Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Fireproofing Your Speech | September 20, 2025
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- From the pulpit of the first baptist church
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- Of dallas, texas,
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- This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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- Hi, i am robert jeffress
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- And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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- We've all been there before.
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- We've said something we immediately regretted,
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- Something that slipped out before we could catch it.
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- Once those words left our mouths,
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- We wished we could take them back,
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- But it was too late.
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- The damage was already done.
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- Well, the bible has a lot to say
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- About the importance of controlling our speech.
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- Today i'm going to share with you
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- Some practical principles for keeping destructive words
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- From destroying your relationships.
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- My message is titled fireproofing your speech
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- On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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- ♪ music ♪
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- ♪ i've been changed ♪
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- ♪ healed ♪
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- ♪ freed ♪
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- ♪ delivered ♪
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- ♪ i've been changed ♪
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- ♪ healed ♪
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- ♪ freed ♪
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- ♪ i'm freed ♪
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- ♪ delivered ♪
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- ♪ i've found joy ♪
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- ♪ peace ♪
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- ♪ grace ♪
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- ♪ and favor ♪
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- ♪ and right now ♪
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- ♪ right now is the moment ♪
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- ♪ today is the day ♪
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- ♪ i've been changed ♪
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- ♪ i have waited for this moment to come ♪
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- ♪ and i won't let it pass me by ♪
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- ♪ so we say ♪
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- ♪ i won't go back ♪
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- ♪ i can't go back ♪
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- ♪ to the way it used to be ♪
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- ♪ before your presence came and changed me ♪
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- ♪ thank you, lord ♪
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- ♪ i won't go back ♪
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- ♪ i can't go back ♪
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- ♪ to the way it used to be ♪
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- ♪ before your presence came and changed me ♪
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- ♪ changed me ♪
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- ♪ oh, thank you, lord ♪
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- ♪ i won't go back ♪
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- ♪ i can't go back ♪
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- ♪ to the way it used to be ♪
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- ♪ before your presence came and changed me ♪
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- ♪ thank you, lord ♪
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- ♪ changed me ♪
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- ♪ you changed me ♪
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- (congregation applauding)
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- Where there's genuine faith,
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- There will always be visible fruit.
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- In his brand new book,
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- "how to know if you're really saved,"
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- Dr. robert jeffress helps you take stock
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- Of the evidence of your faith,
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- The spiritual fruit in your daily life.
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- This outstanding verse-by-verse walk
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- Through the book of james
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- Will help you cultivate the spiritual fruit
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- That reflects genuine faith.
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- Request "how to know if you're really saved"
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- When you give a generous gift
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- To support the ministry of "pathway to victory."
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- ♪ music ♪
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- ♪ music ♪
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- Speech therapists have a way
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- Of helping people who have lisps
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- And they have them engage in an exercise very simple.
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- They tell them to take their tongues
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- And see how long they can keep their tongues
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- From touching the roof of their mouths or their teeth.
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- Now you may think that's simple.
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- Try doing it.
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- Try swallowing without touching the roof
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- Of your mouth or your teeth.
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- It's not an easy exercise.
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- But the truth is,
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- The difficulty in controlling our tongue's movement
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- Goes far beyond a mere speech exercise
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- And extends to every word we speak.
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- It was the greek sage publilius who said,
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- "i've often regretted my speech,
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- But never my silence."
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- I am right now reading a brand new book out.
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- It's a biography of the late talk show host johnny carson.
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- Now for those of you under 60,
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- You may have no idea who johnny carson is,
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- But just trust me.
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- Before jimmy fallon,
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- Before jay leno or david letterman,
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- The king of late night talk was johnny carson.
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- He was one time asked
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- If he had any regrets in his life at all.
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- This is what he said after thinking for a few moments.
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- He said, "i suppose one regret i have
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- Is some of the things i said on the air.
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- I hadn't planned to say them.
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- They just slipped out.
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- I would give anything
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- If i could retrieve some of those words."
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- Sounds like james, the half brother of jesus,
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- Who wrote something similar.
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- He said in james 3, "no one can tame the tongue
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- For it is full of deadly poison."
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- And yet in this very same letter of james,
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- James tells us we have a responsibility
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- To control our speech.
