𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗘: 𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗘

THE TONGUE: BLESSING OR CURSE

(A Pauline Warning for the Body of Christ)
Key Text: Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

INTRODUCTION

Words are not neutral. Scripture reveals that speech reveals the heart, shapes testimony, edifies or destroys believers, and affects reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

In this Dispensation of Grace, believers are sealed, saved, and secure, yet still accountable for how we speak (Ephesians 4:29).

Today we will rightly divide how the tongue operates under grace, not law—and how Spirit-led speech reflects Christ.

POSITIONED TONGUE – Who You Are in Christ
Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 3:8
Explanation:
Our speech must flow from our new identity, not the old man.

A. Redeemed Position – We speak as the sealed Body of Christ
B. Removed Practices – Old corrupt speech is put off
C. Renewed Perspective – Grace shapes our language
Dispensational Insight:
The law condemned speech; grace transforms speech.

PURIFIED TONGUE – Put Away Corruption
Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6
Explanation:
Grace teaches restraint, not license.

A. No Rotten Words – Corrupt talk grieves the Spirit
B. Gracious Words – Speech seasoned with grace
C. Helpful Words – Edification over emotion
Pauline Emphasis:
Grace doesn’t excuse filthy speech—it filters it.

PROCLAIMING TONGUE – Speaking Truth Boldly
Ephesians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 4:13
Explanation:
Our tongue is a tool for testimony.

A. Gospel Clarity – Speak the mystery clearly
B. Bold Confession – Faith speaks truth
C. Right Division – Truth without confusion
Mid-Acts Focus:
We proclaim Christ crucified, not kingdom conditions.

PRAYERFUL TONGUE – Spirit-Led Communication
Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18
Explanation:
Prayer refines speech.

A. Dependence – The Spirit assists our weakness
B. Direction – Prayer aligns words with God’s will
C. Discipline – Prayer tames emotional speech
Grace Truth:
The Spirit doesn’t control our tongue—but guides it.

PEACEABLE TONGUE – Avoiding Strife
Romans 12:18; 2 Timothy 2:23–24
Explanation:
Believers are called to peace, not provocation.

A. Gentle Responses – Soft answers over sharp ones
B. Avoiding Foolish Debates – Contentious talk divides
C. Ministry Mindset – Peace protects testimony
Pauline Warning:
Truth never requires a fleshly tone.

PRODUCTIVE TONGUE – Building the Body
1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:12
Explanation:
Speech should build, not break.

A. Edification – Words strengthen believers
B. Exhortation – Encouragement produces growth
C. Instruction – Teaching sound doctrine
Dispensational Insight:
Tongues today are spoken words, not sign gifts.

PROTECTED TONGUE – Guarding Against Evil
Titus 3:2; Ephesians 4:31
Explanation:
The flesh corrupts speech quickly.

A. Reject Bitterness – Poisoned words poison hearts
B. Resist Gossip – Whispering wounds the Body
C. Remove Malice – Grace refuses cruelty
Grace Reality:
The tongue reveals whether grace is believed or ignored.

PROFESSING TONGUE – Confession of Faith
Romans 10:9–10; 2 Corinthians 5:20
Explanation:
Believers are ambassadors by speech.

A. Confess Christ – Faith is verbal
B. Represent Grace – Our words reflect our message
C. Reconcile Others – Speech points to Christ
Pauline Truth:
Confession is not for salvation maintenance—but testimony.

PREPARING TONGUE – Judgment Seat Awareness
2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 12:36 (principle)
Explanation:
Words matter eternally.

A. Accountability – Believers answer for speech
B. Reward Loss or Gain – Idle words cost reward
C. Eternal Perspective – Speak with eternity in view
Dispensational Balance:
Saved by grace—judged for service.

CONCLUSION

The tongue does not determine salvation, but it reveals spiritual maturity.
Under grace, we are not silenced—we are sanctified speakers.
Grace should be heard, not just believed.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine your words under grace
Align your speech with Pauline doctrine
Let your tongue reflect Christ, not the flesh
Speak life. Speak grace. Speak truth—rightly divided.

FINAL THOUGHTS

You are sealed forever, but your words still count.
In a world of noise, let the Body of Christ speak with clarity, charity, and Christ-likeness.
Grace saved you—now let grace speak through you.