Why My Words Matter | Learning How Words Shape Our World
Let's have a transformative discussion about the profound impact of our words. At Dreamer's Church, we're on a journey together, exploring how our words not only reflect who we are but also have the power to shape our personal world. Our current sermon series, "Words Shape Our World," dives deep into this concept, showing us how the Bible teaches that what we say truly matters.
In the beginning, as we read in Genesis, God spoke the universe into existence. This act of creation through speech illustrates the boundless power of words. The scripture in Proverbs 18:21 tells us, "The tongue has the power of life and death," further emphasizing the significance of our spoken expressions. This power was not only demonstrated by God but also entrusted to us. Jesus himself taught in Mark 11:23 that if we speak in faith, we can move mountains, and he warned in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will be held accountable for every word we utter.
The series "Words Shape Our World" is not just about understanding the power of words; it's about using them purposefully—to create, to bless, and to transform our surroundings in line with God’s divine plan. Let's dive into how we can harness this gift to truly impact our world.
The Source-Code of Our Kingdom Functionality
Words are likened to a "source-code" in our spiritual and relational lives. They determine the functionality of our kingdom work here on earth. Just as in the digital world, where a source-code programs the operations within software, our words program the atmosphere and outcomes of our lives.
Consider how Jesus used words. When he spoke, his words were "full of Spirit and life" (John 6:63). He used his speech to heal, to forgive, to command nature, and to bring the dead to life. His words were direct reflections of God's will and power.
Unifying Through Words
The Bible consistently points to unity as a fundamental aspect of Christian life. Words play a crucial role in achieving this unity. "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven," Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20. Our gatherings—whether for worship, teaching, or fellowship—are times when our collective words can invite God’s presence and align us with His purposes.
In worship, we sing and proclaim truths together. In our small groups, we discuss and affirm God’s teachings. Even our interactions with one another—greeting, encouraging, advising—carry the power to unify or divide. That's why Ephesians 4:3 urges us to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Constructive Speech: Building Rather Than Breaking
Our speech should be edifying, aimed at building others up rather than tearing them down. This reflects Christ’s love and compassion. Ephesians 4:29 instructs us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This is how we use our words to construct rather than destruct.
Words to Spark Hope, Not Fires
The Apostle James warns about the destructive power of the tongue, likening it to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire (James 3:5-6). This metaphor teaches us the importance of controlling our speech, as uncontrolled words can cause widespread damage.
Conversely, words can also be the catalyst for hope and healing. By speaking life-affirming words, we can ignite hope in the hearts of others. This not only aligns with God's redemptive work but also positions us as bearers of His light and truth in a world that often feels dark and troubled.
Filling Our Hearts with Good
Luke 6:45 tells us, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Therefore, to speak life-giving words, we must first fill our hearts with goodness. This involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word, fostering a relationship with Him through prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts.
As we cultivate a heart full of God’s truth and love, our words will naturally reflect His character. They will be words that heal rather than wound, that build rather than break, and that bring unity rather than division.
Conclusion: It's Time to Speak the Truth
In every sermon, meeting, and personal interaction at Dreamer's Church, we are reminded of the powerful tool we possess—our words. Let us use them wisely to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, to declare His promises over our lives, and to speak blessings into the lives of others.
Together, let's commit to using our words to shape a world that reflects the glory and love of God. After all, in the echoing words of our teachings
_____________________________.
Additional Scriptures to Reference: .
Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Gen 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Prov 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Mark 11:23 “Jesus said, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
Jn 6:63 (Jesus Said to his disciples) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 18:19-20 - "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Psalm 133:1-3 - "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"… or there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
John 17:21-23 - "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Acts 4:32 - "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
Ephesians 4:3 – Be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
Philippians 2:2 - "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
1 Corinthians 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Mark 11:23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Romans 14:19 - " make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
James 1:26 - "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."
Titus 3:2 - "To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."
Prov 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
James 3:5-6 - "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."
2 Timothy 2:16 - "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly."
1 Peter 3:10 - "For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'"
Philippians 2:14-15 - "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
James 1:26 - "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."
James 3:9-10 - "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."
Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
2 Timothy 2:14 - "Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen."
Ephesians 5:4 - "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Titus 2:8 - "Sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Luke 6:45 - "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
Matthew 15:18 - "But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them."