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- In fact, in chapter 1 verse 26, he says,
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- "if anyone thinks himself to be religious
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- And yet does not bridle his tongue,
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- He deceives his own heart;
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- This man's religion is worthless."
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- Controlling our speech is not optional, it's essential,
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- It is a proof of whether we're really saved or not.
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- And that's the thing with the book of james,
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- How to know if you're really saved?
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- If you have genuine faith,
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- There's going to be genuine fruit in your life
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- And part of that fruit is the ability to control our speech.
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- If you have your bibles,
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- Turn to james chapter 3
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- As we look at some helpful tips
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- For fireproofing our speech.
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- As you're turning to james 3, i might mention
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- This is the longest section anywhere in the bible
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- On the topic of controlling our speech.
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- And james begins the discussion in chapter 3 verse 1
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- By a seemingly totally unrelated topic.
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- Now, sometimes i'll chase a rabbit trail.
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- It sounds like james is doing this here,
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- But he's not as you'll see in a moment.
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- Look at the warning he gives in verse 1.
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- "let not many of you become teachers, my brethren,
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- Knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment."
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- The moffatt translation says,
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- "do not swell the ranks of teacher."
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- Another translation says,
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- "stop clamoring for the office of teacher."
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- Jesus warned matthew 12:37,
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- "be careful about being anxious to speak
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- Because for your words, you will be justified,
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- And by your words you will be condemned."
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- Why are teachers subject to a stricter judgment?
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- I've given you three reasons on your outlines.
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- First of all, teachers are responsible
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- For speaking the truth.
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- When somebody stands in the pulpit
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- Or stands up before a group at a bible study,
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- Their job is not to share their opinions
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- Or the opinions of others.
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- Their job is to say, "thus sayeth the lord."
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- We are to make sure we're speaking accurately
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- The word of god from the bible.
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- And if we don't, we shall incur judgment.
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- Secondly, teachers are responsible for the lives of others.
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- Now, i can't make you apply god's word.
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- God's not going to hold me accountable
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- For whether you apply the word or not.
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- But i am responsible to make sure my interpretation
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- Is correct of the scripture,
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- So not to lead you astray.
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- And then thirdly, teachers are responsible
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- For living the truth.
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- We are going to be judged by what we say,
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- What we're telling other people to do are we doing.
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- When there's any daylight
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- Between what a teacher of god's word says
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- And how he lives, it's called hypocrisy,
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- And people are quick to smell
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- And ferret out hypocrisy.
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- In romans 2, paul said, beginning with verse 1,
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- "therefore, you have no excuse,
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- Every one of you who passes judgment,
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- For in that which you judge another,
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- You condemn yourself;
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- For you who judge, practice the same things.
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- And we know that the judgment of god
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- Rightly falls upon those who practice such things."
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- Remember jesus' words about judging?
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- He said, "be careful how you judge other people
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- Because by the same standard you judge others,
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- You will be judged."
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- You have to be mature to be able
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- To keep from stumbling in your speech.
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- We're all going to do it,
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- But that's not an excuse.
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- We are responsible for controlling our tongue.
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- Now, james begins in verse 3
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- By talking about the difficulty of controlling our tongue,
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- The power of the tongue.
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- And notice james says,
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- The tongue's power can be seen in two ways.
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- First of all, in relationship to its size,
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- And he gives two illustrations.
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- Look at verse 3.
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- "now, if we put the bits into the horse's mouths
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- So that they will only obey us,
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- We direct the entire body as well."
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- The tongue is powerful, especially in relationship
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- To its size, but secondly in relationship to its effects.
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- Look at verse 5.
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- "so also the tongue is a small part of the body
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- And yet it boast of great things.
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- See how great a forest is set aflame
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- By such a small fire."
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- Our words have eternal consequences.
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- In matthew 12 verses 36 to 37, listen to this:
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- Jesus said, "i tell you
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- That every careless word that people speak,
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- They shall give an accounting for in the day of judgment.
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- For by your words, you shall be justified,
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- And by your words you will be condemned."
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- Isn't that an amazing comment by jesus?
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- We are going to be judged one day by every word we speak.
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- How is such a thing even possible?
