INTRO:

New Life shows itself in observable evidence:

Endurance in Suffering
Victory in Temptation
Love for God and fleeing Worldliness
Love for neighbor and concern for the needy and vulnerable
No partiality
Deeds of worship and gratitude
How we talk

I. WHAT WE SAY MATTERS

James 3:1

II. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE TONGUE

James 3:2-8

The average person speaks between 10,000 and 25,000 words per day.
860,000,000 words in an average life-time.

The Bible has much to say about the words we speak:

Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 15:4
Proverbs 17:28
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 21:23
Psalms 19:14
Psalms 34:13
Psalms 52:2
Psalms 141:3
Matthew 12:33-37
Matthew 15:11
Ephesians 4:25 + 29
Titus 3:2
1 Peter 3:10

Do you pay attention to your words?

What do you say?
How do you say it?
Why do you say it?

III. LIFE & DEATH IN THE TONGUE

Proverbs - 18:21

DEATH:

Criticism
Negativity
Discouragement
Gossip
Slander
Rage
Careless Words
Innuendo / Vulgarity

LIFE:

Knowledge - Constructive Feedback
Positive Words
Encouragement
Intercessory Prayer
Being a Peacemaker
Intentional Words
Pure Talk

IV. HOW TO TAME THE TONGUE

T - Think before you speak
A - Ask God to purify your heart
M - Meditate on God’s Word
E - Encounter God’s Presence

Questions to ask:

Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it necessary?
Is it Kind?
Is it Loving?
Is it Grace-Filled?

V. BLESSING GOD AND PEOPLE WITH OUR TONGUE

James 3:9-10

VI. YOUR TONGUE IS A HEART INDICATOR

James 3:11-12
Matthew 12:33-37

What not to do:

Do not Blame Shift
Do not make Excuses
Do not fall into Condemnation

What to do:

Do agree with what God says about our words
Do repent where you have sinned with your tongue
Do believe that God can sanctify your tongue
Be resolved to use your words for God’s glory and people’s good

VII. WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT YOU?

You are chosen
You are loved
You are forgiven
You are included
You are accepted
You are never alone
You are filled with the Holy Spirit
You have a future home in the Father’s House