The Power of Words and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
Introduction
The words we speak hold immense power, capable of bringing life or death, blessing or cursing. The passage above delivers a divine admonition to seek counsel from God through His Holy Spirit and to harness our tongues to speak words of life that align with His truth. In a world filled with careless utterances, demonic influences, and worldly confusion, God calls His people to reject the counsel of the world and to live in the abundance of truth provided by His Spirit. This lesson explores the significance of speaking responsibly, the dangers of following worldly voices, and the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Through scriptural insights and practical applications, we will uncover how believers can use their words to advance God’s kingdom, resist the traps of foolishness, and walk in the light of His eternal truth.
The passage warns against the folly of seeking counsel from worldly sources, which leads to confusion and spiritual destruction. It also highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to love God while living in sin, emphasizing that true love for God is demonstrated through obedient actions and life-giving words. By seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and speaking words of wisdom, believers can avoid the pitfalls of the broad way and live as testimonies of God’s truth. This lesson will guide us through key principles to help us harness our tongues, seek divine counsel, and reflect the character of Christ in our speech and actions.
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The Danger of Many Masters
God warns His people against seeking counsel from the world’s “many masters,” whose guidance leads to confusion and spiritual ruin. The passage emphasizes that true clarity and truth come from the Holy Spirit, who leads believers into all truth. This is affirmed in John 16:13: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
Believers must discern the sources of their counsel, rejecting the voices of worldly wisdom that promote sin and confusion. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life with clarity and purpose, avoiding the snares of demonic influences that seek to lead us astray. Seeking God’s counsel ensures that our words and actions align with His righteous standard.
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The Power of the Tongue
The passage underscores the profound impact of the tongue, which can either build up or destroy. Careless words, influenced by demonic forces, lead to sorrow and disappointment, while words spoken under the Spirit’s guidance bring life and nourishment. This truth is echoed in James 3:6: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
To harness the tongue, believers must submit their speech to the Holy Spirit, speaking words of wisdom, gratitude, and praise. This requires intentional discipline, avoiding the temptation to engage in foolish or corrupt talk. By aligning our words with God’s truth, we can impart life to others and advance His kingdom.
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The Deception of Worldly Voices
The passage warns against the influence of worldly voices that transmit lies, hypocrisy, and foolishness. Many are swayed by the senseless ramblings of those who are far from God, leading to spiritual destitution and damnation. This is reflected in Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Believers must guard against keeping company with those who walk in wickedness, as their influence can lead us down the path of destruction. Instead, we are called to reject the “sweet deceits” of demonic inspiration and to seek the truth that comes from God. By staying rooted in His Word and Spirit, we can avoid the bitterness of worldly folly and walk in the clarity of His light.
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Living in the Attitude of Gratitude
True love for God is demonstrated through actions and words that reflect gratitude and obedience. The passage highlights that those who live in gratitude speak life-giving words that nourish others, while those who complain or speak corruptly reveal hearts far from God. This is affirmed in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Living in gratitude transforms our perspective, enabling us to see God’s provision and guidance in every circumstance. By cultivating a heart of thankfulness, we align our speech with His purpose, becoming vessels of His truth and love. This attitude of gratitude empowers us to resist the enemy’s attempts to lead us into confusion or despair.
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The Vindication of God’s People
The passage assures believers that they are not destined to be under God’s wrath but to be uplifted in His light, love, and life. While God’s judgment is revealed against the wicked, those who walk uprightly will experience His mercy and guidance. This promise is found in Psalm 37:6: “He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
By seeking God’s counsel and speaking His truth, believers can stand firm in the face of worldly opposition. The Holy Spirit directs our steps, ensuring that we remain in the path of righteousness and are not swayed by the foolishness of the world. God’s vindication is a testimony of His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
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Summary
The power of words and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are central to living a life that honors God. By seeking counsel from the Spirit, harnessing our tongues, and rejecting worldly voices, believers can avoid confusion and walk in the abundance of God’s truth. The passage warns against the hypocrisy of claiming to love God while living in sin, urging us to demonstrate our love through obedient actions and life-giving words. By living in gratitude and following the Spirit’s leading, we can reflect God’s glory and advance His kingdom in a world filled with deception.
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Conclusion
God’s call to have one Master—the Holy Spirit—empowers believers to live in clarity, truth, and righteousness. By harnessing our tongues and speaking words of life, we can avoid the confusion of worldly counsel and the bitterness of demonic deception. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, enabling us to reflect the character of Christ in our speech and actions. Let us choose to live in gratitude, seek God’s counsel, and walk uprightly, trusting in His vindication and the promise of His eternal light.
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Call to Action
Believers are called to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all things, rejecting the counsel of the world and harnessing their tongues to speak life. Immerse yourself in God’s Word, pray for wisdom, and cultivate a heart of gratitude. Avoid the company of those who promote wickedness, and let your words reflect the truth and love of God. Commit to living as a testimony of His glory, speaking words that nourish and uplift others for the advancement of His kingdom.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged, for the Holy Spirit is your guide, empowering you to speak words of life and to walk in God’s truth. Do not be swayed by the confusion of the world or the lies of the enemy. Your words have the power to bring hope and healing, reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. Trust in God’s guidance, live in gratitude, and let your life shine as a testimony of His love and power.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your grace and mercy. I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and surrender my heart to You, asking for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide me in Your truth, and help me to speak words that honor You. I choose You as my Savior and Lord, committing to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