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- The tongue reveals what is really in our heart
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- And that's the point of verses 8 through 11,
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- But nobody contained the tongue.
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- It's a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
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- With it, we bless our lord and father;
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- And with it we curse men who have been made
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- In the likeness of god from the same mouth
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- Come blessing and cursing.
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- "my brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
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- Does a fountain send out from the same opening
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- Both fresh and bitter water?"
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- You will never change a person's speech.
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- We can never change our speech until we change our heart.
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- Our tongue reveals what is really in our heart.
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- You know, this is a message that cries for application.
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- How do we go about fireproofing our speech?
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- How do we make sure our speech
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- Doesn't cause a destructive fire
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- That destroys everyone and everything around it?
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- Let me suggest four principles
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- For fireproofing your speech,
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- Four commitments you and i need to make.
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- First of all, to realize i am responsible
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- For the words that i speak, i'm responsible.
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- Yes, it's difficult to control our speech,
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- But we are nevertheless responsible.
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- Remember, matthew 12:36 to 37,
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- "i tell you every careless word that people speak,
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- They shall give an accounting for in the day of judgment;
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- For by your words you will be justified
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- And by your words you will be condemned."
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- Second principle: my speech is a daily reminder
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- Of the need to purify my heart.
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- Our tongue, our speech, our stumbles in our speech
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- Should be a reminder that we need
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- To daily meditate on god's word.
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- And james 4:8, we'll look at next time,
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- James says, "draw near to god and he will draw near to you.
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- Cleanse your hands, you sinners,
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- And purify your hearts, you double-minded."
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- If the problems of our speech come from our heart,
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- Then it only stands to reason
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- The solution to our speech lies in the heart as well.
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- We need a daily cleansing of our heart
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- That comes from god's word.
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- Number three: i will refuse to criticize another person
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- Until i've confronted him privately.
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- That's a way to fireproof your speech.
- 00:14:01.263 --> 00:14:03.699
- I am not going to criticize anyone
- 00:14:03.699 --> 00:14:06.168
- That i've not confronted privately.
- 00:14:06.168 --> 00:14:09.638
- And james 4:11 to 12.
- 00:14:09.638 --> 00:14:11.507
- "do not speak against one another, brethren,
- 00:14:11.507 --> 00:14:14.343
- For he who speaks against a brother
- 00:14:14.343 --> 00:14:16.345
- Or judges his brother,
- 00:14:16.345 --> 00:14:17.913
- Speaks against the law and judges the law.
- 00:14:17.913 --> 00:14:21.183
- But if you judge the law,
- 00:14:21.183 --> 00:14:22.551
- You are a doer of the law, but a judge of it.
- 00:14:22.551 --> 00:14:26.689
- There is only one law giver and judge,
- 00:14:26.689 --> 00:14:28.590
- The one who is able to save and to destroy.
- 00:14:28.590 --> 00:14:31.827
- But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
- 00:14:31.827 --> 00:14:34.863
- But pastor, you don't understand.
- 00:14:34.863 --> 00:14:36.498
- I'm not judging, i'm trying to help that other person
- 00:14:36.498 --> 00:14:40.903
- By publicly denouncing them.
- 00:14:41.503 --> 00:14:44.039
- James said, "oh, you're trying to help somebody?
- 00:14:44.974 --> 00:14:47.710
- You're trying to help them around
- 00:14:47.710 --> 00:14:49.678
- And get on the right path? congratulations."
- 00:14:49.678 --> 00:14:53.115
- In james 5 verses 19 to 20,
- 00:14:53.115 --> 00:14:55.351
- James says, "my brethren, if any among you,
- 00:14:55.351 --> 00:14:58.153
- Strays from the truth and one turns him back,
- 00:14:58.153 --> 00:15:01.390
- Let him know that he who turns a sinner
- 00:15:01.390 --> 00:15:04.593
- From the error of his way will save his soul from death
- 00:15:04.593 --> 00:15:08.697
- And will cover a multitude of sins."
- 00:15:08.697 --> 00:15:11.000
- It's a wonderful thing to try to turn somebody around
- 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:14.970
- Who's on the path of sin.
