Bible Study
Holiness in our speech (part 1)
March 26, 2010
Holiness in our speech
Introduction
Welcome to our new topic--Holiness in our speech. Often overlooked in teaching on separation from the world are the invisible elements of holiness. The visible elements of holiness such as how we dress and how we grow our hair are actually easier to accomplish than the invisible elements such as the condition of our heart. And then connected with the heart, what flows out of our heart, our speech.
Matt 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
As we will see, how we speak is perhaps a greater indicator of our Christianity than how we dress. If we get the look right, people may call us Christian or even Apostolic, but if we get the tongue wrong, we may unconsciously destroy things we should be helping. It is no wonder why speaking in tongues is the initial evidence (Acts 2:4) or “sign” (1 Cor 14:22, Acts 10:48) of receiving the Holy Ghost. And it is correct to encourage people who are praying for the Holy Ghost to surrender to God because God begins our salvation experience by taking over the most unruly part of us—our tongue.
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Holiness in our speech (part 2)
March 29, 2010
It is easier to control our arms, legs, hands and feet than our tongue. And a person who has their tongue in control is called a “perfect man”:
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
A true Christian lifestyle is evident by the way we use our tongue. We should have a different type of speech than the world has. If our speech is the same as the world, there is something wrong. It must be addressed as an issue of holiness.
By surrendering our tongue to God, it reveals a depth of devotion to God that allows us to be more useful and more fruitful for Him. And as we will see later, by not surrendering our tongue to God means we are actually being used of satan to thwart the plan of God.
Holiness in our speech (part 3)
March 31, 2010
Grace in our Speech: Seasoning
Col 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. NKJV
Our words are like salt in that they provide a flavoring to our environment. Have you ever tasted some food that was so bland that it was undesirable? Like scrambled eggs with no salt—they are not very desirable. Or like your McDonalds french fries that were too salty to eat. They were undesirable and were discarded.
It seems acceptable and popular today to just say whatever one feels without first considering how those words will affect others. Here is a major revelation concerning the speech of a Christian. People will justify saying something harsh by saying, “Well it is the truth.”
Here is how the person dedicated to holiness of the tongue should look at that: Just because something is true does not mean we should say it in any way to any body. Some things are better left unsaid. Some things are better spoken in an appropriate context. And some things need to be said in the right way.
That is what it means to have speech seasoned with salt. Our speech be appropriately seasoned and presented in the proper situation. Let us make ourselves and our environment more tasty rather than more disgusting by dedicating ourselves to getting control of our tongue.
Holiness in our speech (part 4)
April 5, 2010
Preservative
Salt is also used as a preservative, more so in the past when refrigeration was not available. Salt draws out moisture and creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria. If meat is salted in cold weather, it can last for years in that state. This technique is ancient and was used regularly until refrigeration became widely available in the last century.
Our speech is also to serve the purpose of preserving and providing help and certainly not that of destroying.
Titus 2:7-8
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
We may be ridiculed because of our doctrines or holiness standards, but if we diligently apply holiness to our tongues, will not be condemned. That is because if people hear us speaking with the spirit of grace, it will make our accusers ashamed for the way they treated us or spoke about us and they will have nothing evil to say of us.
They will say, “There is something different about that person.”
One time the chief priests sent soldiers to arrest Jesus but after listening to Him, they returned without Jesus. Their reason?
John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
Jesus' words turned the accusers into believers. That can be the same with us.
Holiness in our speech (part 5)
April 6, 2010
Lessons on the tongue from James: Useless religion
Do you consider yourself to be religious? I think I'm religious, how about you? Let us think about what James says to religious folks:
James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. NKJV
Let's look at it another way. We may think ourselves to be religious if we attend church faithfully, pay our tithes, perhaps teach Sunday School, or sing in church. However, according to James, all that religious activity is useless if we cannot control our tongue.
If we don't have this area of our lives in control, then we are not really practicing the Christian life. This creates a kind of advertising that the church does not want or need. Useless religion is often equated with the church when church going people do not bridle their tongue. So the first thing that James teaches is that improperly using our tongue can make our religious profession useless, meaningless, and even a contradiction.
Holiness in our speech (part 6)
April 7, 2010
Set on fire of hell
Probably more people backslide over sins of the tongue, than anything else. Many people leave the church and backslide not because of a doctrine or strict teaching, but because they get wounded by speech of other people. Words can discourage and cause people to lose out with God.
The reason for that is because there is a very powerful force behind sins of the tongue. Let's read more in the book of James.
James 3:1-6
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. [In other words, many people should not desire to be masters or teachers because they will be judged more strickly].
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
The tongue has the potential of being used as a very positive power or a negative power. When it is used positively, it is like the rudder of a large ship that can set the course in the right direction and get everyone to their destination safely. But when it is used negatively, the power driving it comes from hell: “it is set on fire of hell.”
Holiness in our speech (part 7)
April 8, 2010
I'm sure that when Christians are tale bearers, or pass along slander or gossip they don't consider that their tongue has been set on fire by hell. Now look at verse 14-15 as James goes on to describe that connection:
James 3:14-15
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
James says that tongue that pours out bitterness and strife is not driven from above, but is earthly, sensual and demonic. You may not realize it but your tongue can actually make you a tool of the devil.
Even the Apostle Peter got a painful lesson in this subject. As Jesus began to warn His disciples of His upcoming suffering and crucifixion, Peter rebuked Him and said that was not so. How did Jesus respond?
Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
That was a very strong response from Jesus. Why? Peter was thinking purely from an earthly standpoint, trying to draw Jesus away from a negative sounding topic. Jesus saw what was behind those words, satan himself.
Words are not just words; they can become tools of satan to thwart the works of God. Peter may have thought that he was helping Jesus but in reality, he was trying to persuade Jesus to not do the will of God—that's the devil's business.
Holiness in our speech (part 8)
April 9, 2010
We should be thoughtful, careful, and prayerful, of the things we say to make sure that we are not hindering the will of God or the move of God by speaking something that pops into our mind.
James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Jesus further adds this about words—we will be judged by them:
Matt 12:34-37
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
We are going to be judged by our words and we should not bring forth both evil and good from our lips. It is no wonder why we get a strong warning in James 3:6 about how the tongue can defile the whole body and can start a forest fire.
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
So James teaches that not only can our tongue totally destroy our religious profession, it can also be fired by hell itself. No Christian should yield themselves to become an instrument of hell. That is the opposite of what we are called to do.
