Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue – The Character of Our Words
VBC Albuquerque · Oct 29, 2023
The sermon affirms that our words determine life or death, reflecting our inner character. You will be justified or condemned based on your speech before God. The sermon presents five characteristics of Christian speech: truthfulness, kindness, wisdom, boldness, and restraint.
The opening section presents the central theme: our words have the power to determine our spiritual future. Based on Proverbs 18:20-21 and Matthew 12:36-37, the sermon teaches that people will give account of every careless word on the day of judgment, and by their words they will be justified or condemned. Speech is not merely a means of communication but a manifestation of the soul and the human heart, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
The second section develops five characteristics of Christian speech. First, speech must be truthful, sincere, without deception or fraud, as Matthew 5:33-37 teaches that we must say yes to what is yes and no to what is no, for anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Second, speech must be kind, compassionate, agreeable, and gentle rather than sarcastic, cursing, or vicious, as Proverbs 12:18 teaches that reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Third, speech must be wise, fitting, and timely, as Proverbs 15:23 says a thoughtful reply is a joy to a person. Fourth, speech must be bold and courageous in love, as Proverbs 27:5-6 affirms that open rebuke is better than hidden love. Fifth, speech must be measured, speaking less rather than more, as Proverbs 10:19 teaches that when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
The third section emphasizes the theological foundation of the character of our words. Speech has six images: it can direct, destroy, or nourish others. James 1:26 warns that if anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. This shows that controlling speech is an essential sign of true faith, because the tongue is the organ that speaks both worship and slander, both kindness and curses. The sermon teaches that Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord detests, among which are a lying tongue and a false witness.
The fourth section applies the message to practical living. Ephesians 4:15 teaches that we must speak the truth in love so that we grow in all things into Christ, who is the head. The sermon exhorts that your speech must reflect the character of Christ, not using words to harm, manipulate, or wound others. Instead, use speech to heal, build up, protect the vulnerable, and testify to the Lord. For ultimately, your words will either illuminate or obscure the glory of God.