Discussion Guide | Aug. 31, 2025

September 1st, 2025

Introduction

"Unlock Your Superpower: Words" - Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Lisa explores the power of words, describing them as our superpower that can bring either life or death. She emphasizes that our words begin as thoughts, creating neural pathways that determine our destiny. The sermon highlights how God created humans by speaking to Himself, indicating that we find our true purpose and power when connected to Christ rather than merely to community or culture.

Using biblical references from Proverbs, James, and Ephesians, Pastor Lisa explains how our words can either heal like honey or destroy like fire. She shares personal stories and examples, including Thomas Edison's mother who transformed negative words about her son into encouragement that shaped his future. The message concludes with a challenge to ask God to guard our mouths, pause before speaking to check our thoughts, and stay connected to God so our words carry His life.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today grateful for Your presence among us. As we begin this discussion about the power of our words, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest with ourselves about how we use the superpower of speech that You've given us. Guide our conversation, reveal areas where we need growth, and show us how to speak words that bring life rather than death. May this time together draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What was your favorite superhero growing up, and why did you connect with that character?

Main Study

Key Verses

Proverbs 18:21
James 3:3-6
Ephesians 4:29
Psalm 141:3
James 1:19

Questions

The sermon describes our words as a superpower. In what ways have you experienced the power of words in your own life, either positively or negatively?
Pastor Lisa mentioned that our words begin as thoughts. How do you currently monitor or control your thought life, and what changes might you need to make?
The message emphasized that we were created when God spoke to Himself, not to the earth or sea. What does it mean to you that we find life by being connected to God rather than to culture or community?
How have you seen words shape someone's destiny, either in your life or someone else's?
What recurring thoughts or conversations do you have that might be creating unhealthy pathways in your mind?
The sermon referenced Augustine's dinner table inscription: "He who speaks evil of an absent man or woman is not welcome at this table." How might adopting this principle change your conversations?
Pastor Lisa challenged us to pause before speaking and ask if our words heal and build up. In what specific relationships or situations do you need to apply this practice?
What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your words are connected to God and carrying His life rather than just your own opinions or emotions?

Life Application

This week, commit to the three-part challenge from the sermon:

1) Begin each day by asking God to guard your mouth,
2) Pause before speaking to check if your words will heal and build up, and
3) Stay connected to God through regular prayer and Bible reading so your words carry His life.

Keep a small journal noting situations where you successfully applied these principles and where you struggled. At the end of the week, reflect on how this intentional approach to your words affected your relationships and your own spiritual well-being.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Our words have the power of life and death - they are seeds that will bear fruit in our lives and the lives of others.
Words begin as thoughts, so we must take our thoughts captive and align them with God's truth to speak life-giving words.
We were created when God spoke to Himself, meaning we only find true life when connected to Christ, not to culture or community.
Our words shape our destiny and the destinies of those around us, particularly those under our influence like children.
We cannot tame our tongues by ourselves - we need God's help through prayer, Scripture, and intentional practice.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, we stand in awe of the power You've given us through our words. Forgive us for the times we've used this superpower carelessly or destructively. Set a guard over our mouths and keep watch over the door of our lips, as Your Word instructs. Help us to create new neural pathways that align with Your truth, speaking words that heal rather than harm, that build up rather than tear down. We ask for Your grace as we pause before speaking, checking our thoughts against Your Word. Break generational patterns of harmful speech in our families and make us people whose words reflect Your character. May our conversations be like honey - sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Thank You that through Christ, we can speak life and be agents of transformation in our relationships. In Jesus' name, amen.

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