Holiness in our speech (part 9)
April 12, 2010
The tongue is untamable
Let us go on in James and learn something else about the tongue:
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
This may be the very reason that the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking with tongues, because God wants to get control of your tongue from the outset. James asked, “How can we bless God and then curse men who were made in God's image?” Then in the next verses he asks, “How can a fountain bring forth both fresh water and salt water?”
The Christian needs to tame the tongue through the life-changing power of the Holy Ghost. We can't give the excuse, “Well, that is just how I am. You know me, I'm an outspoken person who says what I feel.” How can we justify our natural, fleshly, carnal actions when we see the connection between our tongue and satan?
Are we then saying that God's Holy Ghost power is not strong enough to help us control our human or natural impulses? How then can we condemn someone who justifies their sexual sins or the sin of drunkenness by saying they just couldn't control themselves?
Holiness in our speech (part 10)
April 13, 2010
Sins of the tongue: slander and tale bearing
Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Slander: telling something false or something with reckless regard for the truth, stretching the truth. Attacking someone through false or malicious statements. It is used as a tactic to tear a person down by a verbal attack. It is a sin.
Tale bearing: closely related to slander, telling tales, something that is harmful to a person's reputation. Sharing something of intimate, scandalous, personal, or private nature that would tend to harm that person.
That act of harming someone by our words is a sin. That is not limited to lying. Tale bearing is repeating something that is thought to be true or even be known to be totally true. But even truth of a personal nature should only be told to people who have a need to know.
If the purpose of telling it is to help a person and you are telling an authority figure in their life like a pastor, teacher, or parent, then it is not tale bearing or gossip, but it is contributing to the solution.
If you know without any doubt that a Christian has committed a sin, you may have an obligation to advise a person who has spiritual authority in their life. Then that person can then deal appropriately with it with offering them help of rescue. But if the motive is to destroy that person's reputation, even if telling the truth, then it can be the sin of tale bearing.
Holiness in our speech (part 11)
April 14, 2010
More on Psalm 101:5 from yesterday…Is your purpose in sharing the news so that you can contribute to the solution or simply to satisfy a personal desire to share an unknown piece of juicy news? If so, you may not be contributing to the solution but actually be making the problem worse, and are guilty of the sin of tale bearing.
We can provide people the maximum opportunity to find redemption by minimizing the spread of the news. If the person repents of their sin, it is much easier for them to overcome it and return to faithfulness if the news of their sin was not broadcasted to many. If we spread that news, we make it more difficult for that person to recover from that sin because their level of condemnation is greatly increased by every additional person who knows about their fall. The only ones who need to know are those who are trying to help the person.
If you had done something wrong, would you not want a chance to recover and make it right by just going to the person you wronged rather than having to go before the whole church?
While there may be times when open rebuke is necessary, that is best left to the pastor to deal with. So even repeating what is technically the truth may be the sin of tale bearing if the purpose or the effect is to hurt someone.
Holiness in our speech (part 12)
April 15, 2010
Effects of tale bearing
Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
This verse is not telling us that we should cover up a sin but that we should tell only the ones who must know. Otherwise don't ask don't tell.
Of course we all feel as if we are “ratting” if we tell a person in authority something on our friends or family members. But consider this—is that person hurting themselves, or potentially hurting others? If the answer is yes to either question, then you have a responsibility as a true friend not to hide the harm but help the harm.
Perhaps you could muster up the tough love and tell your friend, “I don't agree with what you are doing and I believe it is wrong.” Then if they don't listen to you, you can take it to the authority figure. Ask God for wisdom for what you should do.
Holiness in our speech (part 13)
April 16, 2010
Proverbs 11:13 (yesterday's verse) is not speaking of covering sin but of handling it discretely giving the individual the maximum opportunity to find redemption. The person of a faithful spirit, or in other words, a trustworthy person, keeps a secret and is not guilty of tale bearing just to try to get someone in trouble. Not everyone needs to know that secret. Conceal it from those who have no need to know.
Note how Solomon also uses the word picture of a fire in relation to damage caused by the tongue:
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Imagine that there is a little fire burning. Person Andy tells Bill something bad that he saw Chris doing. Bill has a choice of what to do with that information. Bill heads off to Dave, Earl, and Fred and tells them all about Chris. Then Bill goes to Chris and says, “Did you know what Andy said about you?”
Is Bill a tale bearer or a trustworthy friend? Tale bearer! Bill has just added wood to the fire and now the fire has spread and has caused more damage.
Imagine that same story again, but this time person Bill is hurting badly for his friend Chris so he prays about what to do without telling anyone else. Bill ultimately goes directly to Chris and in a casual and non-confrontational approach, brings up the subject discretely with Chris. Chris is able to sense Bill's genuine concern and is moved to admit guilt and decides to never to that again.
Is Bill a tale bearer or a trustworthy friend? Trustworthy! With no more wood on the fire, it is extinguished. A problem can be solved easier by dealing with it privately between the parties involved without involving others. However, if someone else gets involved who does not need to know, what could have possibly been fixed quickly and privately, causes greater damage because someone fueled the fire. A middle man who does not need to be in the middle at all often ends up fanning the flames and adding wood to the fire.
Let the fire go out. Don't add fuel to it. Don't be a tale bearer and let the strife cease. The faithful friend douses the fire; the tale bearer adds more fuel to the fire.
Holiness in our speech (part 14)
April 19, 2010
Disguised intent
Sometimes, the words of a tale bearer come across wearing a disguise.
Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The New King James puts it this way for a different slant:
Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body. NKJV
The idea is that those words of gossip appear very appealing to some and slide right into the inner person as they appeared to be tasty treats. “Don't tell anyone else, but…” or “I'm only telling you…” The appearance is that you are the only person who will have knowledge of the facts that are to follow, but it is likely that the tale bearer has already told several others.
And of course when you receive that information, you only plan to tell just a few close friends—after all, they are “tasty trifles” that you just have to share. And those close friends decide to only share them with their best friends. Before long, “Don't tell anyone…” has evolved into absolutely the opposite meaning. In fact, if you really want to a message to be heard abroad, find a tale bearer and start off with, “Don't tell anyone else…”
Think about it. If you need to start off a comment by saying, “Don't tell anyone else”, you probably should take your own advice and say nothing.
Holiness in our speech (part 15)
April 20, 2010
Continuing our consideration of Proverbs 26:22 and the "tasty trifles." With his disguised intentions, the tale bearer uses a “prayer request” to share gossip.