- 00:15:14.970 --> 00:15:17.373
- But if that's your real motivation,
- 00:15:17.373 --> 00:15:19.808
- Then you'll deal with that person as privately as possible,
- 00:15:19.808 --> 00:15:24.279
- Not as publicly as possible.
- 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:26.815
- In fact, in matthew 18,
- 00:15:26.815 --> 00:15:28.917
- Jesus gives us the directions for how to do that.
- 00:15:28.917 --> 00:15:32.554
- In verse 15, "if your brother sins,
- 00:15:32.554 --> 00:15:34.990
- Go and show him his fault in private.
- 00:15:34.990 --> 00:15:39.161
- If he doesn't respond,
- 00:15:39.661 --> 00:15:41.030
- Take two or three with you," jesus says.
- 00:15:41.030 --> 00:15:43.332
- "if they don't respond still,
- 00:15:43.332 --> 00:15:45.367
- Go and take the leaders of the church with you."
- 00:15:45.367 --> 00:15:48.203
- But the idea is keep the circle of knowledge about his sin
- 00:15:48.203 --> 00:15:52.541
- As small as possible.
- 00:15:52.541 --> 00:15:55.144
- Now there's one exception to that.
- 00:15:55.878 --> 00:15:58.480
- There may be more,
- 00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:59.648
- But there's one exception, very clear,
- 00:15:59.648 --> 00:16:02.117
- And that is when a crime is taking place,
- 00:16:02.117 --> 00:16:05.487
- When there's the sexual abuse of a child.
- 00:16:05.487 --> 00:16:08.891
- Here in our church, we don't keep that private.
- 00:16:08.891 --> 00:16:11.827
- Our staff knows that if there's suspected abuse going on,
- 00:16:11.827 --> 00:16:15.798
- They are immediately to contact law enforcement
- 00:16:15.798 --> 00:16:19.635
- And to report that.
- 00:16:19.635 --> 00:16:21.336
- There's zero tolerance here at our church
- 00:16:21.336 --> 00:16:24.039
- For the abuse in any way of children.
- 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:26.975
- But having said that,
- 00:16:26.975 --> 00:16:28.610
- Other sins that a person is involved in,
- 00:16:28.610 --> 00:16:31.547
- If you're really trying to restore them,
- 00:16:31.547 --> 00:16:33.615
- You deal with it privately.
- 00:16:33.615 --> 00:16:35.751
- Proverbs 6:19 says, "of the seven things god hates most,
- 00:16:35.751 --> 00:16:39.955
- One of those seven is those who spread strife
- 00:16:39.955 --> 00:16:43.892
- Among the brethren."
- 00:16:43.892 --> 00:16:45.694
- And that strife is often kindled
- 00:16:45.694 --> 00:16:47.863
- And ignited by criticism.
- 00:16:47.863 --> 00:16:51.567
- Number four, how do you fireproof your speech?
- 00:16:51.567 --> 00:16:55.337
- Make this commitment.
- 00:16:55.337 --> 00:16:56.472
- I will ask forgiveness
- 00:16:56.472 --> 00:16:58.507
- From those i've offended with my speech.
- 00:16:58.507 --> 00:17:01.310
- Some of the hardest things i've ever had to do
- 00:17:01.310 --> 00:17:03.979
- Is go and apologize to somebody
- 00:17:03.979 --> 00:17:07.249
- For something i said about them.
- 00:17:07.249 --> 00:17:10.219
- Every time, it was so painful to do that.
- 00:17:10.219 --> 00:17:12.754
- I swore i would never make that mistake again.
- 00:17:12.754 --> 00:17:16.525
- But that commitment's important
- 00:17:16.525 --> 00:17:18.393
- If we're going to keep the unity of spirit
- 00:17:18.393 --> 00:17:20.796
- And the bond of peace.
- 00:17:20.796 --> 00:17:22.097
- In matthew 5, verses 23 to 24, jesus said,
- 00:17:22.097 --> 00:17:25.901
- "if you are presenting your offering at the altar
- 00:17:25.901 --> 00:17:29.171
- And you remember that your brother
- 00:17:29.171 --> 00:17:30.873
- Has something against you,
- 00:17:30.873 --> 00:17:32.941
- Leave your offering there before the altar and go,
- 00:17:32.941 --> 00:17:36.812
- And first be reconciled to your brother,
- 00:17:36.812 --> 00:17:39.381
- And then come and present your offering."
