Have you begun exploring what it means to follow Christ, but are sensing that there is more? Maybe you've been a Christian a while but have moved away from your closeness with Christ. In this series, we talk about some key elements to growing and getting stronger as a follower of Christ.
Growing Deeper, Getting Stronger: Watching Your Mouth
James 3: 1-12
#1. What you say matters
- You will account to God for what you say
James 3: 1
- Your words reveal what is in your heart
Matthew 12: 34b-37
Junk coming out of your mouth, means there is some junk inside of you.
- Your mouth shows how strong you are
James 3: 2
#2. Your tongue is small but very powerful
James 3: 3-8
- a horse’s bit
- a ship’s rudder
- a forest fire
- a wild animal
- poison
Have you ever considered how small but powerful your tongue is?
Hebrews 4: 12
Proverbs 10: 19, 21a
Proverbs 13: 3; 12: 25
#3. So be careful how you use it
James 3: 9-12
Hurtful ways to use your mouth:
- Cursing: cursing reveals rebellion, disgust, or control issues.
- Lying
- Insults
- Gossip
Remember:
- Best interest
Is this in the best interest of the person I am talking about and all involved?
- Need to know
Does this person really need to know this information?
Is this critical communication that I must share?
- Manipulation
- Backhanded compliments
- Christian jokes & sayings
Ephesians 4: 29
Positive ways to use your mouth:
- Building up others
I Thessalonians 5: 11
- God-honoring, daily conversations
Colossians 3: 17
Psalm 19: 14
- Worshiping God
Psalm 28: 2
Psalm 109: 30
- Confessing sin
Romans 10: 10
- Sharing God’s Word with others
Psalm 119: 13
Romans 10: 14