My Big Fat Mouth – Unwholesome Talk

July 20, 2025

Description:

Words hold incredible power. They can either tear us down or build us up. They have the ability to hurt or to heal. And sometimes, the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Join us as we discover the power of our words and learn how to speak with purpose and grace. You won’t want to miss it!

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

What’s a silly or weird word you loved saying as a kid?

Have you ever been shocked by something you accidentally said out loud?

What’s your go-to reaction phrase when something surprises or frustrates you?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Ephesians 4:17–29 – A call to throw off the old self and speak what builds up.
Colossians 3:8 – Rid yourselves of filthy language.
Ephesians 5:4 – Let there be no obscenity or foolish talk.
Matthew 12:34 – “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

Discussion Questions

What part of this week’s message stood out to you or convicted you personally?
Read Ephesians 4:29. What does “unwholesome talk” mean to you? How does it show up in everyday life?
How can foul language or sarcasm reflect deeper heart issues rather than just bad habits?
Why do you think it’s so hard to clean up our speech—even as believers?
What language are you clinging to that Christ already cleansed you from? What came to mind when you heard that?
What are practical ways we can “renew our minds” (v.23) so our speech reflects our new life in Christ?
When has someone’s words built you up in a powerful way? How did it impact you?
Is your speech more often critical or constructive? What do you want it to be?
Which environments or influences (music, media, workplace, friends) challenge your efforts to use clean and life-giving speech? How can you guard your heart better in those spaces?

Action Steps

Media Inventory: Take note of what you’re listening to, watching, or reading this week. Does it fill you with truth or rot?

Word Audit: Keep a running list (privately) of times your speech reflects your old nature. Bring it to God in prayer.

Speak Life Challenge: Choose three people this week and intentionally speak encouragement, truth, or blessing to them.

Memory Verse: Memorize Ephesians 4:29 as a filter for your words.

Digital Detox: Take a break from social media or certain music/movies for 48 hours. Replace it with Scripture, worship, or silence—and observe the impact on your speech.

Closing Prayer

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for the gift of language—the ability to speak, sing, comfort, and connect. Forgive us for the times we’ve used our words to harm, insult, or dishonor others. Cleanse our hearts so that our speech reflects the new life You’ve given us in Christ. Renew our minds daily. Help us to recognize when we’re slipping into old patterns and give us strength to speak words that bring healing and hope. May our mouths overflow with grace. May our words build up. And may our speech point others to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

My Big Fat Mouth – Gossip

July 13, 2025

Description:

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

What’s the funniest or most regrettable thing you’ve ever said out loud?

Have you ever had something said about you that stuck with you for years? (If comfortable, share briefly.)

Would you rather have a visible tattoo or a spoken word that sticks with you forever? Why?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Matthew 12:33–37 – Words reflect the heart; we are accountable for them.

Romans 1:29–30 – Gossip listed among grievous sins.

2 Corinthians 12:20 – Paul fears finding gossip among believers.

Galatians 5:14–15 – Love your neighbor; don’t destroy with your words.

Proverbs 18:8 – Gossip tastes good but cuts deep.

Proverbs 20:19 – Avoid those who gossip.

Matthew 18:15–17 – Jesus’ process for confronting sin.

Romans 10:9 – Salvation through confession and belief.

Discussion Questions

What stood out to you most from this week’s sermon? Why?
Why do you think gossip is so tempting, even for followers of Jesus?
Read Matthew 12:33–37. What do our words reveal about the condition of our hearts?
What’s the difference between gossiping and seeking wise counsel?
Walk through the 4 Questions to Kill Gossip:
1. Am I talking about a person?
2. Would it cause pain?
3. Is it my problem to solve?
4. Have I followed Jesus’ process?
5. Which of these is hardest for you to ask before speaking?
Read Matthew 18:15–17. How does Jesus call us to deal with conflict or sin in others?
How does the Gospel empower us to speak life instead of spreading harm?
Who do you need to forgive or confront directly rather than gossip about?
What’s one way you can use your mouth to build others up this week?

Action Steps

Memorize Matthew 12:36–37 – Reflect on your words this week.
Practice “gossip prevention” – If tempted to share, run through the 4 Questions first.
Encourage someone – Speak life to someone who may need to hear truth, affirmation, or forgiveness.
Confess and repent – If you’ve gossiped, take time to repent and, if needed, ask forgiveness from the one harmed.
Be a gossip blocker – If someone begins to gossip around you, lovingly redirect the conversation or shut it down.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the power of words and the reminder today that what we say reflects what is in our hearts. Forgive us for the careless and harmful things we’ve said about others or listened to without stopping. Purify our hearts so that our mouths speak truth, grace, and love. Help us to confront others with humility when needed and to follow the example of Jesus in how we communicate. May our words bring healing, not hurt. Let us be known as people who use our big fat mouths to proclaim the hope, love, and power of Jesus.
In His name we pray, Amen.

