Message Notes for August 25, 2024

Series: Influencers

Title: Life-Giving Words

Be an influencer by using words and actions to build up others to know and follow Christ.

What is helpful in the building up of others?

Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Corinthians 14: 1-5 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

A prophetic word spoken identifies something God wants a person to know about themselves. It points to a loving God who created them for His glory and moves them to appreciate Him more. That prophetic word may move them to thanksgiving, or it may move them into repentance and the mercy arms of God!

1 Corinthians 14: 6-12

Excel in Building Up:

1 Corinthians 14: 23-25

It is the life-giving words that we speak into the lives of others that bring about transformation and even conversion.

Notes:

1 Corinthians 14: 26-32

Good Order is Godly!

Notes:

1 Corinthians 14: 33-36

Notes:

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of August 25, 2024

Series: Influencers

Title: Life-Giving Words

* Share with your group or family the last time someone spoke life into you with a kind word. What was that like? Share how you have done that for others. Explore with each other how these words of affirmation can strengthen your relationships. What plan can you establish today to grow in this area?

* Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-3. What would it mean to pursue love when it comes to your relationships? The Apostle Paul speaks of earnestly desiring the spiritual gift of prophecy because prophesy builds up and encourages. How does this broaden your understanding of the use of prophecy? How would you describe the difference between a kind word and a prophetic word? Refer to the message on August 25 th for more. How can a prophetic word give glory to God?

* Take a moment to evaluate your words around others. Do you find it more important to express words that define your value or express words that let others know their value? Read 1 Corinthians 14:4-11. Why do you think our society has us lean into “tooting our own horn” when it comes to expressing ourselves? When you hear others do this, what does it sound like to you?

* What does Paul say about the value and non-value of speaking in tongues? What does he say about the value of building up with a prophetic word?

* Read 1 Corinthians 14:12. What would it look like to “excel in building up the Church”? What would it take for you to be really good at building up others in Christ? What would have to change? What steps of growth would you need to put in place?

* Read 1 Corinthians 14: 26-33. What is the value of good order within the Church or any organization? How does it improve the health of the organization? How does it guard against sin and selfishness?

* Read Matthew 23:11. How does Jesus view leadership? How does this passage relate to what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 14?

* Read 1 Corinthians 14: 33-36. Why do you think this passage is so mis-interpreted? Spend some time reviewing the truth about this passage from the August 25th message and dive into greater understanding through exploring commentaries.

* Why is it important for the spiritual leader of the household to be daily in tune with Jesus? Why do so many men delegate spiritual leadership to women today? How can we encourage more men to rise in their faith and walk with Jesus for the sake of their marriages and families?

* Gather with each other and pray for God’s Church and its influence in the world.