Message Series // Scattered – Part 4 Words
Message Date // October 4, 2020 (Scotty Priest)
Big Idea
During this season of life in 2020, most of us can use the word “scattered” to describe how we feel. Schedules have been scattered, along with finances, jobs, emotions, living situations, and more. We can feel disorganized, alone, and messy. As we lean into this time of looking through the biblical letter of James, we will know that we aren’t alone in feeling scattered. James, the half-brother of Jesus and pastor of the Jerusalem church in this time, is writing to all the Christians that have been scattered out from Jerusalem because of persecution. He writes with a heart to remind them, in the midst of all the unknowns, to live out their faith in a real and practical way. These same words, written almost 2,000 years ago, can also help ground us today as we seek to live out the ways of Jesus in the midst of feeling scattered. ”
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:7-10
Discussion
Read James 3:1-12. Our words, or the words of others, have the unique power to SCRIPT and STEER lives. Think about it…a single word or a single sentence that someone speaks to you, or you speak to others, can alter a life’s course. What are some words or sentences people have spoken to you that have steered your life, for better or for worse? What are some words you have spoken to others that have steered lives, for better or for worse?
Read Proverbs 18:21. Our words are POISON or FRUIT, and we get to choose. If you were to be honest, when you think about the words that come out of your mouth, what patterns or habits of speech would you generally say describe those words? Would you say your words can be described more as complaining, critical, gossipy, rude, or sarcastic…or would they be described as encouraging, uplifting, caring, selfless, and thoughtful? Why?
If Jesus is Lord of your LIFE, then he needs to be Lord of your LIPS. If you were to give yourself some advice on how the words that come out of your mouth could become more Christ-like, what would that advice be? How can you begin to put that advice into action?
Next Steps
Read Psalm 19:14. The words you speak over people can change the course of their lives. Who is one person that needs to hear specific words come from your mouth that could potentially change the course of their life? It could be words like…”I love you…”, “I’m sorry…”, “I see this in you…”, “This is a boundary I need to put in our relationship…”, or “You changed my life…”. Don’t delay in speaking those words. Do it this week!
