Small Things Big Difference (Words)

Introduction

Recap the previous weeks.

We have this key thought when we look at other people who have accomplished things greater than us. We think what big steps do we need to take to get there?

It is the small things that no one sees that result in the big things everyone wants.

Today we are going to talk about the power of our words.

In the beginning was the Word the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word became flesh. When God created the world he did it with the spoken Word.

Proverbs 18:21 NIV

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

In other words the words that we speak can be life giving words or they can be life taking words. If you want to change the life that you have you need to change the words that you speak.

Small changes in the words that we speak can make a big difference in the life that we live.

James actually said this a long time before this sermon was ever preached. If you don’t know who James was he the brother of Jesus and some scholars say that he was the best example for the divinity or Godness of Christ because how difficult would it be to convince your brother that you are the Son of God?

James 3:3–5 NIV

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

There is power of life and death in our words. We have the ability to speak life giving words or life taking words.

Healthy and unhealthy marriage

People we like to or don’t like to be around.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:4 NIV

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

I don’t know how many of you have had your spirit crushed by life giving words. It could be as meaningless as someone saying “what happened to your hair”? Or “why aren’t you married at this age in your life”?

Maybe it could become more personal or intentional. “I can’t stand you” “I never loved you anyway?”

Life taking words that pierce like a sword and crushes the spirit.

Example of life giving words and what it does.

Give an example of speaking life giving words to Amelia. Example of when Lucy gives me life giving words.

Last week we did a thought audit. Today what I want to do is do a word audit. First think about the words that you speak to other people throughout your week ( are you speaking life giving or life taking words to others). Then evaluate the words that you speak to yourself.

Life Taking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Life Giving

Self evaluation

If we didn’t put a 10 on both of these then there is tremendous room for improvement. Why? Because there is power in our words. If you make small changes in the way that you speak, you will begin to see big changes in the life that you have.

1) If you can’t say something helpful - skip it.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

If some of us just apply this one verse to different areas of our life then your whole time for being here today is extremely worth while. (King James Joke)

2) If you think something good say it.

This is a rule that I try to live out more. Anytime I think something good about someone else, God or my circumstances I want to give it life by saying it.

Proverbs 16:24 NIV

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

He isn’t saying gracious thoughts here are like honeycomb. Gracious words are like honeycomb. What would it look like if I had a gracious thought about you. If you let the words free they have the power to give life and to bless.

Give example of the way your parents spoke life to you.

Anytime you think something good say it. (Give example of person I spoke with)

Tell a story about Scott from the sermon.

If you want to start changing relationships around you start applying this concept to your life. Don’t just give it to other people give it to yourself. Give yourself life giving words.

1 Samuel 30:6 NIV

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Examples of encouraging yourself.

Encouraging yourself not that just you can do it, but that God can do it through you. If you want to see it say it. You say what you want to see. (Not a mercedes in our garage) Say what is consistent with God’s truth. Recite the promises of God over yourself.

Jesus said if you speak to the mountain and have faith to see it moved. He didn’t say speak about it, but speak to it. God said to Ezekiel speak to the dry bones, not about about them.

Everytime you speak make sure whatever you say you can add the words and that’s the way I want it.

3) One statement that will drive and direct your year.

My statement from last year. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.