“We really need to pray for Bro. Billy Bob. Why I heard he is doing some awful things. Can you believe he is doing this and that?” The focus immediately shifts from the topic of prayer onto gossip. However, the tale bearer feels justified because he started off by making a “prayer request.”
If it is truly a prayer request, why not tell the whole story to the Lord and skip the details when passing the request to your friends? Brush away the superficial exterior and check the real attitude behind your desire to share. Is it simply a desire to tell a bad tasting (yet juicy) story or to communicate your passion and burden for someone's eternal soul?
Check you motive before you pass a story along as a “prayer request.”
Holiness in our speech (part 16)
April 21, 2010
Busybodies
“Busybody” is the New Testament equivalent of the tale bearer of the Old Testament. We find these warnings about the busybody.
2 Thess 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
The busybody is disorderly. In other words, he creates disorder through his words. Building on this foundation, Paul tells Timothy that the busybody talks when he should not because he has too much time on his hands. Why? He is idle, or lazy. He won't work so he has plenty of time.
1 Tim 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
The defining fact about the busybody is that they are always meddling in other people's matters:
1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Does this describe you? Are you one who is prone to spend large blocks of time “shooting the breeze,” chatting about this and that and the other, and about him, her, and them? Do you tend to pry into other's business with searching, probing, discovering, and suspicious questions? Are you overly curious about the private matters of the lives of others to the point of meddling like a busybody? Do you find yourself tattling on people with some regularity?
The scripture offers a simple solution to being a busybody: Shut up and go to work.
1 Thess 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Find a more productive way to spend your days rather than with idle chatter.
Holiness in our speech (part 17)
April 27, 2010
Definitions to ponder:
Gossip: “A gossip is a person who will never tell a lie if the truth will do more damage.” David Bernard.
A lie: “A lie goes half way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
Sewing discord
Using words, we can plant dissention and division. Some people have the tendency to pick out topics for discussion that cause the planting of seeds of discord.
For example; in a church setting…A wonderful church service concludes and Sis. Faith tells the following to Sis. Froth: “Wasn't that an amazing service? What a wonderful worship experience. The choir sang with anointing and power. And Pastor preached such a dynamic message. I feel so blessed.”
Sis. Froth answers, “Yeah, but I don't know if you know, but that man who sang the solo in the choir sure has a bad attitude. I don't even pay attention to anything he ever says and certainly don't get anything out of his singing.”
What Sis. Froth has done was to sew a seed of discord in Sis. Faith's mind. And the next time she sees that soloist, she immediately thinks of that evil seed that was planted and she begins to second-guess that brother's motives.
Sis. Froth also had a commentary about the preaching. “I think I know who Pastor was talking about when he added that comment about people who reject holiness standards. Why I heard that Bro. Bob and Sis. Sally…blah…blah…blah.”
That is sewing discord. That kind of speech creates strife and contention below the surface. And being a seed sewn underground, it can spread undetected trouble. Sewing discord is on God's “hate list”. More on this tomorrow...
Holiness in our speech (part 18)
April 28, 2010
Prov 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Honestly evaluate your speech with an open mind and heart. If you are prone to sewing discord, submit it to God in humble repentance. Really, do you want to be listed in the same list as those who shed innocent blood? It creates unnecessary distrust and disunity, and God hates it.
We tend to think that certain sins are worse than others, but notice how that adultery, fornication, drunkenness do not appear on this list. While those certainly are sins and do appear on other lists of sins in scripture, for whatever reason, God placed an emphasis on sins of the tongue.
Holiness in our speech (part 19)
April 29, 2010
Lies
Also appearing in the Proverbs 6 “hate list” is a lying tongue. The phrase, “You lie you fry” is a good slogan to keep in mind. Although our culture may not frown on someone telling a “white lie,” we need to fight against the culture of compromise and remember what God says about lying.
It may appear that a lie will temporarily get you what you want but it comes with a deadly consequence in the Lake of Fire
Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Notice the bad company that surrounds liars in the Lake of Fire . We must not minimize the consequences of a lie. Why would God choose to put an emphasis on liars by adding the qualification, “all liars” if it were not important?
Since everyone is guilty of sin, we tend to categorize sins, at least in our mind, by ranking some sins as worse than others. The tendency is to regard the worse sins are the ones are ones that we are not committing. For instance, murder, adultery, fornication, and drunkenness, probably tend to rise higher on our “badness” scale.
However, we must pay special attention to how God emphasized that “all liars” will be in the Lake of Fire . Lying is singled out for emphasis.
Holiness in our speech (part 20)
May 3, 2010
Continuing on the subject of lying...That verse (Revelation 21:8) shows who will enter the Lake of Fire , where we saw an emphasis on liars. On the other side of the spectrum, let us read verse 27 for a glimpse into New Jerusalem and who will and will not be entering there. This verse shows some who will be forbidden to enter there:
Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
No abomination or lie enters there. Only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life. Do you see the implication there? If you are a liar, your name will not be in the Book of Life. Again the penalty for lying is emphasized.
Prov 6:16 lists the things God hates and a lying tongue was among them:
Prov 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Ex 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
And notice the last on God's hate list is “he that soweth discord among brethren.” Three of the seven things on God's hate list have to do with sins of the tongue. If we polled Americans today and asked them to list the worst sins, I wonder how it would compare with God's list? Watch your words carefully. Be careful little tongue what you say.
Holiness in our speech (part 21)
May 4, 2010
Murmuring and complaining
One month after Israel departed from Egyptian slavery, some serious complaints began to be voiced among the ranks concerning the available choices of food. That is not such an uncommon complaint. I'm sure you hear that you're your kids when you have peas, brocolli or carrots for dinner.
See how the complaint came through to Moses and Aaron:
Ex 16:2-3
2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
First of all, the Israelites memory was very short. It is a common tendency that as we nostalgically recall a past experience, that we tend to forget the bad elements and remember mostly the good. Such was the case here. However, what we have here is a more troubling issue than poor memory. It is an expression of a disdain for the plan of God that God revealed through the leadership.
Holiness in our speech (part 22)
May 5, 2010
Our subject is “murmuring and complaining.” Many elements of serving God often include some form of discomfort (as does life in general) but how we respond to that discomfort is key. Moses said to Israel , in so many words, “Why gripe at your leaders! God brought us here, not me.” That is still true today.
Ex 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
We must be careful how and to whom we express our displeasure about matters that were set forth by God-appointed leadership.
