Satisfying Speech

Audio Recording Satisfying Speech Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott Strickman Sermon Series: ProverbsProverbs 18:20-21 (ESV) 20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;     he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,     and those who love it will eat its fruits.Sermon Outline The wise understand that a person’s satisfaction is linked with what they say.1.  Your words have power.v21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue2.  Your words reveal what you love.v21 and those who love it will eat its fruits. v21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue3.  Your words bear fruit.v21 and those who love it will eat its fruits. v20 he is satisfied by the yield of his lipsPrayer of Confession Merciful God: We are slow to listen, and hasty to say what we ought not. Forgive us for every foolish and harmful thing we have said and done. Forgive us for when we have failed to steward our power to speak words that encourage, build up, form, clarify, or express thanksgiving. We confess we are more inclined to slander and complaint than praise and thanksgiving. Our words expose corruption deep within us, so along with a plea for forgiveness, we ask for help. Open our ears to hear your message of grace, and plant your word deep in us. Nourish us with Christ, the Word who became flesh, who tasted death so that we could have life. May we bear the fruits of life in the Spirit. Amen.Questions for ReflectionDo you enjoy speaking words of thanks, encouragement and praise?  What is your experience of this kind of communication?What do you find hard about speaking positively?Why is it tempting to complain, slander, lie, insult, etc.?  Why do you speak in such ways?How can wisdom help you change?  What is important to understand about your words that can make it more compelling to speak what is good and resist problematic speech?  What insights can help shift your patterns?  What is God showing you?How do your words reveal what is going on within you?  When you look at the things you want to say, what conclusions do you draw? Why is it crucial that we hear good news?  What makes the message of the grace of God so essential?How is the gospel message a seed in the life of the person who receives it by faith?  How does that new reality grow and form the believer?  What prayer habits will help you be more consistent with thanks and praise?  How can your words become a greater source of satisfaction to your own soul?  What can you do to taste more of the grace of God through what you choose to say?Reflect on Psalm 50, and consider how it helps you gain understanding of our speech in relation to God.