𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗘: 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE: DEATH OR LIFE

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Words are not neutral. Every word spoken either serves sin or serves grace.

In this dispensation of grace, the believer’s tongue is meant to minister life, not legalism, condemnation, or corruption.
Pauline doctrine teaches that while salvation is secure, our speech reveals our walk.

DIRECTION — THE TONGUE REVEALS THE HEART
Matthew 12:34 | Romans 10:10

A. Speech Springs from the Heart — Words expose belief
B. Confession Reveals Faith — Mouth confirms truth
C. Deception Leaks Out — Corruption cannot hide
Your tongue is the loudest witness of your heart.

DESTRUCTION — WORDS CAN KILL
James 3:6 | Proverbs 12:18

A. Lies Wound Deeply — Truth abandoned
B. Gossip Devours Unity — Fellowship destroyed
C. Anger Ignites Fires — Souls scorched
One careless sentence can destroy years of testimony.

DELIVERANCE — WORDS CAN HEAL
Proverbs 15:4 | Ephesians 4:29

A. Grace-Filled Speech Builds — Edification flows
B. Truth Spoken Restores — Light replaces darkness
C. Encouragement Revives — Hope rekindled
God uses grace-seasoned words to heal broken souls.

DISTINCTION — LAW SPEECH VS GRACE SPEECH
Romans 6:14 | Colossians 4:6

A. Law Condemns — “Do better” language
B. Grace Liberates — “Christ has done it” truth
C. Rightly Divided Words Matter — Dispensation clarity
The wrong message spoken sincerely still damages souls.

DISCIPLINE — THE TONGUE MUST BE GOVERNED
James 1:26 | 1 Corinthians 9:27

A. Uncontrolled Speech Is Vain Religion
B. Silence Can Be Wisdom — Not every truth must be spoken
C. Self-Judgment Prevents Public Shame
Grace does not excuse careless speech.

DECEPTION — FALSE TEACHING USES SMOOTH WORDS
Romans 16:18 | 2 Corinthians 11:13

A. Flattery Replaces Truth
B. Prosperity Speech Distracts
C. Emotional Words Manipulate
Not all loving words are truthful—and not all truth sounds loving.

DECLARATION — OUR WORDS PREACH A GOSPEL
2 Corinthians 5:20 | 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. We Speak as Ambassadors — Christ represented
B. Gospel Must Be Clear — Death, burial, resurrection
C. Silence Is Also a Message — Souls perish
What you speak can either clarify the gospel—or corrupt it.

DIRECTION — THE TONGUE DIRECTS LIFE
James 3:4–5 | Proverbs 13:3

A. Words Set Course — Like a ship’s rudder
B. Mouth Guards Destiny — Protection or ruin
C. Wisdom Chooses Restraint
A saved soul can still ruin a testimony with an unguarded tongue.

DESTINY — WORDS ECHO INTO ETERNITY
Matthew 12:36 | 2 Corinthians 5:10

A. Words Will Be Accounted For
B. Rewards Can Be Lost
C. Eternal Impact Is Real
Grace saves you—but words affect your reward.

CONCLUSION

The tongue does not determine salvation,
but it reveals submission.
Grace teaches us not just what to believe,
but how to speak.

CALL TO ACTION

Guard your mouth

Speak grace, not gossip
Declare truth, not tradition
Use words to heal, not harm
Let Christ control your tongue
Let doctrine guide your speech
Let grace season every word

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your Tongue Reveals Your Heart
Words Can Destroy Lives
Words Can Heal Souls
Right Doctrine Shapes Right Speech
Grace Governs the Believer’s Mouth
False Teaching Uses Smooth Words
Your Speech Preaches a Message
Words Direct Your Walk
Speech Affects Eternal Reward