Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue – The Character of Speech
Pastor Tan Thai · Oct 1, 2023
The sermon is built on Proverbs 18:21 regarding the power of words in the life of a believer. Speech reveals our thoughts, understanding, and character, and is the most important means of communication between people. According to Matthew 12:36-37, every word we speak will be judged on the day of judgment.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of words because they reveal our thoughts, understanding, inner character, attitude, and moral character. Speech is the most important means of communication between people, through which we express our will, thoughts, dreams, exchange information, and show love. In particular, the pastor teaches that according to Matthew 12:36-37, on the day of judgment, every person will be judged by their own words, which should change how we speak every day.
Scripture teaches about five characteristics that those bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit must have regarding speech: first, truthful, honest, sincere speech without deception or fraud; second, kind, merciful, gentle, and tender words instead of sarcastic, cursing, or evil words; third, wise speech that is appropriate in time and place instead of hasty, thoughtless speech; fourth, bold, courageous words in love instead of evasive, twisted, or ambiguous speech; fifth, moderation and restraint in speech. The foundation of all five characteristics is truth and love, as taught in Ephesians 4:15. The pastor teaches about the power of words through three images from James 3:1-12: the bit controlling the horse and the helm of the ship represent the power to control; fire and poison represent destructive power; and the spring of water and fruit-bearing tree represent nourishing power. Words can wound like a sword's thrust, and unlike physical wounds, the wounds inflicted by words are invisible but can divide families and churches, damage a person's reputation. Words can kill not only the body but also inner life, spiritual life, and community life.
The sermon applies the message to the practical life of the congregation by showing that believers must take responsibility for their words, must speak truth even when difficult, must speak truth with love rather than to humiliate, must speak wisely at the right time and place in a manner suited to the listener, and must control their words, speaking less rather than more to avoid stumbling. The pastor reminds that without guarding one's speech, one cannot bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, because the fruit of the Spirit is manifested through actions, attitudes, and most of all through speech.