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April 24, 2022                                                                                                 Achilles Week 1

My Tongue

James 1:26 NLT If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 

1. My words will determine my direction. 

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

If I change my words, my life will change.

1. My words can give life or take life.

In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.  But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.  And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire.  James 3:5-6 NLT

We shape our words and then our words shape us. 

1. My words always reveal my heart.

Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!  Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?   James 3:9-11 NLT

The real problem isn’t my tongue, it’s my heart. 

So what do we do?

1. Allow God to change my heart.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.  James 3:7-8

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14 

1. Put a filter on what I allow in my heart.

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34-35

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:34-35

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

1. Decide to speak words of life.

Words of affection.

Words of praise.

Words of encouragement.

Words of healing.

Words of faith.

Discussion Questions:

How have you been affected by life-giving and life-taking words? Which do you tend toward?

What life-giving words do you need to speak to yourself and others?

Name some things that you should not allow into your heart.

Which words do you need to work on the most?

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