the goodness and purity of our faith, avoiding contradictions that can undermine our testimony. When we speak words that align with God's will and wisdom, we demonstrate the transformative power of His grace in our lives. By making a conscious decision to cut off destructive words and declare God's goodness, we allow His word to establish and direct our paths.
To achieve consistency in our speech, we must be intentional about the words we use and the messages we convey. This involves being mindful of our conversations and making a deliberate effort to speak in ways that honor God. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's guidance, we can ensure that our words are a true reflection of our faith. As we consistently speak words of life and truth, we become a powerful witness to the world of the goodness and love of our Savior.
Colossians 4:6 (ESV): "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily conversations. Are there areas where your words contradict your faith? How can you make a conscious effort to ensure your speech consistently reflects the goodness and purity of your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, we are in a world that needs we. We need, we need him. We need Jesus. And this morning, listen, America's soul is sick, in desperate need of healing. And we need to cry out, listen, God, we need you. God, you were a savior back then. God, we need you to be saving right now. God, you were a healer back then. We need you to be healing our land. God, healing the division. God, healing us of hatred." [15:21] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, listen, if you want to be a part of that, I'd love for you to be a part of that, but that's what we're going to do. Will you take a moment to greet those right around you? Welcome to real life. We're so glad that you're here today. Hallelujah. Come on. How many of you appreciate Pastor Jesse?" [20:58] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How many know the world needs to see the genuine church working like it actually works? Come on, that it's actually effective. That actually, if real life church disappeared and it was no more, we closed our doors, that people would actually miss us. That people would say, you know, I missed that church, so I don't know what happened, but I missed that church. What would our community say if the doors closed? To be genuine is to live all in for Jesus." [36:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How many of you wish the person didn't hear what you said? I don't know about you, but my mom could hear. I think my mom had a bionic ear. I mean, she would send me my room for something. I'd be fussing and cussing behind the door. I was under my breath. And from the kitchen, the front of the house, my mom would say, I hear you. My point is this. We've all made mistakes with our mouth. And James is basically saying your tongue will tell on you." [44:52] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You see, when faith comes from your heart, come on, and makes it to your mouth, you won't have anxiety, you'll actually have authority. You won't suffer from situational stress, you'll actually experience transformational strength. You won't worry about the problem, you'll worship despite the problem. You won't come up with excuses for inconsistency, you'll live your life with integrity. You won't set your life on fire, you'll live with the fire of God burning in your life." [01:09:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "James is encouraging us that it's actually the pressures of life, the the the outward pressure and the inward pressure that can perfect our faith and move us towards maturity. In James, chapter three, he points out an imperfection. Every single person in this room has struggled with. And it's this controlling our tongue. Everybody say, oh, yeah. Yeah, the Holy Spirit is going to meddle today, but that's OK. All right. Allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us, allow the Holy Spirit to highlight some things that maybe we can deal with today." [36:00] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "James three to indeed, we all make many mistakes. We can be honest. It's OK. Listen, repentance is not only crying about what you did, but actually changing your mind and thinking differently about what you did and then making come on the behavioral changes to go along with those new thoughts about this is how I'm going to live. So we all make many mistakes. Just tap your neighbor and say it's OK. We've got to be honest. We've got to stop ourselves when we when we catch ourselves. Making mistakes with our mouth, for if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." [43:00] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see, taming your tongue has to do with dealing with our tainted heart. I love Isaiah 54 because it says the Lord has given me the tongue of the learned. But how many know we have to unlearn the top 10 sins? Come on. In order to receive the learned tongue that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to hear as the learn. So if I want to learn something, how many know sometimes you've got to unlearn something first? And if I'm going to learn, I have to listen. I have to learn. And then I have to allow. I have to feel my heart. I have to start with God's word." [53:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, a faith that saves you has to move you. Originally, I was looking for another illustration for the rudder and the boat, and I came across this story about some stowaways in Nigeria. And I thought, ah, it doesn't really apply to my message as I was praying. And the Lord kept highlighting this. And I go, this is so, so good. These two guys were unemployed in Nigeria, living in Nigeria. They were unemployed, and they were desperate. And they were looking for a better life to escape economic hardship, political instability, and crime in Nigeria. And so they have this idea we're going to jump on the rudder of this huge, huge barge." [01:03:13] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You see, when faith comes from your heart, come on, and makes it to your mouth, you won't have anxiety, you'll actually have authority. You won't suffer from situational stress, you'll actually experience transformational strength. You won't worry about the problem, you'll worship despite the problem. You won't come up with excuses for inconsistency, you'll live your life with integrity. You won't set your life on fire, you'll live with the fire of God burning in your life. See, God is looking for someone to believe him and say the same thing he is saying. Can I just say that again? God is looking for someone to believe him and say the same thing he is saying." [01:09:29] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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