In this series, Habit, we are learning how small steps every day can have a significant impact. Today, we are learning just how powerful our words are. Our words are so powerful that they influence our actions. Therefore, if we want to form habits that honor God, we must carefully consider the words we say and the words we listen to.
When was a time you were impacted by something someone said?
1. Read James 3:2-9. Describe the power of the tongue and its impact on our lives.
James 3:2-9
2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
2. How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
3. Read Matthew 12:34-35. Where do the words we say come from, according to this passage of Scripture?
Matthew 12:34-35
34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
4. Read Ezekiel 36:26-27. What hope does this passage of Scripture give when it comes to speaking words that honor God.
Ezekiel 36:26-27
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
1. Do you find yourself thinking often about the impact the words you say and the words you hear can have on your life? Why or why not?
2. After reading the Scripture, how do the words we hear and say impact us and others?
3. How do we live in light of the truth about the power of our words?
Choose a verse from the passages of Scripture that we studied today to memorize this week. When you have chosen your verse, share the verse you chose and why you chose it. Scripture memory is a great way to focus your mind and heart on God and His word.
In our Bible study today, we have seen how powerful our words are. Indeed, they have the power to steer the course of our lives. They can bring death, and they can bring life. As a result, we must use our words carefully to speak words that bring life and point others in the direction of Christ. Let's take a few moments to see three ways that we can use our words to have a positive, God-honoring impact.
Encouragement may seem insignificant and unnecessary at times. The truth is, however, that encouragement is far more powerful than we may even realize. When we speak words of encouragement, people are reminded to keep going. They are reminded that they are loved and that they have value. We are also reminded to keep going and that we have value. Encouraging words can change the course of our lives and others' lives for the better.
1. Read Hebrews 10:24-25.
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
2. How can we encourage each other, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. Why is encouragement essential, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. Describe the impact of speaking words of encouragement.
The enemy is continually working to wreak havoc against Christ and the church. The enemy commonly works by spreading lies that directly contradict God and His word. When we speak the truth, even when it may be difficult to hear, we bring light to the darkness all around us. When we listen to others speak the truth, we are able to combat the lies of the enemy.
1. Read Ephesians 4:14-15.
Ephesians 4:14-15
Then, we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
2. In your own words, what does it mean to "speak the truth in love?"
3. What holds people back from speaking truth in love?
4. Describe the impact of speaking the truth in love in all circumstances, even when it is difficult.
Perhaps the most important words we can speak to people are "You are loved by God." Being loved by God is life-changing news. It changes our identities and reminds us of our innate value. Unfortunately, we humans are prone to forget just how loved we are by God. As a result, we must always remind each other just how loved by God we are.
1. Read Ephesians 3:18-19.
Ephesians 3:18-19
And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
2. What does this verse reveal about God's love?
3. How does God's love change us, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. Describe the impact of reminding others that God loves them.
If we want to be the kind of people who use our words purposefully to bring light to this dark world, we need help. We cannot do it on our own. Specifically, we need God to help us use our words to make an impact for Him. Take a few moments to pray together, asking God to help you be people who speak life-giving words, always encouraging, speaking the truth, and reminding others of God's great love for them.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