- 00:17:39.381 --> 00:17:41.783
- You know what that verse is saying?
- 00:17:41.783 --> 00:17:43.852
- God is more interested in the unity of his body
- 00:17:43.852 --> 00:17:46.588
- Than he is in sacrifices.
- 00:17:46.588 --> 00:17:49.725
- Sacrifices are great,
- 00:17:49.725 --> 00:17:51.727
- But if you realize you have disunity with another believer
- 00:17:51.727 --> 00:17:54.630
- Because of something you've done,
- 00:17:54.630 --> 00:17:56.899
- You're to go and make things right,
- 00:17:56.899 --> 00:17:58.800
- And that includes offending somebody by your speech.
- 00:17:58.800 --> 00:18:03.272
- I found it's a lot easier to fireproof something
- 00:18:03.272 --> 00:18:06.008
- Before the fire begins than wait
- 00:18:06.008 --> 00:18:08.277
- Until you're in the middle of a damaging all out blaze.
- 00:18:08.277 --> 00:18:13.615
- And that's true about our speech as well.
- 00:18:14.516 --> 00:18:16.785
- You know, i will never forget
- 00:18:17.419 --> 00:18:21.390
- The night of july 19, 2024.
- 00:18:21.390 --> 00:18:26.428
- A few of us were standing on patterson street
- 00:18:27.396 --> 00:18:30.699
- While millions of people were tuned in
- 00:18:30.699 --> 00:18:32.568
- On television or the internet
- 00:18:32.568 --> 00:18:34.670
- Watching that massive fire
- 00:18:34.670 --> 00:18:36.505
- That destroyed our historic sanctuary.
- 00:18:36.505 --> 00:18:39.775
- It was an unbelievable scene.
- 00:18:39.775 --> 00:18:41.777
- Four alarm fire, 130 firefighters trying to put it out.
- 00:18:41.777 --> 00:18:47.049
- They did a great job,
- 00:18:47.549 --> 00:18:48.817
- But they weren't able to save the old sanctuary.
- 00:18:48.817 --> 00:18:51.086
- It destroyed everything.
- 00:18:51.086 --> 00:18:52.688
- Did well over 100 million dollars worth of damage.
- 00:18:52.688 --> 00:18:57.092
- People ask me everywhere i go,
- 00:18:57.092 --> 00:18:59.194
- Did they ever determine what caused the fire?
- 00:18:59.194 --> 00:19:02.397
- And the official report is it's undetermined.
- 00:19:02.397 --> 00:19:05.400
- They don't know what caused it.
- 00:19:05.400 --> 00:19:07.102
- But here's what we know for sure.
- 00:19:07.102 --> 00:19:09.705
- Somewhere that night,
- 00:19:10.205 --> 00:19:12.174
- There was a single spark that ignited a flame
- 00:19:13.075 --> 00:19:17.412
- That produced a devastating fire and destroyed everything.
- 00:19:17.412 --> 00:19:22.618
- Now the good news is we're recovering from that.
- 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:26.321
- We are going to recover from that.
- 00:19:26.321 --> 00:19:27.856
- We're going to rebuild that historic sanctuary.
- 00:19:27.856 --> 00:19:31.126
- That's going to happen.
- 00:19:31.126 --> 00:19:33.061
- But there's another kind of fire
- 00:19:33.061 --> 00:19:35.831
- That can happen in a church
- 00:19:35.831 --> 00:19:38.700
- That the church will never recover from.
- 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:41.803
- And we can all point to churches like it around the country,
- 00:19:41.803 --> 00:19:45.641
- A church that is destroyed of one spark,
- 00:19:46.475 --> 00:19:50.212
- One act of immorality on the part of a leader,
- 00:19:50.212 --> 00:19:53.949
- One spark, one act of financial dishonesty,
- 00:19:53.949 --> 00:19:58.120
- Or one spark of gossip or slander
- 00:19:58.120 --> 00:20:02.858
- That becomes a raging fire and destroys the witness,
- 00:20:02.858 --> 00:20:06.762
- The unity of the church.