Paul drew several parallels to his modern day from the experience of Israel during their journey in the wilderness.
1 Cor 10:5-12
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Paul told the Corinthians to remember the history of Israel , and stop murmuring,. The murmurers were “destroyed of the destroyer.” God took the complaining of the children of Israel against Him seriously:
Num 11:1 And when the people complained , it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
Does this mean that if we don't like Sis. Baker's rhubarb pie or the goat-gull-goose gumbo that Sis. Gertrude brings that God doesn't want us to express our distaste?
That is not what is in mind here. The murmuring that leads to sewing discord is what God is against. More on this (and Gertrude's gumbo) tomorrow…
Holiness in our speech (part 23)
May 6, 2010
For instance, if you greet a first-time visitor at the church's pot luck dinner and say to them, “Hi. Welcome to Bible Church . I'm Bro. Warner—so let me warn you. Don't eat Sis. Gertrude's goat-gull-goose gumbo. It is just awful. I don't know what is wrong with the leadership in this church that they don't put a stop to her bringing that mess all the time.”
Your expression of your personal distaste for the gumbo turned into an event of sewing discord and stirring up strife which are sins.
There are proper ways to express complaints about things that occur in the church. If you think the music is too loud or the temperature is too cold, consider finding a way to tolerate it. Moving away from the speaker and bringing a jacket may be the solution. If you feel that it is a matter of serious enough concern and that more intervention is required, speak to a person who has some control over the matter. Do not carry your murmuring to someone simply for the purpose of expressing a negative opinion. Such things can lead to subsurface tension and painful or at least uncomfortable discord. And depending on how far you go, it may turn into the sin of murmuring.
Remember James' words on the subject:
James 3:14-16
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Avoid confusion in the church. Avoid being an emissary of the devil. Check your heart and your attitude to make sure you are not murmuring against God by withstanding His duly authorized leadership.
Holiness in our speech (part 24)
May 10, 2010
Speaking of murmuring against spiritual leadership, consider the ramifications of becoming too personal or carnal with the preacher. It is pleasing to God to give honor to spiritual leadership. Be on guard of becoming too chummy with those in authority to the point of making fun of them in a carnal fashion. It may be a gray line when we are personally close to our spiritual leadership because we feel comfortable with them, but it is still needful to regard them with honor.
If spiritual leadership has made a decision a matter, it is best to cooperate with it, giving them the benefit of the doubt. However, if it is a an issue of a false doctrine, sinful lifestyle, or unethical behavior, it may be needful to question and confront leadership. However, if the issue is the color of paint on the walls, what restaurant to eat at, when to have prayer meeting, the selection of songs, church policy decisions, etc., be careful to not rise against the Pastor or leadership with murmuring.
When the decision has been made, don't attack the decision with murmuring and complaining which is sinful. For example, consider when Moses made decisions in Exodus and people rose up and complained. Do you remember in the scriptures how Miriam complained against her brother's choice of a mate? That is something that could easily occur in any family today. More tomorrow…
Holiness in our speech (part 25)
May 11, 2010
Miriam had saved his life when he was a baby and had helped their mother raise him. For whatever reason, she thought nothing of openly speaking her opinion against her brother. Notice God's response as He rose up in Moses' defense:
Num 12:8-9
8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
Miriam was struck with leprosy for the way she rose up against Moses because Moses was the man of God. God was saying, “Why did you think you could rise up against my man?” Be careful how you speak of your spiritual leadership. Keep in mind that they are more than just a man or woman, your brother or sister, or friend or relative when they are speaking on God's behalf. They are speaking as God's anointed prophet.
1 Chron 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed , and do my prophets no harm.
The net result of Miriam's murmuring against Moses caused a setback for the whole nation:
Num 12:15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
Consider that your opinion might set people back and hinder them spiritually BEFORE you choose to state it out loud.
Holiness in our speech (part 26)
May 12, 2010
The Word admonishes us that if we must speak of an accusation against a spiritual leader, that allegation must be very sound, and have been witnessed by at least two others.
1 Tim 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation , but before two or three witnesses.
In other words, the one bringing the accusation is not just out to murmur and complain about, or to defame an elder, but has witnessed, along with others, some sinful deed and is going through proper disciplinary channels to address and correct that evil.
This scriptural procedure then prohibits the murmuring against an elder due to a policy preference issue. The whole congregation of Israel was held up because of murmuring in the camp. Only God knows many times whole churches been held back from the revival God promised for the same reason.
Speak words of praise, edification, and refrain from words of opposition, tale bearing, gossip, and murmuring.
Holiness in our speech (part 27)
May 13, 2010
If we are truly dedicated to live in obedience to God's word, it should not take too long for people to recognize that there is something different about us. We will be different than the world. We simply have different priorities and as a result, will make different choices. One of those priorities is that Christians should gain control of their tongue through the power of the Holy Ghost within them.
Here is a brief review of the sins of the tongue that we have discussed so far.
a. slander – false or questionable accusations against someone
b. tale bearing – telling things to someone who has no need to know that are of a scandalous, intimate nature that are harmful
c. sewing discord – dropping seeds of doubt by speaking words about a person's character or motives which cause contention or confusion
d. murmuring and complaining – related to sewing discord; rising in opposition to leadership by speaking unnecessary negative words about them
e. lying – will not go into the New Jerusalem but will have their part in the lake of Fire .
Let's continue on the subject of lying. Consider what the Ten Commandments say about lying:
Ex 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness.
In other words, do not testify to something that is false.
Holiness in our speech (part 28)
May 14, 2010
David provides a list of qualities of those who dwell with the Lord in His tabernacle:
Ps 15:1-3
1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Each of the categories of sinful speech we have covered is indicated here in Psalm 15: speaking truth of course refers to not telling lies; backbiting, evil and reproachable speech cover slander, sewing discord, and murmuring. The point is made clear: those who do NOT engage in that kind of speaking will be those who dwell with God. The closer to God you live, the less of those things you will participate in. The converse of that statement is a very powerful deduction to make: Those who DO speak lies, backbite and speak evil and reproachable of their neighbors will NOT dwell with God.
And David goes on to say that God honors those that “changeth not”:
Ps 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
That means those who keep their words—they “change not”—even when it hurts or costs something.
Holiness in our speech (part 29)
May 17, 2010
When there is a legitimate expectation of receiving truth, we must tell truth. To speak otherwise is deception.
