Speaking Life

Introduction: Scripture Reading-James 3:1-13

These verses show us the importance of controlling our tongues or the words we speak. They also remind us that it is something we have to work at or mature into. Vs. 8, James is Not saying that it is impossible to control the tongue, rather he is saying struggle to use it properly. In this lesson, we will attend to begin a study on how to control our tongues and be better at spreading the gospel as we have been commanded to do by Christ himself.

I. The Divine Power of Words

A. Our Words Reflect Our Heart (thoughts and emotions)

• Matthew 12:33-37
• What we say reveals what’s inside us. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, pride, or fear, our words will reflect that. But if our hearts are filled with the fruit of the Spirit, our words will bring life.

Application: Ask God to cleanse your heart so your words will be pure and edifying. Don’t leave it empty to be filled up again with evil, rather fill it with God’s Word and love.

II. Biblical Examples of Effective Communicators (expanded)

1. Moses — A Reluctant Speaker Empowered by God

• Moses felt inadequate: “I am not eloquent… but I am slow of speech” (Exodus 4:10-17; explain VS 1-9)
• God didn’t remove Moses’ weakness — He promised His presence: “I will be with thy mouth” (Exodus 4:12).
• Later, Moses became the voice of God to Pharaoh and the people of Israel, delivering the Ten Commandments and leading a nation.

2. Saul/Paul— God did not choose a golden throated orator

• Paul makes several references in the New Testament to his perceived lack of eloquence or rhetorical skill. The most direct passages are:
  • 1. 1 Corinthians 2:1–4 "1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:”
    • Here, Paul explicitly says he did not come with eloquence or persuasive speech but relied on the power of the Spirit.
  • 2. 2 Corinthians 10:10 "For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”
    • This verse reflects criticism Paul received from others, suggesting that while his writings were strong, his public speaking was weak or unimpressive.
  • 3. 2 Corinthians 11:6 “But though I be rude (unlearned, illiterate) in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.”
    • Paul acknowledges that he may not be a trained orator, but emphasizes his depth of knowledge and sincerity.
• These passages show that Paul was aware of his limitations in public speaking and even used them to highlight the power of the gospel working through weakness.

Lesson: God doesn’t need perfect speakers — He needs willing vessels to speak His Word, His truth.

2. Jesus — The Master Communicator

• Jesus spoke with authority: “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29).
• He used parables to make divine truths relatable: the sower, the prodigal son, the mustard seed.
• His words brought healing (“Be thou clean” – Mark 1:41), forgiveness (“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” – Luke 23:43), and conviction (“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” – Mark 16:16).

Lesson: Speak with clarity, compassion, and conviction — like Christ.

3. Paul — Bold, Strategic, and Spirit-Led

• Paul adapted his communication style: “To the weak became I as weak… I am made all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22)
• He reasoned with philosophers in Athens (Acts 17), debated with Jews in synagogues, and wrote letters full of doctrine and encouragement.
• His words were Spirit-led: “My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Lesson: Know your audience but always speak the Word of God.

4. Abigail — Wise and Diplomatic

• When her husband Nabal insulted David, Abigail acted quickly and wisely.
• 1 Samuel 25:24–28: She humbled herself, spoke peaceably, and reminded David of his divine calling.
• David responded: “Blessed be thy advice… which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood” (v.33).

Lesson: A soft answer can turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). Wise words can prevent disaster.

III. Principles for Godly Communication

1. Listen Before You Speak

• James 1:19: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
• Listening is an act of humility. It shows we value others’ thoughts and feelings.
• Poor communication often stems from speaking too quickly and listening too little.

Application: Practice active listening — don’t just hear, understand.

2. Speak with Grace and Truth

• Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech be always with grace, (good will or loving kindness) seasoned with salt…”
• Grace makes your words palatable; salt preserves and adds flavor.
• Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). We must not sacrifice one for the other. (Gk for grace is the same; charis-kharese)

Application: Speak truth, but do it with love and gentleness.

3. Avoid Corrupt Communication

• Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…”
• Corrupt speech includes gossip, slander, profanity, and deceit.
• Edifying speech builds others up and glorifies God.
• II Tim. 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.”

Application: Ask yourself before speaking — will this help or hurt?

4. Be Clear and Purposeful

• Matthew 5:37 “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay…”
• Avoid vague, manipulative, or double-tongued speech.
• Be honest, direct, and respectful.

Application: Let your words reflect integrity and clarity.

IV. Practical Steps to Improve Communication

1. Pray before you speak – Ask God for help in speaking the right things and in the right way (Psalm 19:14).
2. Think before you speak – Consider the impact of your words.
3. Speak less, listen more – Wisdom often comes in silence.
4. Study the Word – Scripture shapes our speech and renews our mind. It is our guide or user manual as to what to say.
5. Surround yourself with wise communicators – Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).

Conclusion:

• I Peter 4:1-11; II Tim. 3:16-17
• God’s Word is a seed — it will bear fruit.
  • We have to believe that it truly is the power unto salvation but remember that it is ultimately the condition of the soil as to whether or not it will grow. However, we will never know what will grow if we do not plant.
• Choose to speak life, truth, and grace.
• Let your communication reflect the heart of Christ and the wisdom of God.
• Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Author: Patrick King