Anatomy- The Tongue | Overflow Church Grand Prairie, Tx | Notes
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Anatomy- The Tongue

Anatomy Slide

James 3:3-12 (NIV) 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.


Words are Weighty
Matthew 12:36-37
(NIV) 36 I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death.


1. What we speak for:
What we promote.
Proverbs 10:11
(NIV) The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.
The Message- The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well.

2. What we speak against:
What we protest.
We can speak against ideas, we don’t speak against individuals.

3. What we speak loudest. What we personify
What we speak the loudest represents us most.

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.


Realities in Managing Tension
1- Just because its true doesn’t mean its not hurtful.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
The need to verbalize is not more valuable than the people we are speaking of.”

2- Contextualize being Constructive
“Complaints & criticism only work in the context of being constructive.”
“Complaining is to the devil what praise is to God." ~Bill Johnson

3- Venting fuels
Proverbs 29:11
(NIV) 11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control

4- Respond don’t react
1 Peter 3:9(NLT)
9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

5. Understand Context
Example:
John 8:11
Jesus said “Go and sin.”
Jesus said “Go and sin no more.”

What we should be the loudest in our praise:
1. Praise Possess Power
Psalm 22:3 (NKJV)
You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

2. Praise Produces Peace

Colossians 3:15-16 (NIV) 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
3. Praise Proceeds Victory

Putting Praise together:
1)His purpose- His good intention
2)His promise- His guarantee
3)His providence he is in charge

7daysofgratfulness: 1) no complaining etc 2) Everyday express gratitude 3) share gratitude.

Psalm 141:3 (NIV) Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.