Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue – The Strength of Words
VBC Albuquerque · Oct 22, 2023
This sermon explores the power of words based on Proverbs 18:21 and related Scripture passages. Speech has three primary powers: control (like a bridle and rudder), destruction (like a small fire burning a large forest), and nourishment (like water and fruit necessary for life). You are encouraged to control your tongue to avoid sin and bring blessing to others.
The sermon opens by presenting the main theme: words have the power to determine life or death for a person. Based on Proverbs 18:21, the pastor emphasizes that speech is not trivial but can profoundly impact our lives and those around us. The sermon cites many proverbs and sayings from various cultures to demonstrate that the power of words is a universal truth recognized widely.
The second section develops three primary powers of speech through specific biblical images. The power of control is illustrated by a bridle and rudder—small objects that govern much larger things (James 3:3-4). The power of destruction is compared to a small fire burning a large forest, and the tongue is called "a fire, a world of unrighteousness" (James 3:5-6). The power of nourishment is shown through images of fresh water and fruit, symbolizing wholesome speech that brings life and healing (Proverbs 18:4, 10:11).
The third section applies the message to the congregation's practical life by emphasizing personal responsibility. The pastor reminds that your words will be judged on the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36-37), and you will be justified or condemned based on your speech. The sermon encourages believers to control their tongue, speak words that are gracious and beneficial (Ephesians 4:29), and pray as in Psalm 141:3-4 for God to guard their mouth and keep watch over their lips. The final message is that you must choose to use words to praise God and serve others, not to curse or harm.
The sermon also emphasizes that speech reflects the condition of the heart (Matthew 12:33-35). A good tree bears good fruit, a bad tree bears bad fruit; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Therefore, to control your speech, you must first sanctify your heart by accumulating good things. The sermon concludes with a prayer from Psalm 19:14, hoping that the words and meditation of each person's heart will be pleasing to God.