What if you speak something that you believe to be correct and later find out that it is not correct? Is that a lie? That is not telling a lie because you did not speak with an intent to deceive. You spoke innocently, but by mistake—a mistake that you can later correct after you realize your error.
A lie is deliberately and knowingly making a false statement with the intent to deceive. You can tell a lie by speaking an untruth, by breaking a contract, or by submitting false documents. A lie can be in word, in action, or inaction. Such as when someone has a right to the whole truth but you withhold the truth or a portion of truth—that is also a lie.
Everyone in the general public does not have a right to know all the details of your life, so when you meet someone on the street and they ask you, “How are you doing?”, you do not need to give all the details that would be responsive to that question. That question was merely a polite greeting and not an authoritative request for a complete and comprehensive report.
Holiness in our speech (part 30)
May 18, 2010
A right to know the whole truth
However, in a courtroom, we are expected to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. By giving only a partial truth in that circumstance and withholding details that would make the rest of the story understandable, that is telling a lie
For instance, on two separate occasions (Genesis 12: 11-20, 20: 1-18) when Abraham traveled to Egypt , he feared for his life because his beautiful wife, Sarah, traveled with him. He feared that some villain would kill him and take her as their wife. In a selfish attempt to protect his own safety, he compromised her safety by reporting that she was his sister, meaning she was available for marriage.
Sarah and Abraham had the same father but not the same mother so it was a true statement to report that she was his sister. However, the more relevant information for the situation was not that Sarah was his half-sister, but that she was his wife. Abraham lied by withholding an important element of truth.
Holiness in our speech (part 31)
May 19, 2010
No right to know
We are speaking about telling the truth and not telling lies. We examined the situation where telling all the truth was necessary because there was a proper expectation of knowing the whole truth—like in a court setting.
Then there are situations where there does not exist a right for the person to know all the truth. As when God told Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint the new king to replace King Saul. Yet this occurred while Saul was still living and serving as king. Samuel questioned God about how he could do that because Saul would find out where he was going and Samuel couldn't very well tell Saul, “I need to head over to Bethlehem to appoint your successor because you won't be king much longer.”
Samuel asked God for instructions on how to handle this sensitive situation:
1 Sam 16:2-3
2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.
3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
Here in this circumstance, God told Samuel it was ok to say that he was going to offer a sacrifice, and nothing more. Then God was going to show him who to appoint and anoint as king.
Samuel had no obligation to tell Saul everything because he had wicked intentions, much like Herod when he desired to know where the baby Jesus was. His intent was not to give honor and reverence to Jesus but to kill him. The wise men then avoided telling Herod the whole truth.
Holiness in our speech (part 32)
May 20, 2010
Sharing intimate details with someone is equivalent to entering into a relational partnership or pact. For instance, when you take an oath before a judge to testify in his court, you enter into a legal agreement with him, swearing to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You are “yoking” yourself with the judge and court as an arm of the God-commissioned civil authority. The purpose of that partnership is to bring about justice. That is a relationship that is blessed by the Lord.
Let's take another example of this “partnering” that is not blessed by the Lord. For instance, during World War II, the Nazis had a terrorizing policy to go from house to house and demand to know if there were any Jews there. The purpose was to either resettle all Jews in a particular neighborhood or to ship them to a concentration camp to their death.
Many Christians were involved in hiding Jews from the Nazis. If a Nazi soldier came into such a house that was hiding Jews, many of them found a way to hold back from telling the whole truth to the Nazis for the sake of protecting God's people. These Christians would not “partner” with or enter into a relationship with the soldiers where they would share those intimate details. God did not expect them to share condemning details with the wicked regime.
As with Samuel, that would be entering into a partnering relationship with the wicked and the Lord tells us to not do that:
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Such people do not have the right to know the details. Samuel spoke truth to Saul but held back information that Saul didn't have a right to know.
Holiness in our speech (part 33)
May 21, 2010
Always tell truth, it is easier
Always tell the truth and you will not have to worry about how you tell your story. It will be the same each time. People who lie have to have a good memory because they need to fabricate the story the same each time they tell it to prevent them from being caught.
You can often discern when someone is telling a lie to you but you may not be able to prove it. However in time, the mask of deceitfulness slips away as their inconsistencies mount and the truth is revealed.
Jesus indicated the importance of always telling the truth by discouraging the use of swearing an oath in order to make your words believable.
Matthew 5:33-37 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old,'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem , for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. NKJV
Jesus was referring to the practice used in the Old Testament days that if someone was going to pledge to do something, they would say, “I swear by the Lord.” That would make the impact of your words very serious and certain. In a modern setting, when people want to appear believable, they may say, “I'll swear on a stack of Bibles!” Swearing such an oath is intended to make the statement that follows most certainly true. The problem for those who use oaths is that people ae not sure if they are telling the truth in normal circumstances when the oath is not invoked.
Holiness in our speech (part 34)
May 24, 2010
Jesus just said leave out swearing entirely. You cannot control Heaven, earth or Jerusalem so what good does it do to say you “swear by heaven.” In reality, that is a meaningless pledge. If you say, “I swear by that candy bar sitting in front of that child,” you can be almost certain that the candy bar will shortly be gone. The instrument of your oath is unstable or out of your control.
So it is not wise to have to resort to oaths in order to substantiate that you are telling the truth. We cannot “make” things come to pass that are out of our control so why swear to some kind of guarantee through an oath? Just let your yes mean yes and your no mean no. Just tell the truth.
The same kind of warning was repeated by James:
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Otherwise, we can fall into condemnation of telling a lie. James gives another reason for not being presumptuous:
James 4:13-16
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
This is a warning to Christians to not make pledges or promises that you cannot keep.
Holiness in our speech (part 35)
May 25, 2010
And when making future plans, make sure to give appropriate recognition to the Lord as one who gives the ability, time, resources, and strength to accomplish a task. The psalmist acknowledges how that the Lord must be behind all of our plans:
Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Sincerely subject all your plans to the will of the Lord. A young person may express their hope along these lines: “When I graduate from High School, I'm going to go to college, get my degree, and then enter the world of business and make a lot of money.” It would be appropriate to add, “as the Lord wills.”
This is tied into the topic about not swearing. We should not tell a story and say, “I swear it happened.” It is just not necessary. And when making plans about our future, we may say, “I swear. If it's the last thing I ever do, I'm going to …” We can not even control our every sneeze much less our entire future. We may head toward a godly goal with all our might but we must make certain that we submit our plans to the Lord who IS in control of tomorrow.
