The Struggle For Our Words

The struggle for our own tongues are against demonic forces at war within our own minds. 

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

These demonic forces are at war within our minds to destroy us. 

John 10:10 (NLT)

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My (Jesus's) purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Everything that has been stolen from you God wants to restore to you if you will let Him.  

James 1:26 (NLT)

26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

Where the battle wages on is right beneath our own nose which is in our mouths.

Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)

21 The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

1. Our tongue directs our destination. 

James 3:3-4 (NLT)

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 

Not winning this struggle could cost you a relationship. 

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)

18 Some people make cutting remarks,

    but the words of the wise bring healing. 

Proverbs 15:4  (NLT)

4 Gentle words are a tree of life;
    a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

2. Our tongues can destroy what we have. 

James 3:6 (NLT)

6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

Our words set the tone for our relationships.

3. Our tongues display who we are. 

Matthew 12:34 B  (NLT)

 For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.

4. We are to use God's Word to defeat the enemy.  Read Mark 4:1-11. 

How to control your Words.

1. Pause and consider your words before you speak.  

James 1:19-20 (NLT) 

19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Ask yourself before you speak W.A.I.T....

Why

Am

I

Talking? 

2. Ponder Luke 2:19.  

Luke 2:19 (NLT)

19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Think about the goodness of God and thank Him for it.

3. Ponder Isaiah 6:1-8.

Isaiah 6:1-8  (NLT)

It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.

2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 

3 They were calling out to each other,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
    The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”

8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Our own words keep us from serving God.  You, too, can be forgiven and changed by God if you'd but ask.

Philippians 1:6  (NLT)

6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Rick Bezet, New Life Church

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