The Power of Words: Speaking Life in a World of Death By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 - “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
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Introduction
Words are not mere sounds; they are powerful instruments that can build up or destroy. As believers, we must understand that our words carry spiritual weight. When we speak, we release either life or death, and this choice shapes our reality. Our tongues are a gift from God intended to declare His will and establish His Kingdom. This teaching explores the significance of speaking life, the pitfalls of speaking death, and the biblical call to harness our tongues for the glory of God.
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The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue
Proverbs 18:21 teaches us the reality that our tongues hold the power to create or destroy. The words we speak can bring hope, healing, and restoration or lead to despair, division, and destruction. When we use our tongues to glorify God, we align ourselves with His purposes, releasing blessings and favor.
James 3:6 - “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”
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The Weapon of Tongues Against Darkness
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual practice that terrifies the enemy. The devil despises believers who use this gift because it connects them intimately with God and strengthens their spirits. Throughout history, the enemy has tried to discredit this gift, labeling it as strange or extreme. However, the gift of tongues is a powerful weapon for building up our faith and communicating with God beyond human understanding.
1 Corinthians 14:2 - “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
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The Impact of Words on Spiritual Warfare
The devil uses negative and death-filled words to ensnare believers. When we speak words of fear, doubt, and defeat, we open doors for demonic influence. Conversely, when we speak faith, truth, and life, we align with God's power, breaking the chains of darkness.
Ephesians 6:17 - “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
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Walking in the Power of Life-Giving
Words Our calling as believers is to spread the Gospel without shame, boldly declaring Jesus as Lord. We must use our tongues to speak life to a dying world, proclaiming the hope found in Christ. The world is overwhelmed by negativity, doubt, and rebellion, but we are called to shine as lights, speaking words of life.
Romans 10:14 - “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
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Summary
Our words shape our reality and influence the spiritual realm. As believers, we must guard our tongues, using them to declare life and reject the temptations to speak death. Speaking in tongues empowers us, and speaking life transforms our lives and those around us.
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Conclusion
Let us commit to using our words for God's glory. Let our speech be seasoned with grace, truth, and power. As we embrace the discipline of speaking life, we become vessels of God's love and power.
Call to Action
Be intentional in your speech. Speak words of life, hope, and truth. When tempted to speak negatively, pause, pray, and declare the promises of God.
Final Word of Encouragement
Your words carry weight. Use them to build, restore, and glorify God. Be a voice of hope in a world of despair.
Salvation Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Help me to use my tongue to speak life, bring glory to Your name, and proclaim the Gospel to all. Amen.
