September 15 2013 The Art Of Cursing

The Art Of Cursing

“The Tongue has the power of life and death.” – Proverbs 18:21

UNDERSTANDING ‘THE CURSE’ BEHIND CURSE WORDS

Hebrew: herem - Greek: anathema

- The serpent was cursed (Genesis 3:14 – 15)
- Cain is cursed (Genesis 4:11)
- Curses are completely under God’s control (1 Kings 8:31 – 32)
- A curse cannot be placed on an innocent person (1 Samuel 14:24; Proverbs 26:2)
- Unfaithfulness is the source of all curses
- Faithfulness to God removes the curse (Deuteronomy 33:8-10)
- The greatest curse is the curse of sin (Romans 9:3; Galatians 3:10,13; Galatians 21:23)
- The cure for the curse of sin is the cross of Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:10,13)

HOW TO TURN CURSING INTO BLESSING

1. BE AWARE OF THE TRUTH ABOUT CURSING 

James 3:8-10 “[The tongue] is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth...this is not right!”

2. LEARN TO THINK BEFORE I SPEAK

Proverbs 15:23 ““What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!”

Memory Verse: Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

3. ENCOURAGE OTHERS WITH MY WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So speak encouraging words to one another”

Proverbs 18:8 “The words of a gossiper are as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down to the inner parts of the heart.”

4. SURRENDER MY LIFE TO JESUS CHRIST

Galatians 3:10 - 13 “But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse...Consequently, it is clear that no one can ever be right with God by trying to keepthe law. ...But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

February 3 2013 How To Control Your Temper

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TEMPER
Exodus 20:13

Verse 13 - You shall not murder.

The problem with anger.
Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus said, you have heard that it was said long ago do not murder, but I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Truth: It’s just as evil to destroy someone’s self worth as it is to murder them.

I. First let’s look at four common expressions of anger.

1. There is the exploder.
Genesis 4:5 & 8 - Cain became furious and he scowled in anger and while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

2. A mute.
Jeremiah 15:17-18 - I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won’t they heal?

3. A martyr.
Luke 15:28 - The elder brother was so angry he would not go in (to the party). So his father went out and pleaded with him.

4. A manipulator.
Luke 6:11 - But they were furious and began to plot with each other what they might do to Jesus.

II. Six principles for managing your anger.
Proverbs 25:28 - If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.

1. Learn to like yourself.
Matthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself.

2. Learn to admit your anger.
Job 7:11 - I can’t be quiet. I am angry and bitter. I have to speak.

3. Look for reasons behind your anger.
Proverbs 19:11 - A man’s wisdom gives him patience. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

4. Deal with your anger immediately.
Ephesians 4:26-27 - In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Keep your temper under control. It is foolish to harbor a grudge.

5. Stop and think before you speak.
James 1:19 - Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath. But harsh words stir up anger.

6. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.