Holiness in our speech (part 36)
May 26, 2010
Sin of Reviling (railing)
Another sin of the tongue is called reviling, or railing.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Paul speaks here of people certain people with whom we should not keep company. He lists several types of disobedience: fornicators, covetous, extortioners, etc. He clarified that he was not speaking of people in the world in general (sinners, or those not in the church) because he said you would have to leave the planet to get away from that entirely. Besides, they are the very ones we want to reach out to and to offer the hope of a redeemed life in Jesus Christ. However, he specifically said not to keep company with those who commit such acts and are in the church—or as he put it, one who is “called a brother.”
One of the sins he lists here is a “railer.” One who utters a bitter complaint or vehement denunciation; impassioned; characterized by rancor or anger, violent, strongly emotional, a screamer, yeller, name-caller, hateful. The New King James uses the word “reviler”: One who assaults with contemptuous or disgraceful or shameful language; or speaks abusively. A brother or sister should not be a reviler. From the definition you can see that this sin of the tongue closely associated with how one expresses anger, dissatisfaction, or disappointment.
Holiness in our speech (part 37)
June 1, 2010
Examples of the sin of reviling are:
"I hate you; you are stupid; you are such an idiot. you are useless; I don't even like you; I can't stand you; you are no good; you'll never amount to anything; you're such a liar; how come you can't get it? you are worthless."
There are other words used that are not appropriate to list here, but that gives the general idea.
Some people abuse with physical violence, which is wrong, it is a son. Others may never touch a person physically yet they cause as much or even more damage with verbal abuse. Verbal abuse does not leave scars that are visible or recognizable except to persons trained too look for signs of emotional abuse, but there are scars on the persons spirit that nonetheless remain for life.
Railers freely use insults, criticisms, threats, rejection, blame, manipulation and control. With their words they terrorize, degrade, humiliate, demean and ridicule. They will be friendly and charming around many people, but when in privacy, they will let loose with rounds of harsh and abusive words that hurt deeper than physical wounds that will heal more quickly. The abusive words smack the victim like a whip, a chain, or a knife.
Let us look at the verse on the railer/reviler again:
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
The railer is listed along with the fornicator, extortioner (obtaining something of value through abuse), and idolater. And notice, if that person is a brother, we are instructed to NOT fellowship with them. Why? Isn't that mean? If we hang around that sin enough, we may be prone to accept it as normal. You see, the reason that most people have this problem is that they regard this kind of speech as “normal.” That is because in the home they were raised, it was a normal occurrence to hear a mother scream to a child, “Get over here you idiot,” or something even worse.
While that may be normal for some families or in some cultures, that is abnormal for God's kingdom culture. If we are prone to railing and reviling, we are guilty of a serious sin of the tongue that we need to submit to God in repentance. God can help the reviler overcome this sin by recognizing it is a sin, repenting of it (completely dedicating themselves to forsake it), and then asking the Holy Ghost to create a change within them that transforms them into God's image.
Holiness in our speech (part 38)
June 2, 2010
Clamoring
Another word that is used in the New Testament that can be a synonym to railing is clamoring.
Let us examine Ephesians 4: 30-32
Eph 4:30-32
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Note the combination of several things here that pertain to our speech: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice. We are told to “put away” (literally take out of the way and destroy) each of these from us.
This list of things to put away is listed after the command to “grieve not the holy Spirit of God.” From that grammatical construction we can infer that by using that kind of speech we are grieving God.
Check the content of your speech. Is it filled with bitterness? Do you take bitter bites on and stinging stabs at people through your words? Are your words emotionally-charged grenades containing the shrapnel of wrath and anger, intended to hit your target and cause hurt?
Holiness in our speech (part 39)
June 4, 2010
More on clamoring
Sometimes people just want to say what they feel and don't consider how it will create a painful response in someone else. The Lord says, “Grieve not the Spirit!”
The Greek word for “clamour” is kraugee (krow-gay), an outcry in tumult or grief, the sound of a loud scream or shout, cry. The Greek word itself is an example of onomotopeia, a word that suggests the sound that it describes, such as “meow,” “ding,” “boing.” Kraugee is an imitation of the raven's cry (Vine's Expository Dictionary of biblical Words)
If we look at the definition of the English word, clamor, it means noisy shouting, a loud continuous noise, insistent public expression, protest. It is easiest to recognize when someone else clamors but the purpose of this study is not to find people to criticize but to look inward for inspection and correction. We should examine our speech and lay it up against these verses and consider if repentance is in order.
We can both increase our respect and the power of our words by limiting them and making the ones we do speak more pleasant to hear.
Remember, your speech habits were originally formed based on your imitation of those you were around most as you learned to speak. If those speech habits show up on the lists of sins in the scripture, at some point we need to take ownership of our speech. We need to seek to depart from our learned culture and develop speech patterns that honor God's Word.
Holiness in our speech (part 40)
June 7, 2010
If you are talking like this and are singing in the choir, ushering, teaching a Sunday School class, it is time to repent and forsake railing and clamoring. It creates an unacceptable double-standard to continue using that manner of speech and to serve in the church. Seek to find pureness of speech so you can be a good example to those you minister to.
If you have trouble in this are, I am not here to beat you down and run you out of ministry. But consider how the image of Christ is tarnished that you present to others. And remember, someone is watching and evaluating your life. It may be an employee who is hungry for God and has been watching your life from a distance. People are watching you and reading your life. It may be a niece or nephew or even one of your own children. The waitress you verbally assaulted may have been a visitor at your church and was considering returning and giving her live to God.
How do you present Jesus to your family behind closed doors? How do you represent Jesus to the world in the public? Your words are one of the best reflectors of Jesus to people for they reveal what is in your heart (Luke 6:45).
Is it appropriate to speak in tongues at church, and then go home and speak harsh and evil, and hurtful words? Can you pray blessings around the altar and then utter cursings at the next driver, your waiter, or the grocery clerk? See what James had to say about that:
James 3:8-10
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
You can learn good communication skills and break those bad habits. Remember, to be a railer, reviler, or clamorer, is sin. Don't take it lightly and dismiss it with, “That's just the way I am. Take it or leave it.” Are you sure you want to tell Jesus that?
Holiness in our speech (part 41)
June 10, 2010
Someone may feel justified in their railing because someone railed on them first. “I will just rail back and give them a taste of their own medicine.”