- 00:20:06.762 --> 00:20:09.531
- Church never recovers from that.
- 00:20:09.531 --> 00:20:12.234
- So realizing that possibility
- 00:20:12.234 --> 00:20:15.637
- And loving this church just like you love this church,
- 00:20:15.637 --> 00:20:20.309
- I'm going to do something to close the service today.
- 00:20:20.309 --> 00:20:23.979
- I'm going to deputize each one of you
- 00:20:23.979 --> 00:20:27.249
- To be assistant firefighters in the church.
- 00:20:27.249 --> 00:20:31.219
- You're willing to take on the responsibility?
- 00:20:32.154 --> 00:20:34.790
- It's real simple.
- 00:20:34.790 --> 00:20:36.358
- All you need to do is as you move in and out of the church
- 00:20:36.358 --> 00:20:39.328
- And around different groups and individuals in the church.
- 00:20:39.328 --> 00:20:43.265
- Be on guard for any spark of slander, gossip, criticism.
- 00:20:43.265 --> 00:20:49.805
- Quench it, put it out as soon as you can.
- 00:20:50.706 --> 00:20:53.909
- How do you do that?
- 00:20:53.909 --> 00:20:55.410
- How do you quench slander and gossip and criticism?
- 00:20:55.410 --> 00:21:00.048
- Here's some questions.
- 00:21:00.549 --> 00:21:01.650
- These are real quenchers, if you will.
- 00:21:01.650 --> 00:21:04.920
- Number one, ask the person or say,
- 00:21:04.920 --> 00:21:07.622
- "you know, i have a hard time believing that's true.
- 00:21:07.622 --> 00:21:12.427
- Are you sure?
- 00:21:12.794 --> 00:21:14.296
- Do you have facts, evidence about what you're saying?"
- 00:21:14.296 --> 00:21:17.733
- Or ask the question,
- 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:19.568
- "have you gone to that individual yourself
- 00:21:19.568 --> 00:21:22.738
- And talked with them privately about your concern?"
- 00:21:22.738 --> 00:21:26.341
- Or the real good one, number three,
- 00:21:27.075 --> 00:21:29.544
- -"may i quote you on that?" -(congregation laughing)
- 00:21:29.544 --> 00:21:35.117
- If we refuse to listen to the gossip of others,
- 00:21:36.051 --> 00:21:39.054
- They would die for lack of an audience.
- 00:21:39.054 --> 00:21:42.924
- We have a responsibility
- 00:21:42.924 --> 00:21:45.293
- To make sure we're not causing the sparks,
- 00:21:45.293 --> 00:21:48.130
- But to extinguish those sparks wherever we see them.
- 00:21:48.130 --> 00:21:51.233
- You know, i can't believe i've almost been here 18 years.
- 00:21:51.233 --> 00:21:55.704
- And in those 18 years,
- 00:21:55.704 --> 00:21:57.005
- I've never been more excited
- 00:21:57.005 --> 00:21:58.707
- About the future of our church than i am right now.
- 00:21:58.707 --> 00:22:01.877
- But as your pastor, your friend, i need to warn you
- 00:22:02.878 --> 00:22:06.882
- About what could devastate our congregation.
- 00:22:06.882 --> 00:22:09.951
- And at the top of the list is unguarded speech.
- 00:22:09.951 --> 00:22:14.189
- Let's be diligent to preserve the unity of spirit
- 00:22:14.189 --> 00:22:17.626
- And the bond of peace by fireproofing our speech.
- 00:22:17.626 --> 00:22:22.597
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:22:22.597 --> 00:22:26.735
- Our words have the power to build up or tear down,
- 00:22:27.769 --> 00:22:31.606
- To heal or to hurt.
- 00:22:31.606 --> 00:22:33.642
- And i hope today's message has equipped you
- 00:22:33.642 --> 00:22:35.811
- With the tools you need to fireproof your speech
- 00:22:35.811 --> 00:22:38.880
- Before destructive words cause irreparable damage.
- 00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:43.452
- Well, at "pathway to victory," we're committed
- 00:22:43.452 --> 00:22:45.587
- To bringing you practical, biblical teaching
- 00:22:45.587 --> 00:22:48.490
- That makes a real difference in your everyday life.
