The Weight of Our Words

Sticks & Stones

September 20, 2020 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Matthew 12:33–37

What if all the words you ever said were recorded? If you wore a microphone all the time? What would your words say about you? As we start a new series, Sticks & Stones, Nate Hilgenkamp teaches through Matthew 12:33-37, showing us how much God cares about our words.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

- When you are all alone your words show who you really are.

- However great something’s potential for good is, equal is its potential for evil.

- The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).

- What you plant is what will grow.

- Your relationship with your words is similar to your relationship with your bank: you can only withdraw what you have deposited.

- Apple seeds make apple trees, and orange seeds make orange trees...there are no exceptions. It’s no different with your heart and your words. What type of seeds are you planting?

- You can’t fake what is growing in your heart.

- God hears everything you say, so you are only fooling yourself if you think you can hide or fake anything.

- Ask someone close to you what your words display about who you are.

- There is a big difference between simply not sinning with your words and advancing the kingdom of God.

- Put purpose behind your words.

- Are you thoughtful about your words? Every single word you speak is an opportunity to speak with purpose.

- If you are a parent, what words will your kids remember about you?

- To put purpose behind your words, pray before you speak.

- You will pay for what you say.

- On the day you die and stand before God, what will your words say about you? It’s only through Christ’s death and resurrection that we are saved, but we will give an account for our words.

- The most important words ever spoken were from Jesus: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Do you believe those words?

MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

- Suggested Scripture study: Matthew 12:33-37; Proverbs 18:21

- Sermon: Words Matter

The Opportunity of Our Words

October 4, 2020 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Colossians 4:2–6

Have you ever heard someone who had a distinct accent? Where it was obvious they were from somewhere different than you? As we finish our series, Sticks and Stones, Nate Hilgenkamp teaches through Colossians 4:2-6, teaching us Christians should have their own “accent” based on the words they use. KEY TAKEAWAYS - As Christians, we should be known for how we use our words. - If you want to honor God with your words: Talk to God. - If you don’t emphasize prayer, you won’t utilize prayer. - You don’t just fall into a good prayer life. The way to develop a deep and intimate prayer life is by working at it! - If you want to honor God with your words: Talk about God. - Everyone has a http://message...what’s yours? What do you talk about the most? - If every word you spoke in the last week was printed out in a packet for a stranger to read, how long would it take for them to realize that you love Jesus? Would they read about the gospel? - If you want to honor God with your words: Be wise with your words. - Wisdom with our words can be summarized by knowing what to say and what not to say, and then when to speak and when not to speak. - Do you know what stands out when people are talking over each other and talking louder and louder? Silence. - When you meet with someone, try applying the 80/20 principle to your conversation: talk 20% of the time and listen 80% of the time. - If you want to honor God with your words: Be gracious with your words. - Do your words smell like the aroma of Christ? Do they tear others down or build others up? - The more time you spend in the presence of your Heavenly Father the more you will sound like Him. MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES - Suggested Scripture study: Colossians 4:2-6; Proverbs 17:28; - Sermon: The Danger of Our Tongues - Sermon: The Weight of Our Words

The Danger of Our Tongues

September 27, 2020 • Scott Kedersha • James 3:1–12

Can you think of the last time you were hurt by someone else’s words? Every single one of us has been on the receiving end of hurtful words. As we continue our series, Sticks & Stones, Scott Kedersha teaches us about the tongue by teaching through James chapter 3. KEY TAKEAWAYS - The phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a horrendous lie. Words are extremely dangerous and can cause lifelong damage. - No one is perfect in their http://words...we all stumble, every single one of us. - The tongue is powerful. - The tongue is a small part of the body that has an abnormal influence relative to its size. - The tongue is destructive. - Our words—while they might seem like a small spark—can start a dangerous fire that can burn for a lifetime in someone’s memory. - The tongue is revealing. - The tongue reveals who we really are. It shows what is in our hearts. - What kind of words come out of your mouth? What do they reveal about who you are? - While the tongue is powerful, revealing, and destructive, it can also encourage and build others up! As Christians, we can and should use it for good. - When is the last time you went out of your way to encourage someone with your words? MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES - Suggested Scripture study: James 3:1-12; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Ephesians 4:29 - Sermon: The Weight of Our Words