Peter speaks to that issue:
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing : but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
A situation of yelling and screaming will only grow worse by responding with the same. Respond instead with blessing because Christians are called to blessing and not cursing. We are likewise called to give blessings and not cursings:
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
In conclusion of this topic (reviling/railing/clamoring), there may be a time when one is confronted by someone so evil that a blessing is not in order. If a mugger or rapist is attacking you, you may not be able to come up with an appropriate blessing to speak over them. What may be more appropriate is the type of response that Michael the Archangel gave to the devil in the interaction described in Jude 9:
Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Instead of railing on the devil, one whom we would feel is certainly worthy of receiving a good railing, Michael issued the strongest words against the devil possible: “The Lord rebuke thee.”
When confronted with an onslaught of evil, the only appropriate response may be, “I rebuke you in the Name of Jesus Christ.” My own wisdom, authority or power is not sufficient to rebuke evil. My name has no power over the devil. But the power of Jesus' name is more than sufficient to put the devil on the run.
Holiness in our speech (part 42)
June 11, 2010
Cursing
Cursing is debasing and polluting our culture. Cursing is like an oil leak at the bottom of the ocean that continues to pour forth its crude into the waters around it. That oil spill is far reaching and pollutes everything it touches. Crude speech creates verbal pollution that dirties everyone who hears it.
Consider this commandment:
Ex 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
The name of the Lord represents all that God is, His character and His power. The Jews of ancient times felt so strongly about this commandment that they were careful to not speak the name Yahweh/Jehovah. Instead, they substituted the word, “Adonai,” (meaning lord) in its place. That way, they would not accidentally speak it in a vain way.
The King James translators followed that Jewish tradition and replaced Yahweh/Jehovah with LORD. Likewise, we should safeguard the name of Jesus Christ as a very sacred and beautiful name and not use it lightly. The same is true of other names or titles ascribed to Him, such as Lord, God, the Holy Ghost, the Almighty, etc.
Holiness in our speech (part 43)
June 15, 2010
Cursing...
When we highly regard the name of Jesus, we can generate faith when we use that name in prayer over the sick. If we are prone to taking God's name in vain and then we later ask a prayer in that same name, we have lessened or even removed the faith-generating effect of that name among those who have heard you speak in that way.
This is especially true of young people or our children who have heard us speak so. If we are going to pray for our sick child using the same name that has been used as a curse word, the element of faith and respect that should be attributed to that name has been compromised and therefore causes a reduced effectiveness. It is not that the power available at the name of Jesus is any less, it is just that the level of faith generated by using that powerful name is lessened by someone that has used that name as a byword.
When we say “Jesus Christ”, “Lord”, or “My God,” it should be spoken with reverence, sincerity, and not levity or joking. Or especially as an angry utterance.
Holiness in our speech (part 44)
June 16, 2010
Cursing ...
The phrase, “Oh, my God,” has become popular in that sense. It has become trivialized to the point that it has even been condensed down to “OMG.” Some will casually say, “My God!” or “My Lord!” when they are angry, frustrated, or annoyed. When we use references to God in irreverent ways, we are approaching a line that, once crossed, becomes taking the name of the Lord in vain.
Then on the other hand, Christians who are praying people will often have the name of the Lord on their minds. If confronted with an emergency situation, such as a near accident, we might cry out, “Jesus!” without even thinking about it. Such an utterance is actually a sincere cry for help and usually results in a divine intervention. But if we are not careful, it can simply become an expression of exasperation or a byword.
We should not trivialize the Lord's name in such a way because it loses the sacredness and awe of His name.Remember that people use the name of “Jesus Christ” or “God” in various forms as a curse word and we don't want our speech to be even remotely connected with that form of talk.
Holiness in our speech (part 45)
June 17, 2010
Perversion that depicts value
In teaching on the subject of taking the Lord's name in vain, David Bernard commented, that in a perverse way, people who do so are actually testifying to the power of the name of Jesus.
Have you ever wondered why when some people accidentally hurt themselves, such as hitting their finger with a hammer, they shout out, Jesus Christ” or “God” in some form? Why do they not holler, “Budha!” or “Oh Allah!” or “Mohammed!”?
It is because those names have no eternal power and are without universal significance or importance.
The one who utters a curse chooses to express their disgust, loathing, disdain, and blasphemy to one with authority and power and deserving of respect—Jesus Christ. The person cursing is demonstrating their rebellion against authority and their curse is against a true figure of authority. It is meaningless to rebel against nothing.
Holiness in our speech (part 46)
June 18, 2010
Perversion that depicts value, continued...
A protester will get public notice if they raised up a defiance against a power figure such as the law, administration figures, or government officials. You may get very little attention or national media coverage if you say, “I defy Betsy the seamstress!” Why, because you are not attacking something powerful.
When the foul-mouthed person issues a curse against God, he is actually in a perverted way attributing value to God and His name.
As Christians, we want to give the appropriate attributions to God's power and worth in a positive way through words of praise and not curse. Be careful with what you say even with substitutes for curses that may be milder yet serve the same purpose of expressing feelings of anger, exasperation, or rebellion.
Holiness in our speech (part 47)
June 22, 2010
More on Cursing…
Jesus described hell as a place of endless torment:
Matt 13:41-4241 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus invited the Apostle John to heaven and was shown a preview of the end and the Lake of Fire . This is how he described it:
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
We can not imagine that kind of torment and should not wish it on anyone. It is a place of everlasting burnings away from God's presence:
Matt 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
In conclusion, for someone to speak flippantly and angrily at someone as if they were speaking an order to God to damn someone is an ultimate disgrace against both humanity and God. Those who speak out of rage and tell someone to go to hell, simply have no regard for the very serious situation they are so lightly speaking of. That is why it is a sin to just play with those words and make them into curse words used as an emotional expression. It trivializes the serious.
Holiness in our speech (part 48)
June 23, 2010
“Spirit” of filth
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
When we commit to using appropriate speech, we will seek to refrain from speaking about private and intimate issues, such as sexuality and the body—especially when in mixed company. There are appropriate anatomical terms for making reference to the body or certain intimate acts, and then there are the vulgar, street terms for those things. By crossing the line and speaking of intimate sexual issues tears down a barrier between appropriate and inappropriate that has a negative effect on the hearers.
It is important to keep from such conversations about those subjects whether it is used in the telling of jokes or simply retelling stories of intimate nature. When you break down those barriers of speech, it has an effect on the people who hear it. It changes the “spirit” or attitude of the listeners and invites lustful thoughts and behaviors. It leads to disrespect for each other, and especially disrespect for women. It introduces a view that the opposite sex is for a tool of service in sexual enticement and pleasure.