- 00:22:48.490 --> 00:22:51.493
- And because of friends like you
- 00:22:51.493 --> 00:22:53.028
- Who share our passion for god's truth,
- 00:22:53.028 --> 00:22:55.764
- We're able to reach millions of people every week
- 00:22:55.764 --> 00:22:58.333
- With the hope and healing found in the bible.
- 00:22:58.333 --> 00:23:01.403
- Your partnership allows us to broadcast
- 00:23:01.403 --> 00:23:04.306
- On television, radio, and digital platforms
- 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:07.476
- All across america and around the world.
- 00:23:07.476 --> 00:23:10.479
- And i'm continually amazed by the impact we're seeing
- 00:23:10.479 --> 00:23:14.382
- As men and women discover the life-changing power
- 00:23:14.382 --> 00:23:17.686
- Of the word of god.
- 00:23:17.686 --> 00:23:19.087
- So thank you to our pathway partners
- 00:23:19.087 --> 00:23:21.389
- And everyone who gives faithfully
- 00:23:21.389 --> 00:23:23.692
- To support this bible-teaching ministry.
- 00:23:23.692 --> 00:23:26.628
- Together we are piercing the darkness
- 00:23:26.628 --> 00:23:29.431
- With the light of god's word.
- 00:23:29.431 --> 00:23:30.966
- And please stay right there.
- 00:23:30.966 --> 00:23:32.601
- I'll be back with more in just a moment.
- 00:23:32.601 --> 00:23:36.705
- Every believer wants to see clear evidence
- 00:23:37.606 --> 00:23:40.075
- Of their spiritual growth
- 00:23:40.075 --> 00:23:41.610
- And discover the fruit that god is producing in their lives.
- 00:23:41.610 --> 00:23:45.380
- Dr. robert jeffress shows you exactly how to recognize
- 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:48.416
- That fruit in his brand new book,
- 00:23:48.416 --> 00:23:50.619
- "how to know if you're really saved."
- 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:53.088
- The book of james teaches us that the christian life
- 00:23:53.088 --> 00:23:56.024
- Is about more than just knowing god's word.
- 00:23:56.024 --> 00:23:59.127
- It's about living it out.
- 00:23:59.127 --> 00:24:00.795
- In my new book, "how to know if you're really saved,"
- 00:24:00.795 --> 00:24:03.498
- I'll walk you through what it truly means
- 00:24:03.498 --> 00:24:05.467
- To be a doer of the word,
- 00:24:05.467 --> 00:24:07.602
- Showing you how to respond to trials,
- 00:24:07.602 --> 00:24:10.071
- Control your speech, endure hardships, resist temptation,
- 00:24:10.071 --> 00:24:14.009
- And so much more.
- 00:24:14.009 --> 00:24:15.877
- This outstanding 232-page book will help you
- 00:24:16.811 --> 00:24:19.481
- Examine the evidence of your faith
- 00:24:19.481 --> 00:24:21.650
- And see the spiritual fruit
- 00:24:21.650 --> 00:24:23.251
- That should be growing in your daily life.
- 00:24:23.251 --> 00:24:25.887
- Request your copy of "how to know if you're really saved"
- 00:24:25.887 --> 00:24:29.057
- When you give a generous gift
- 00:24:29.057 --> 00:24:30.525
- To support the ministry of "pathway to victory."
- 00:24:30.525 --> 00:24:33.261
- With your ministry gift of $75 or more,
- 00:24:33.261 --> 00:24:36.331
- We'll send you not just the book,
- 00:24:36.331 --> 00:24:38.133
- But also the personal and group study guide
- 00:24:38.133 --> 00:24:40.669
- And the complete message series on dvd video
- 00:24:40.669 --> 00:24:43.505
- And mp3 format audio disc set.
- 00:24:43.505 --> 00:24:46.274
- If you are truly saved,
- 00:24:46.274 --> 00:24:48.810
- There's going to be evidence of it.
- 00:24:48.810 --> 00:24:50.545
- There's some tests that you need to apply to your life.
- 00:24:50.545 --> 00:24:54.583
- Thank you for your generous support
- 00:24:54.583 --> 00:24:56.351
- Of "pathway to victory."
