The Creative Power of the Tongue – Part 4

30 December 07

1. Introduction:

· Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”.

· People are spirit beings – the words we speak are containers that carry spirit content.

· The words we speak have power to impact life or death – to change the course of our world.

· Ephesians 4:29  -  “…that which is good for necessary edification that it might impart grace to the hearers”.

· “Impart grace” = supply something needed to build and to strengthen – life of God.

· This week:  “Shaping Your Personal Spiritual Atmosphere”.

2. Atmosphere: What is it?:

a) Definition:

· Root meaning:  atmos = vapour;   spharia = sphere

· Air surrounding the earth held to it by the force of gravity.

· Surrounding or prevailing mood, influence, environment.

· Distinct tangible quality that surrounds a person.

b) Examples – Different kinds of atmosphere:

* Polluted                   * Grief                                    * Negativity               * Pessimism

* Control                    * Confusion              * Excitement             * Enthusiasm 

* Confidence                       * Romantic                * Joy                           * Faith            

* Hope

· The atmosphere cannot be seen with the eye, but can be felt.

· The prevailing atmosphere influences people = they thrive or struggle e.g. David’s men were distressed; in dept; discontented (1 Samuel 22:2).

Under the influence of David’s prevailing spiritual atmosphere they were shaped and became “mighty men of valor”.

·  The ‘atmosphere’ around a person can be shaped and developed.

3. Spiritual Atmosphere:

a) Definition:

· The prevailing spiritual influence that surrounds a person.

· The Spiritual presence surrounding a person held in place by the life in their inner man.

· The distinctive and tangible spiritual presence surrounding a person.

b) What is Spiritual Atmosphere made of?

i) The Human Spirit  -  overflowing from a persons inner-man.

ii) Demonic Spirits  -  intimidating and oppressing person – like flies.

e.g.  1 Samuel 16:14  -  Saul – oppressed      

e.g.  Acts 13:45  -  Jews filled with envy.

iii) The Holy Spirit moving freely within and around a person.

· 1 Corinthians 6:17  -  He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit.

· John 7:38-39  -  Out of you inner most being shall flow rivers – Holy Spirit.

· When your spirit flows freely without restraint there is a release of the life of the indwelling Holy Spirit – Comes from intimacy.

c) Charisma:

· Charisma = spiritually imparted gifting or ability.

                     = spiritual power or authority that gives a person influence.

                     = ‘presence’

· E.g. Political Leaders: Kennedy = Entertainment;   Religious = Luther King.

· Key factors in “personal charisma” = Focus + Sense Responsibility + Vocal Experience.

4.  How to Shape Your Personal Spiritual Atmosphere:

· Shape = to create; cause to conform to a particular pattern.

· Key problem = to overcome is passivity!

· “Passive”          =  not participating readily or actively, inactive.

= submit to something without resistance.

= lacking will or energy, lethargic.

· There is no place for passivity in creating a strong personal spiritual atmosphere where you influence others.

· Matthew 11:12  -  “The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence…” 

“forceful” e.g. Caleb.

· “Violence” = to use or apply force, act energetically.

· Keys:

i) Take Responsibility for your Personal Spiritual Atmosphere - 2 Corinthians 5:20

· Reject the blame game

· Reject old mindsets – ‘That’s me’.

· Break out of passive mindsets.

· You are an ambassador of heavens.

ii) Develop Stronger Physical Expressions of Praise – Psalm 47:1

· Move body     

· Smile                 

· Clap     

· Dance

iii) Develop Stronger Vocal Expressions of Praise – Psalm 100:4;  Matthew 18:18

· Speaking in tongues.

· Thanksgiving – Word of God.

· Declaration of the Word of God.

· Praise – Word of God.

· Time in the Presence of God.

· Ephesians 5:18 – Filled with the Holy Spirit – speaking and singing and thanksgiving and praising.

iv) Manage Your Inner World – Your Soul – Proverbs 23:7

· Deal quickly with negative thoughts / feelings – acknowledge and resolve it.

· E.g. Guilt;  Hurt;  Anger;  Offence;  Fear  -  Keep focus on purpose.

v) Manage your Outer World  -  Psalm 101:3

· Guard what you allow to enter your inner world.

· What you see.

· What you hear.

· Who you fellowship with – resist negativity and unbelief.

vi) Consciously Release the Life of God  -  John 7:38

* Smile.                                * Speak positively, enthusiastically.

* Thank                                * Fill with your presence.

* Encourage                      * Engage people.