The Little Member - Col. 4:6
The sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongues and speaking with faithfulness and gentleness, as our words have the power to change lives and reveal our true nature.
Bernard Fell preaches on the power of words, emphasizing the destructive force of the tongue and its ability to shape destinies. He highlights the importance of using speech wisely, with grace and truth, to avoid spreading gossip and rumors that can harm others. Fell urges the congregation to let their words be seasoned with salt, reflecting faithfulness, meekness, and magnifying the Savior, so that their speech may be a blessing and sanctified for God's purposes.
Text
Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt.
Colossians 4:6
There's no weapon so destructive
In the armoury of life,
Nor a poison half so potent
As the little tongue of strife.
Ships are guided by small rudder,
Bit and bridle turn a horse,
But this active, boasting member
E'en can change a nation's course!
Man subdued the roaring lion,
And controlled the stubborn ass,
Yet the tongue is still unconquered,
Hasty, overbold, and rash.
Can the same fount, clear as crystal,
Send forth streams both salt and sweet?
Words of blessing, words distressing,
From the same lips often meet!
Idle talk reveals a secret
Love's discretion would conceal;
Hidden thoughts and ruling passions,
Clothed with words, the heart reveal.
Tongues unhealthy, furred with gossip,
Spread with relish rumours wild;
Speaker, hearer, and the victim
Are affected and defiled.
If our words in heav'n recorded
Were replayed to greet our ears,
What would be our swift reaction?
Joy or sorrow, smiles or tears?
O the sweetness of God's pardon
When confession's voice is heard!
Then erased will be the record
Of each vain and useless word.
Let sound speech be ever seasoned
With the salt of faithfulness:
Grace and truth in even balance,
Blended with meek gentleness.
Words that magnify the Saviour,
Words in season, 0 how good!
Then the tongue, a pow'r for Nessing,
Will be sanctified for God.
Sermon Outline
- The Destructive Power of the Tongue
- The Tongue's Unconquered Nature
- The Importance of Seasoned Speech
- The Consequences of Unhealthy Speech
- It can reveal secrets and defile others
- It can lead to gossip and rumors
Key Quotes
“There's no weapon so destructive In the armoury of life, Nor a poison half so potent As the little tongue of strife.” — Bernard Fell
“If our words in heav'n recorded Were replayed to greet our ears, What would be our swift reaction? Joy or sorrow, smiles or tears?” — Bernard Fell
“Let sound speech be ever seasoned With the salt of faithfulness: Grace and truth in even balance, Blended with meek gentleness.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We should strive to speak with faithfulness and gentleness, reflecting God's character.
- Unhealthy speech can reveal secrets, defile others, and lead to gossip and rumors, so we should be mindful of our words.
- Effective communication involves speaking with balance, faithfulness, and gentleness, making our words more effective.