Brick By Brick, Part 5: Watch Your Words
October 6, 2024

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Message Review

As followers of Jesus, we are called to "build each other up in love" as the body of Christ. To do this, we must have meaningful relationships with one another. However, meaningful relationships don't happen accidentally; they are built brick by brick. In the upcoming weeks, we will look at five things we should implement in our relationships to help us build each other up in love. One of the fundamental principles is that your words have the power to build or destroy, so you must watch how you use them.

Main Point: Your words have the power to build or destroy.

Scripture References: Ephesians 4:15-16, 22-29; Matthew 12:36-37

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was James 3:1-6. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the following Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you want to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon, and why?

  • Why are words so powerful when it comes to shaping our relationships?

  • Read Ephesians 4:29 as a group. What building block was the Apostle Paul discussing in this passage? Why is it important to do this to have a mature church body?

  • Read Matthew 12:36-37 as a group. Do you believe our words carry significant weight in our judgment? Why or why not?

  • Why do words carry more weight as your relationships become more intimate?

  • We've all experienced moments in our lives where words have had a lasting positive or negative impact. Can you share a personal example of when this has occurred?

  • Why are we slow to recognize or admit how our words impact others, even though we know their effect on us?

  • One issue is that most of us focus more on what we need to say than what others need to hear. How can this result in words that do not build each other up in love?

  • Words can lead to an unintentional fire that can only be extinguished with humility and sensitivity. Why are these two things the key to extinguishing the fires that your words have started?

  • When your words have ignited a fire, the best way to start extinguishing it is to take ownership and apologize without adding anything more. Why does adding after "I am sorry" not help in that situation?

  • Is there anyone you have recently hurt with your words? If so, what step will you take to resolve it or make amends?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.