Here are some points from Matthew 12:33-37 about why words are so important.
1. Words Transmit Power (v 33-37) – Jesus said about Peter, “Upon this rock, I will build my church.” God spoke miracles into being with words. A spoken vision is powerful. I received a letter once from a missionary with whom I had spent a week, that gave me a vision of what ministry could be like in my life as a I grew older. I still have that typed letter on my office wall. I like the part in the movie Back to the Future II when a bus boy at the local diner upon hearing these words, “He’s gonna be the Mayor… Mayor?! Goldie Wilson, Mayor. Now’s that’s a good idea! I like the sound of that.” Words can definately transmit power.
2. Words Reveal our Character (v 33-35) – Our attitudes about life are expressed in our everyday words. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. We’ve all heard someone say, “You talk to him, he’ll listen to you”. It’s the heart of the person involved in the words more than the mere dictionary definition. This especially rings true in sharing faith with those closest to us – they pick up on our character through what we say on a daily basis.
3. Words Determine our Reward & Judgement (v 36-37) – The scripture has lots to say about our words and our hearts. “Confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord…” or “We will be held accountable by our words…” and “Anyone who speaks a word against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.” Careless words come back to get us.
4. Words Produce Fruit (33, 35-36) – A tree is known by it’s fruit. Your words will make you known one way or the other – either good or bad. The way to produce encouraging, uplifting, visionary, careful, intentional, heartfelt, funny and life changing words is to begin with the inside. When your heart is full of God’s grace and joy, your words will reflect it.
5. Words Shape Our Destiny (37) – The words we speak, in a sense, create us. They shape the way we view ourselves and the way others view us.
The life of a follower of Jesus isn’t going to be determined by how many mission trips one takes, a powerful once-a-year-retreat or perfect church attendnace. It’s the deep down, nitty gritty daily life, conversations and words we use that are going to help shape us and those around us.
** This was a message I preached during a midweek service at our church about 10 years ago. I think some of the outline came from a another book, but I can’t remember which one.
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