MESSAGE NOTES, 7/27/25

Following Jesus isn’t just about Sunday mornings or spiritual moments—it’s about surrendering your whole life to Him.

This series explores how every area of our ordinary lives—resources, relationships, health, and careers—is meant to be lived fully with and for God’s glory.

 This week, we focus on how to partner with God as we steward our thoughts and tongues. 

CONNECT 

  1. What’s the silliest or most random thing you’ve ever said out loud without thinking—and immediately regretted? 

REFLECTION

  1. Read Psalm 19:14 , Luke 6:45, Romans 8:6. What are these passages calling us to and warning us about?
  2. Review this quote below and the model below.  How do the Scriptures from question one relate to this image? Reflect on the model below, how have you noticed yourself responding or reacting? What thoughts and emotions cause you most likely to react?

“Every circumstance in your life sets off a chain reaction—thoughts are stirred, emotions are triggered, and words begin to form. The real challenge is whether you’ll invite God into that brief moment (3 seconds), allowing His Spirit to shape your response, or default to reacting from the flesh.”  H.R. Brotherly

  1. Read Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5. Is it truly possible to live out these verses? What makes it so difficult to do? In the big picture, why would God be calling us to these ways? How have you seen thoughts ruin or renew yourself and others? How do you manage your negative thoughts? 
  2. Look at James 3:3–12. Which image of the tongue (fire, rudder, spring, etc.) stood out to you the most? Why? How are words “setting a fire” around you or in the greater world? How do you manage your words?
  3. Read Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6. What does it take to speak words in this way?  Who in your life needs encouragement right now—and what could you say to speak life into them this week?
  4.  What’s one thought pattern and or one speaking habit God might be inviting you to surrender to Him or change with Him? And which of these other actions will you act on? 
    • practice going slow and including God 
    • filter your thoughts/words with grace and truth
    • reflect on how you responded or reacted
    • speak blessing over another each day
    • ask someone to hold you accountable 

PRAYER

Pray this passage for yourself and others:

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

 

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