- 00:24:56.351 --> 00:24:57.819
- Your partnership helps us
- 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:59.421
- Bring bold, biblical, and practical teaching
- 00:24:59.421 --> 00:25:01.890
- Into homes across the nation and around the world.
- 00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:06.494
- What we say matters more than we realize.
- 00:25:07.395 --> 00:25:10.899
- And the key to controlling our speech
- 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:13.034
- Isn't found in external techniques,
- 00:25:13.034 --> 00:25:15.070
- But in the condition of our heart.
- 00:25:15.070 --> 00:25:18.573
- When we purify our hearts through god's word,
- 00:25:18.573 --> 00:25:21.443
- Our speech naturally follows.
- 00:25:21.443 --> 00:25:24.746
- Well, controlling our tongue is just one aspect
- 00:25:24.746 --> 00:25:27.782
- Of living a godly life.
- 00:25:27.782 --> 00:25:29.651
- So what does it really mean to be godly?
- 00:25:29.651 --> 00:25:32.520
- And how can we tell if we're growing in godliness?
- 00:25:32.520 --> 00:25:36.358
- Next time, i'm going to share a simple checklist
- 00:25:36.358 --> 00:25:39.060
- That will help you evaluate your spiritual growth.
- 00:25:39.060 --> 00:25:42.931
- Stay tuned for a preview
- 00:25:42.931 --> 00:25:44.199
- Of what's coming up next in our series,
- 00:25:44.199 --> 00:25:46.501
- "how to know if you're really saved."
- 00:25:46.501 --> 00:25:49.537
- So james kind of baits them a little bit,
- 00:25:50.405 --> 00:25:52.474
- "do you want to be a person
- 00:25:52.474 --> 00:25:54.776
- Of great wisdom and understanding?"
- 00:25:54.776 --> 00:25:57.379
- And once he gets them hooked, he says,
- 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:59.714
- "then here's how to do it.
- 00:25:59.714 --> 00:26:01.549
- Let him show by his good behavior, his deeds,
- 00:26:01.549 --> 00:26:06.788
- And the gentleness of wisdom.
- 00:26:07.422 --> 00:26:09.124
- If you're really wise,
- 00:26:09.124 --> 00:26:10.725
- It will show itself in your behavior."
- 00:26:10.725 --> 00:26:13.395
- Set your dvr and join us next time
- 00:26:13.395 --> 00:26:15.563
- For the message checklist for godliness
- 00:26:15.563 --> 00:26:18.266
- Here on pathway to victory.
- 00:26:18.266 --> 00:26:20.568
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:26:20.568 --> 00:26:22.904
- Experience the beauty of alaska
- 00:26:22.904 --> 00:26:25.340
- With the "pathway to victory" family.
- 00:26:25.340 --> 00:26:27.308
- June 13 through 20, 2026.
- 00:26:27.308 --> 00:26:30.378
- Sail through the calm waters of the legendary inside passage
- 00:26:30.378 --> 00:26:33.782
- With dr. robert jeffers
- 00:26:33.782 --> 00:26:35.183
- Aboard holland america's magnificent koningsdam.
- 00:26:35.183 --> 00:26:38.520
- Be inspired by award-winning musician
- 00:26:38.520 --> 00:26:40.588
- Michael o'brien's powerful worship.
- 00:26:40.588 --> 00:26:42.791
- Share laughter with dennis swanberg,
- 00:26:42.791 --> 00:26:44.793
- America's minister of encouragement,
- 00:26:44.793 --> 00:26:47.095
- All while exploring frontier towns
- 00:26:47.095 --> 00:26:49.364
- Like juno, skagway, and ketchikan.
- 00:26:49.364 --> 00:26:52.033
- There's something powerful
- 00:26:52.033 --> 00:26:53.501
- About connecting with god and fellow believers
- 00:26:53.501 --> 00:26:56.337
- In the majesty of his untamed wilderness.
- 00:26:56.337 --> 00:26:59.407
- From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles,
- 00:26:59.407 --> 00:27:01.976
- These moments in god's creation will deepen your faith
- 00:27:01.976 --> 00:27:05.914
- In powerful ways.
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- Join us for a spiritual journey
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