4 weeks encouraging students to use their words wisely. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Except, we know as ministry leaders that words matter. They matter because the words themselves are powerful, and they matter even more depending on who says them. When we begin to see God and ourselves through a healthier lens, we’ll use our words in a way that brings life to others and glory to God.

Video Messages Included

Week 1 (James 3:2-6 NIV)

Intro: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The problem is, words have power, and some more than others depending not just on what is said, but who says it.

Truth: In fact, James posits that words are so powerful, that very few humans can control them. Not only that, but our words can even steer the direction of our lives. If words don’t matter, then God’s words don’t matter. But His words do matter, and so do ours.

The Point: The truth of the matter is that words matter

Week 2 (Titus 3:1-7 NIV)

Intro: Sometimes gossip isn’t coming from a malicious place. We just want to be interesting, or we just want to feel better about ourselves. But when we demonstrate regularly that we talk trash about people behind their backs, it affects the trust even our close friends can really have in us.

Truth: Paul tells us that gossip is ultimately rooted in pride, and that a close look at the gospel would show us a better way. Jesus encourages  us and advocates for our benefit rather than trashing us for His. 

The Point: The gospel leads us away from gossip

Week 3 (James 3:9-13 NIV)

Intro: Is cussing bad, or is it just bad for kids? It figures that God probably doesn’t like it when we cuss, right? But if that’s the case, why?

Truth: James may not talk about specific 4-letter words, but he’s pretty adamant we not curse others made in God’s image. His point is that our tone and our intent are every bit as important as the words we say. But immediately after that sentiment, he follows it up by encouraging believers to walk in wisdom and humility. That’s probably going to lead most of us away from frivolous usage of profanity.

The Point: Let your words flow from wisdom and humility

Week 4 (Psalm 19:14 NIV)

Intro: There’s probably nothing deeply broken about adopting the newest phrases or slang words. But it’s at least possible that sometimes the words you choose to use are revealing something deeper about your heart than you ever thought possible.

Truth: David wanted his words and his heart to be pleasing to God. The reason he was able to succeed in that desire is because of the very personal way He saw God. David recognized God’s role in his life as Rock and as Redeemer, and focusing on that led to his words being honoring to God. Whatever we focus on will fill us, and whatever fills us will come out.

The Point: Words are worship