Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 15:1-4, 7, 23, 28 ESV
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Key Points
· Wise words give life.
· Wise words reveal a wise heart.
· Wise words are powerful.
· Jesus is the Word of God.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
-Proverbs 15:1 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: Proverbs 18:21 says, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
· What is it about words that makes them so powerful?
2: When was the last time someone spoke life-giving words to you?
· Now, try to remember the last time someone said something hurtful to you.
· Which conversation is easier for you to remember?
· Why do you think that is?
3: Why is it significant Jesus is known as “the Word of God,” (John 1 and Revelation 19)?
4: Jesus says in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
· What does Jesus promise the Holy Spirit will do for us?
5: Read what Hebrews 4:12 says about the Bible and answer the questions that follow.
· Why do you think God gave us his written word?
· Whenever we read the Bible, what role does the Holy Spirit play?
6: What is the primary truth you learned about words through this week’s sermon + response guide?
7: What is the primary truth you learned about God through this week’s sermon + response guide?
8: How is God inviting you to live out the truth you have received through this week’s sermon + response guide?
*Bonus Question: In light of today’s sermon on wise words, read the Scriptures listed below and explain the role of words in each passage.
· Genesis 3:1-7
· Genesis 11:1-9
· Matthew 27:11-26
Pray
Lord, who are we that you are attentive toward our every word? Even before a word is on our lips, you know it altogether, and yet, you delight in us pouring out our hearts in words before you. In the same way, make us attentive toward your Word. Give us an ongoing desire to open up your written word and listen to you speak. Spirit of the Living God, speak words of life to us and through us for your glory and our good.
