The Power of Our
Words
Introduction:
There
is incredible power in our words. For example, think of evolution; axis of evil; abortion; liberal; conservative. Think of
the words we use in interaction with each other. Pro. 18:21 – what we say
is important. Words are tools that can help us accomplish God’s work or they
can hinder God’s work by our choice of which ones to use. Words can launch us
to new heights…or…they can be a trap and a snare. Few ever learn the power of a
word.
I. Jesus stressed the power of our
words.
A.
Mt.
12:33b; 34b; 36-37 – they reveal what is on our heart.
1.
Idle
words are best left unspoken.
2.
We will
be held accountable for what we say.
B.
Mt.
15:18 – they can defile us.
C.
We can
get just a peek into the contents of someone’s heart by the words they speak.
II. The Holy Spirit’s instruction
on our communication with others.
A.
Eph.
4:29-32.
1.
Focus
on 4:29. A genuine, in-depth response to Jesus changes our heart.
a)
Changing
our heart involves changing attitudes and our vocabulary.
2.
With
the Christian, godless speech should quickly become:
a)
Crude;
vulgar; Insensitive to others.
B.
Too
often, we are insensitive to others. See Pro. 16:27.
1.
Have
you ever been “scorched” by the fiery words of someone else?
2.
Js.
3:6-10…words spoken can affect people for many years.
C.
It
should be our goal to encourage/build up each other with the words we speak.
1.
Col.
4:6; Heb. 10:24-25
2.
Pro.
16:24 – think of a situation where you have been encouraged by someone
else. Makes all the difference in the world!
D.
Eph.
4:30-31– Consider Paul’s prohibition.
1.
Certain
attitudes cannot reside inside the heart of the Christian.
E.
Now…contrast
to Eph. 4:32. Words & attitudes from a caring heart…
1.
Caring
hearts are kind, tender, and forgiving.
III. How can I use wisdom in the
way I speak with others?
A.
Js. 1:19
– be slow to speak. Involves listening. Pro. 13:3; Ecc. 5:2
B.
Remember
that Shooting from the hip is not accurate.
1.
Know
what you are going to say before you say it.
2.
Am I speaking with the intention of hurting
someone? If so, don’t talk
– Col. 3:8.
3.
Would you
be embarrassed if God heard you say this? Eph. 5:3-5.
C.
Col.
4:6 – always speak redemptively. Don’t give into anger.
1.
Outbursts
of anger can have permanent consequences.
a)
Num
20:12 – Moses’ outburst at Meribah.
Conclusion:
A.
Words
mean something. Illustration at beginning. Need to exercise wisdom with the
words we choose.
1.
The
Christian’s heart reveals itself through the Christians speech.
B.
How is
your heart? Give it to Jesus.