My Big Fat Mouth – The Cure for Complaining

July 6, 2025

Description:

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

What’s your biggest “pet peeve” or daily frustration?
Has anyone ever called you out for complaining? How did you respond?
What’s something small you’ve complained about that you now realize wasn’t a big deal?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Luke 6:45–49 – “What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart above all else…”
Exodus 14:1–4, 10–18, 31
Exodus 15:22–25 (Marah)
Exodus 16:8
Numbers 20:2–13 (Meribah)
Philippians 2:14–18
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Discussion Questions

🔍 Understanding the Heart

Based on Luke 6:45, why do you think Jesus connects our words so closely to our hearts?
What does it mean that the heart includes your thoughts, feelings, and choices (from the Hebrew mindset)?
How does complaining reveal the true condition of your heart?

🧠 Recognizing the Pattern

The Israelites complained 14 times from Exodus to Numbers. What patterns do you see in their behavior?
Why do you think they forgot God’s faithfulness so quickly—even after miracles like the Red Sea?
What are some ways we complain even after seeing God’s goodness?

🧬 Connecting to Our Lives

The sermon mentioned that complaining rewires our brains. How does this help you understand your own habits or mindset?
Have you ever felt “stuck” in negativity? What helped you break that cycle—or what might help?

✝️ Choosing a New Way

Read Philippians 2:14–18. How is Paul’s attitude in prison different from the Israelites in the desert?
What does it mean to “pour out your life like a drink offering”? How could that change the way you view your daily struggles?

Action Steps

1. Memory Challenge

As a group, memorize Philippians 2:14–16a this week. Repeat it together and encourage each other to reflect on it daily.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights… Hold firmly to the word of life.”

2. Practice Reframing

Each day this week, when you feel tempted to complain, try to:

Pause, take a breath.

Identify what you’re really feeling (exhaustion? fear? entitlement?).

Ask God to help you change your perspective.

Speak one truth about God’s goodness instead.

3. Gratitude Habit

Start or end each day by writing down 3 things you’re thankful for, even if they’re small. Share them in the group next week.

My Big Fat Mouth – Lying

June 29, 2025

Description:

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

What’s the most harmless lie you’ve ever told? (Something funny or light-hearted.)

Can you think of a time when a small lie spiraled into something much bigger? What happened?

Why do you think people often feel compelled to lie, even when the truth would be simpler?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Luke 6:45 (NLT) – “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

James 3:3-12 – A passage about the power of the tongue and its potential for both good and evil.

John 8:44 – Jesus says that the devil is the father of lies.

Colossians 3:9-10 – “Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature with its practices, and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

1 Peter 3:10-12 – “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”

Acts 5:1-5 – The story of Ananias and Sapphira and the consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit.

Group Discussion Questions

Personal Reflection:

How often do you find yourself telling lies, either out of convenience or fear of consequences?

In what areas of your life do you struggle the most with lying—whether to yourself, to others, or to God?

Scriptural Insights:

In Luke 6:45, Jesus teaches that our words come from what is in our hearts. How do you think our words can reflect what’s going on in our hearts? What does this teach us about the importance of our inner life?

According to James 3:3-12, the tongue is powerful and can either bless or curse. What are some examples of how your words have either built someone up or torn them down? How can you make sure your words reflect the love of Christ?

The Root of Lies:

Why do you think lying is so common, even among believers? What is it about human nature that makes us prone to deception?

John 8:44 describes the devil as the father of lies. How does understanding the source of lies impact the way we view them? What should our response be to lies in our lives and in the world around us?

The Ripple Effect of Lies:

Reflecting on the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-5), how do lies not only affect the individual but also those around them? Can you think of any personal experiences where a lie had a far-reaching impact?

How does lying affect our relationship with God and others? What steps can we take to restore trust once it’s been damaged?

The Remedy:

Colossians 3:9-10 talks about putting off our old sinful nature and putting on a new nature in Christ. How can we practically begin to “put off” lying and embrace truth? What role does Christ play in this transformation?

1 Peter 3:10-12 encourages us to speak truth and seek peace. How can these two principles help us in our day-to-day interactions, especially in difficult or confrontational situations?

Action Steps

Examine Your Words:
Reflect on the words you’ve spoken in the past week. Are there any lies you need to confess to God? Spend some time in prayer, asking for forgiveness and for strength to speak truth from a heart transformed by Christ.
Accountability Partner:
Choose someone from the group to be your accountability partner for the week. Encourage each other to speak truth and to be mindful of how your words reflect your heart.
Practice Speaking Truth:
In situations this week where you might be tempted to lie or withhold the truth, make a conscious decision to speak truth. It might be difficult, but practice doing it, even in small ways.
Pray for Transformation:
Ask God to continue transforming your heart. Pray for the courage to be honest and for your words to reflect His truth and love in every conversation.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Word that convicts, heals, and transforms. We confess that we have allowed lies to take root in our hearts, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to speak truth in love, reflecting the grace and honesty of Christ.
We invite You to transform our hearts so that our words might bring life, not destruction. Give us the strength to stop the cycle of lies and to embrace the truth in every area of our lives.
Thank You for the hope of the gospel, that through Christ, we can be made new. In His name, we pray. Amen.