Eliminate that form of speech and improve the attitude and character of the crowd. It helps uphold the appropriate level of respect for one another.
Holiness in our speech (part 49)
June 24, 2010
Reduced value and dropped barriers
When we degrade our speech by using filthy talk we degrade the value and respect for the people to whom and about whom we are speaking. I have been in the presence of people who used filthy talk and it causes me to feel polluted, assaulted, violated, and degraded. That is because such talk tears down a barrier or standard of propriety that God established in His Word.
Eph 4:29-30
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Corrupt communication and fifthly and foolish joking are to be eliminated from our speech. Even though this sort of language may be commonly used by some people (even by high-level public or government officials), God says we are to eliminate it and “have no fellowship” with those forms of speech, but instead to appropriately reprove or admonish them.
Eph 5:11-12
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Sinful and perverted things done in secret are not to be spoken of or discussed in detail openly. Even wholesome acts of intimacy between married persons which God blesses and even encourages (1 Corinthians 7:2-5) are not to be broadcast as they are issues ordained to privacy.
Holiness in our speech (part 50)
June 25, 2010
Entertainment choices
We are nearing the end of our study on holiness in our speech and will soon be summarizing our study. One practical discussion that comes up when considering “cleaning up our mouths” is the kind of influences we subject ourselves to that can affect our speech. That is where our choices of entertainment come into the picture.
The majority of people would not even dream up some thoughts of awful and sensual acts if no one was talking about them, or writing about them, or making movies about them. For that reason, we ought to avoid certain media and publications whose goal is to exploit the nasty and dirty, and to spread gossip. This includes such media as books, magazines, web sites, and movies that are filthy.
Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Movies and programs that are filled with profanity and filth should be avoided and “put off.” It is unavoidable that we will hear filthy language from people in the world but that is not of our choosing. On the other hand, the entertainment we watch, listen to, or read, is of our choosing and we should not make a deliberate choice for something that is saturated with something that God tells us to put off or get rid of. That is breaking down the barrier that God has put in place dividing appropriate speech from inappropriate speech.
Holiness in our speech (part 51)
June 30, 2010
When holiness is obvious
If you hang around a Christian for very long, their speech and attitude and demeanor will give them away as a Christian, even if you don't notice it otherwise. Our words should be kind and gentle and uplifting. This is an ultimate level of holiness that will speak more loudly than other standards of holiness that we may display, such as appropriate dress. If our language is inappropriate, we will lose any positive influence we may have gained by other obedience acts of holiness.
James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. NKJV
Summary
To summarize what we have covered in these lessons on Holiness in our Speech, let us be reminded of a few things. First, because our speech betrays what is in our heart, how we speak should be forefront in our efforts to perfect holiness in our lives.
Matt 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Appropriate speech will be that which always adds an appropriate and pleasing ingredient to the environment:
Col 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. NKJV
Holiness in our speech (part 52)
July 1, 2010
Final review continued..
(1). Slander
The first sin of the tongue we discussed was tale bearing/slander:
Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Slander is telling something false or something with reckless regard for the truth, and even stretching the truth. It is attacking someone through false or malicious statements.
(2). Busybodies
The second sin of the tongue is characterized by the word, “busybody.” It is the New Testament version of the tale bearer. We find these warnings about the busybody.
2 Thess 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
The busybody is disorderly. In other words, he creates disorder through his words.
(3). Sewing discord
The third sin of the tongue is sewing discord. That is causing contention or confusion through words by picking topics for discussion that cause dissention and division among brethren. That kind of speech creates strife and contention below the surface. And being a seed sewn underground, it can spread undetected trouble. Sewing discord is on God's “hate list”:
Prov 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Holiness in our speech (part 53)
July 2, 2010
Final review continued…
(4). Lies
The fourth sin of the tongue we covered is lying. Also appearing in the Proverbs 6 “hate list” is a lying tongue. The phrase, “You lie you fry” is a good slogan to keep in mind. Although our culture may not frown on someone telling a fib or a “white lie,” we need to fight against the culture of compromise and remember what God says about lying.
Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
(5). Murmuring and complaining
This fifth sin of the tongue involves expressing displeasure about matters that are established by duly authorized leadership. Many elements of serving God involve some form of discomfort but how we respond to that discomfort is key. It is important to remember that when we gripe about persons in authority, due to the chain of command, we are actually griping at God:
Ex 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
(6). Railer, reviler, clamorer
The sixth sin of the tongue is railing, reviling, and clamoring.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
One of the sins he lists here is a “railer.” One who utters a bitter complaint or vehement denunciation; impassioned; characterized by rancor or anger, violent, strongly emotional, a screamer, yeller, name-caller, hateful. The New King James uses the word “reviler”: One who assaults with contemptuous or disgraceful or shameful language; or speaks abusively. If we look at the definition of the English word, clamor, it means noisy shouting, a loud continuous noice, insistent public expression, protest.
Holiness in our speech (part 54)
July 6, 2010
Final review continued and concluded...
(7). Cursing
The seventh sin of the tongue we discussed is cussing, or cursing. Wrapped into that topic is taking the Lord's name in vain.
Ex 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Cursing is debasing and polluting our culture. Cursing is like an oil leak at the bottom of the ocean that continues to pour forth its crude into the waters around it. That oil spill is far reaching and pollutes everything it touches. All cursing devalues people. Some curse words devalue subjects that are addressed in by those words.
(8). Filthy speech
The eighth and last sin of the tongue we discussed is filthy speech. When we commit to using appropriate speech, we will seek to refrain from speaking about private and intimate issues, such as sexuality and the body—especially when in mixed company. There are appropriate anatomical terms for making reference to the body or certain intimate acts, and then there are vulgar, street terms for those things. By crossing the line and speaking of intimate sexual issues tears down a barrier between appropriate and inappropriate that has a negative effect on the hearers.
Honestly evaluate your speech with an open mind and heart. If you are prone to sins of the tongue, submit it to God in humble repentance. If you have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, that baptism into Christ washes away our sins and “puts on Christ.” If you are filled with the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ living within you can provide the power to resist these sins. Be an over comer through the power of Jesus Christ.
This concludes our subject on holiness in our speech. I have heard from several how this study has been very helpful. I pray that the new study we begin tomorrow will likewise be a blessing to many.
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