Santosh Poonen - A Disciple's Tongue is Controlled by the Holy Spirit | Austin CFC | WoF 2023 S2
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that controlling one's tongue is a critical measure of true Christianity, quoting James 1:26 to warn that failure in this area renders religious claims worthless. He argues that Christians must be disciplined in their speech, especially when provoked, and points to Isaiah 50:4 regarding the gift of the tongue for discipleship. Ultimately, he encourages believers to desire prophecy—which is defined as edifying, exhorting, and consoling—as a way to sustain weary people in their homes and communities.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does James 1 say about the tongue?Anyone who claims to be a Christian but does not control their tongue is fooling themselves, and their religion is worth zero.
Why does God want to control our tongues?As disciples whose ears are awakened by God every morning, we receive the tongue of a disciple so we can sustain the weary people right around us in our homes.Isaiah 50:4
What is true biblical prophecy?True prophecy is not about worldly ideas, but about building up, exhorting, and comforting weary brothers and sisters.
Why did God choose the tongue to symbolize the Holy Spirit?When the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost, He appeared as tongues of fire, showing how crucial the tongue is.
How does James describe the destructive power of the tongue?The tongue is a restless evil full of deadly poison, set on fire by hell, and no human being can tame it.James 3:5–8
What did Jesus say about what defiles a person?Jesus rebuked hypocrites who honor God with their lips while their hearts are far away, explaining that what proceeds out of the mouth is what defiles a person.Matthew 15:7–11
What is the standard of God's pure words?While people claim their lips are their own to speak as they please, God's standard is pure words, likened to silver refined seven times in a furnace.Psalm 12:1–6
How do our words reveal our spiritual state?Jesus teaches that the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart, and by our words we will either be justified or condemned.Matthew 12:33–37
How serious is the sin of lying?Telling lies gives the devil a human tongue to use for his wicked purposes, as Jesus identified the devil as the father of lies.John 8:44
What is the danger of slander and gossip?Slander speaks evil of others, and gossip spreads unnecessary information like unretractable toothpaste from a tube, causing widespread damage.
Why is grumbling considered idolatry?Grumbling and complaining like the Israelites in the wilderness acts as though we are on the throne and God is here to serve our comfort.1 Corinthians 10:10–11
How can Jesus heal our speech?Just as Jesus healed the deaf and stammering man by touching his ears and tongue, He can take us aside, open our ears, and give us spirit-controlled tongues.Mark 7:32–35
