Reverb Church
Discussion Guide

Builders or Burners

Pastor Gabe
|
August 24, 2025

Main Idea

The main idea of the message was that our words hold immense power, capable of creating either builders or burners in our community. Pastor Gabe explained that the tongue, though small, can ignite fires that destroy trust and relationships, paralleling Proverbs 18:21. We were reminded that our words should be instruments of encouragement and healing rather than tools of destruction. The sermon called us to examine our speech closely, recognizing the impact of harsh words versus uplifting ones. By focusing on building others up, we can foster a more positive environment that reflects God's love and unity. Pastor Gabe encouraged us to intentionally use our words to bless others, highlighting that the Holy Spirit can help us tame our tongues.

Scripture References

James 3:1-12, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 10:18, Proverbs 26:22, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 12:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, Proverbs 25:11, Philippians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 14:3

What emotions often lead to the use of harsh or destructive words?

Our words are either a source of blessing or destruction, and we need to choose wisely.

How can humor sometimes negatively impact our relationships?

Discussion Questions:

Is it possible to change our speech patterns without addressing underlying heart issues?

In what ways can we serve others through our conversations?

Do you have a strategy to promote positive speech in your daily interactions?

Focusing on building others up will naturally reduce our tendency to tear them down.

Summary

In the sermon, Pastor Gabe highlighted the power of our words and how they can either build or break relationships within the church. He emphasized that our speech carries weight, as illustrated in James 3:1-12, where the tongue is compared to a small fire that can ignite great destruction. We learned that careless words can lead to disunity, while intentional encouragement can foster unity and trust among us. Pastor Gabe urged us to reflect on our speech habits, reminding us that even subtle forms of communication like gossip and sarcasm can erode relationships. He concluded by encouraging us to be builders, using our words to uplift and inspire others, aligning with God’s intention for our speech.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

We should commit to using our words to build others up intentionally.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit daily to help us speak words of encouragement and healing.

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