James 1:19 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
1 Timothy 6:20-21 - "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge."
Matthew 5:37 - "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
Matthew 15:11 "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."
In the beginning, as we read in Genesis, God spoke the universe into existence. This act of creation through speech illustrates the boundless power of words. The scripture in Proverbs 18:21 tells us, "The tongue has the power of life and death," further emphasizing the significance of our spoken expressions. This power was not only demonstrated by God but also entrusted to us. Jesus himself taught in Mark 11:23 that if we speak in faith, we can move mountains, and he warned in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will be held accountable for every word we utter.
The series "Words Shape Our World" is not just about understanding the power of words; it's about using them purposefully—to create, to bless, and to transform our surroundings in line with God’s divine plan. Let's dive into how we can harness this gift to truly impact our world.
The Source-Code of Our Kingdom Functionality
Words are likened to a "source-code" in our spiritual and relational lives. They determine the functionality of our kingdom work here on earth. Just as in the digital world, where a source-code programs the operations within software, our words program the atmosphere and outcomes of our lives.
Consider how Jesus used words. When he spoke, his words were "full of Spirit and life" (John 6:63). He used his speech to heal, to forgive, to command nature, and to bring the dead to life. His words were direct reflections of God's will and power.
Unifying Through Words
The Bible consistently points to unity as a fundamental aspect of Christian life. Words play a crucial role in achieving this unity. "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven," Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20. Our gatherings—whether for worship, teaching, or fellowship—are times when our collective words can invite God’s presence and align us with His purposes.
In worship, we sing and proclaim truths together. In our small groups, we discuss and affirm God’s teachings. Even our interactions with one another—greeting, encouraging, advising—carry the power to unify or divide. That's why Ephesians 4:3 urges us to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Constructive Speech: Building Rather Than Breaking
Our speech should be edifying, aimed at building others up rather than tearing them down. This reflects Christ’s love and compassion. Ephesians 4:29 instructs us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This is how we use our words to construct rather than destruct.
Words to Spark Hope, Not Fires
The Apostle James warns about the destructive power of the tongue, likening it to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire (James 3:5-6). This metaphor teaches us the importance of controlling our speech, as uncontrolled words can cause widespread damage.
Conversely, words can also be the catalyst for hope and healing. By speaking life-affirming words, we can ignite hope in the hearts of others. This not only aligns with God's redemptive work but also positions us as bearers of His light and truth in a world that often feels dark and troubled.
Filling Our Hearts with Good
Luke 6:45 tells us, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Therefore, to speak life-giving words, we must first fill our hearts with goodness. This involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word, fostering a relationship with Him through prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts.
As we cultivate a heart full of God’s truth and love, our words will naturally reflect His character. They will be words that heal rather than wound, that build rather than break, and that bring unity rather than division.
Conclusion: It's Time to Speak the Truth
In every sermon, meeting, and personal interaction at Dreamer's Church, we are reminded of the powerful tool we possess—our words. Let us use them wisely to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, to declare His promises over our lives, and to speak blessings into the lives of others.
Together, let's commit to using our words to shape a world that reflects the glory and love of God. After all, in the echoing words of our teachings
_____________________________.
Additional Scriptures to Reference: .
Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Gen 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Prov 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Mark 11:23 “Jesus said, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
Jn 6:63 (Jesus Said to his disciples) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 18:19-20 - "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Psalm 133:1-3 - "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"… or there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
John 17:21-23 - "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Acts 4:32 - "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
Ephesians 4:3 – Be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
Philippians 2:2 - "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
1 Corinthians 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Mark 11:23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Romans 14:19 - " make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
James 1:26 - "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."
Titus 3:2 - "To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."
Prov 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
James 3:5-6 - "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."
2 Timothy 2:16 - "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly."
1 Peter 3:10 - "For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'"
Philippians 2:14-15 - "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
James 1:26 - "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."
James 3:9-10 - "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."
Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
2 Timothy 2:14 - "Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen."
Ephesians 5:4 - "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Titus 2:8 - "Sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Luke 6:45 - "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
Matthew 15:18 - "But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them."
James 1:19 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
1 Timothy 6:20-21 - "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge."
Matthew 5:37 - "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
Matthew 15:11 "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."
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