Intro: (1) series recap (2) “communicating the gospel with the aim to persuade” (3) “communicating” → words are necessary (cf. Acts 10) (4) “gospel” → joyful message from God that leads us to salvation (cf. Eccles. 3:11) (5) “aim” → two categories of people (cf. Acts 17) (6) “persuade” → Jesus the specific target (cf. John 14:6) (7) 1 Peter 3:15Honor Christ: (1) “holy” → OT background (2) 2 Cor. 1...  Read More

Intro: (1) business meeting, youth FF (2) out this week (3) Proverbs 27:5-6 (cf. Ellen on Idol)The Right Word (2:6): (1) must be framed by God’s words, not our own (2) not just sharing our opinion (cf. cutting grass, driving, grocery shopping) → lots of people do things lots of different ways (3) practical steps → examine your heart, admit your own faults, remember that change is a process, encour...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) listening → 20:12, Psalm 40:6, Jesus (“he who has ears …”) (3) clappingHow to Listen1. Listen to counsel (15:22): (1) we need wise input from others (2) leadership (cf. 11:14), picking battles (cf. 20:18) (3) “guidance” = steering a ship (4) examples → Rehoboam, Jerusalem council (5) why we don’t → pride, fear, don’t know where to look, been burned (6) how to cultivate ...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) words to avoid (cf. “Christmas Story” movie)Categories1. Contentious speech (26:21): (1) words that stir up, look for opp’s to argue (2) contrarian, caring too much about non-important things, confusing fact and opinion (3) strategy → slowing down before speaking, assessing motivation, appreciating other viewpoints2. Perverse speech (4:24): (1) words that distort truth ...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) value of words (20:15) → (cf. bb cards) (3) ultimate value of loveWisdom Words1. Supportive words (31:8-9): (1) words that defend/help (cf. not present, can’t help themselves) (2) spoken to one with power/influence (3) categories → parent, boss, older, teacher, gov’t2. Healing words (12:18): (1) injury vs. healing → rash reckless anger vs. humble care and concern (2) ea...  Read More

Intro: (1) series recap (2) Proverbs 4:20-24 (3) 8 truths across 3 categories of wordsThe Power of Words1. Words stick (18:21): (1) tongue capable of very good and very bad → will produce these fruits (2) Gottman ratio, negative consumer experiences (3) id someone to encourage before leaving2. Words spread (10:10-11): (1) winking = whispering (cf. 16:27-28) → negative words like wildfire (2) don’t...  Read More