Mastering the Tongue and Temper Through the Holy Spirit By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
— Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Introduction
The call to master one’s temper and tongue is a divine directive that leads to peace, righteousness, and alignment with God’s purpose. The passage above warns against the destructive consequences of uncontrolled anger and careless speech, which fuel demonic influences and lead to sorrow, violence, and spiritual ruin. In contrast, God desires His people to yield to the Holy Spirit, who provides the strength to control emotions and words, guiding them into a life of joy and purpose. This lesson explores the importance of submitting to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, resisting the temptations of anger and self-idolatry, and cultivating a heart of gratitude that reflects God’s peace. Through scriptural insights and practical applications, we will uncover how believers can overcome the destructive forces of temper tantrums, live in the calm of God’s presence, and serve as examples of His transformative power.
The passage highlights the pervasive issue of explosive anger and complaining in today’s world, which often stem from demonic influences and a focus on self rather than God. It also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to walk in peace, reject worldly influences, and reflect the character of Jesus Christ. By training ourselves to control our emotions and words, giving thanks, and following the Spirit’s leading, we can avoid the path of destruction and embrace the abundant life God intends. This lesson will guide us through key principles to help us master our temper, speak life-giving words, and live as testimonies of God’s grace.
________________________________________
The Dangers of Uncontrolled Temper
The passage warns that outbursts of temper and violence bring about many sorrows, often escalating demonic forces that lead to destruction. Uncontrolled anger, especially when fueled by substances, can result in actions that are contrary to God’s will, causing harm to oneself and others. This is affirmed in Proverbs 29:22: “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
Believers are called to reject the temptation to give in to anger, recognizing its infectious nature and its potential to escalate conflicts. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we can find the strength to remain calm and composed, avoiding the consequences of explosive behavior. Mastering our temper requires intentional submission to God, allowing His peace to govern our hearts and actions.
________________________________________
The Power of the Tongue and Gratitude
The passage emphasizes that the words we speak, often influenced by our emotional state, can either build up or destroy. Complaining and self-pity are likened to a smoldering fire that can erupt into disastrous flames, consuming us in negativity. In contrast, words of gratitude and praise invite God’s presence and bring life to those who hear them. This truth is echoed in Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
To master our tongues, we must cultivate a heart of gratitude, focusing on God’s goodness rather than our problems. By giving thanks and praise, we shift our perspective, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our speech. This practice not only uplifts our spirits but also serves as a testimony to others, reflecting God’s peace and love.
________________________________________
The Trap of Self-Idolatry
The passage identifies self-idolatry as a root cause of uncontrolled temper and complaining. When people focus on themselves, they become consumed by pride and dissatisfaction, leading to foul moods and explosive outbursts. This is reflected in James 4:1-2: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Believers are called to reject the god of self and to focus on God’s will, which leads to peace and purpose. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we can escape the prison of self-idolatry and live in the freedom of God’s presence. This shift in focus allows us to prioritize His kingdom over our own desires, fostering humility and calm.
________________________________________
The Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the key to mastering both temper and tongue, providing the strength and wisdom needed to walk in God’s way. The passage emphasizes that yielding to the Spirit brings peace and guidance, enabling believers to navigate life’s challenges with godly wisdom. This is affirmed in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
By submitting to the Holy Spirit, believers can cultivate the fruit of self-control, which empowers them to remain calm in distressing situations. The Spirit guides us into the path of righteousness, helping us to resist demonic influences and to reflect the character of Christ in our words and actions.
________________________________________
The Example of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of one who mastered His emotions and words, living in complete submission to the Father’s will. The passage highlights that by following His pattern, believers can be uplifted and brought forth in the spirit life God intends. This is reflected in 1 Peter 2:23: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
By patterning our lives after Jesus, we learn to respond to challenges with grace and humility, trusting in God’s justice rather than giving in to anger. His example teaches us to speak words of life, to remain calm under pressure, and to prioritize God’s will, thereby becoming lights in a world marked by conflict and strife.
________________________________________
Summary
Mastering the tongue and temper through the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life that honors God. The passage warns against the dangers of uncontrolled anger and complaining, which lead to sorrow and demonic influence. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, cultivating gratitude, and rejecting self-idolatry, believers can walk in peace and righteousness. Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of self-control and submission, guiding us into a life of purpose and joy. Through the Spirit’s guidance, we can speak life-giving words, remain calm in adversity, and reflect God’s glory in all we do.
________________________________________
Conclusion
The call to master our temper and tongue is an invitation to live in the peace and purpose of God’s Spirit. By rejecting the destructive forces of anger and self-idolatry, and by embracing gratitude and obedience, we can avoid the path of ruin and walk in the way of eternal life. The Holy Spirit empowers us to control our emotions and words, guiding us into the beauties God has prepared for His people. Let us follow the example of Jesus, trusting in God’s guidance and giving thanks in all circumstances, so that our lives may shine as testimonies of His transformative power.
________________________________________
Call to Action
Believers are called to yield to the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance to master their temper and tongue. Practice gratitude daily, giving thanks and praise to God to shift your focus from self to Him. Resist the temptation to give in to anger or complaining, and instead speak words of life and encouragement. Follow the example of Jesus, entrusting yourself to God’s will and reflecting His peace in all you do. Commit to living as a testimony of His grace, advancing His kingdom through your words and actions.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged, for the Holy Spirit is with you, empowering you to overcome anger and to speak words of life. Do not be swayed by the world’s chaos or the temptation to focus on self. Trust in God’s guidance, give thanks in all things, and let your life reflect the peace and joy of His presence. You are redeemed to walk in His way, shining as a light in a dark world and proclaiming His goodness to all.
________________________________________
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 master my temper and tongue for Your glory. I choose You as my Savior and Lord, committing to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
