Did God Really Say? (2): SSSSpeech

BOTTOM LINE: Words are powerful.

INTRO

Story – Getting in trouble for using the wrong words (glass eye).

TENSION

(Series Recap)

Do words really matter? Are there some words Christians shouldn’t say?

Is it really such a big deal the way I talk to and about others?

Words are powerful.

TRUTH

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-30

  • Background: Paul/Apostle; Ephesus: Big, bad city (Temple of Artimus/Diana); Probably a circular letter
  • Context: Division: Ch. 1-3 “In Christ; Ch. 4-6 “In Ephesus/Huntington”
    • Ch. 4: “Put off and put on” (v.20-22)
    • Verse 28 = doing good with your hands, Verse 29 = doing good with your words

1. Words have power to direct.

Corrupting talk defined…

  • σαπρός – Can refer to the rot or decay of a tree; putrid, rancid
  • Present imperative = Stop! Don’t continue!

σαπρός in the Bible…

  • So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit (Mt. 7:17).
  • Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit (Mt. 12:33).
  • Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad (Mt. 13:47-48).

Corrupting talk in the Bible…

  • But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth (Col. 3:8).
  • Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving (Eph. 5:4).

What is corrupting talk in the life of a teenager? Where does it lead your mind and the minds of others? It affects the way you see people. It affects attitudes. It affects mental health. It affects the way people see God.

[Verses About Speech]

Do you have a problem with using bad language? It affects more than just you.

2. Words have power to destroy.

If words can build each other up, the opposite is true! [Read James 3:4-10]

It’s happened to you…There have been things said to you or about you that you’ll never forget.

  • It happens in families.
  • It happens in social settings.
  • The reason you feel “torn-down” mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and possibly even physically, could be due to words said to or about you.

You’ve done it…Be honest. Others’ words have hurt you, but you’ve used your words to hurt others.

  • When you were angry…
  • When you were hurt…
  • When you were insecure…

Words can’t be taken back! [Toothpaste Tube Demonstration]

3. Words have power to delight.

“Good for building up…”

  • Compare corrupting/unwholesome w/ “good” (ἀγαθός).
  • Building up/oikodomē – constructing a full building including the roof; lifting up; raising up
    • 4:12 – Building up the church
    • 4:29 – Building up individual Christians
  • Our words can lift up people in need of spiritual support.
  • Can you think of examples of people who have lifted you up with their words?
  • THIS is one of the reasons we have Refuel on Wednesdays!

“That it may give grace…”

  • Grace (generally) = to confer an unmerited benefit
  • Grace (in context) = spiritual benefit
  • Good speech is a gift to others

4. Words have power to doom.

Words matter spiritually!

They affect our eternal life. [Read Matthew 12:33-37]

  • Our words reflect our sin problem (“Out of the…heart…the mouth speaks.”)
  • We will be judged not only by our actions, but by our words.
  • We will be judged against God’s Holy standard.
  • Our sin (actions and words) separates us from God.

They affect our fellowship with God (cf. 4:30).

  • “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.”
  • When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we lose sight of the assurance of our salvation.
  • When we lose sight of our salvation, we lose sight of God.

If words are important, then we’re all in trouble, because we’ve denied God and done a lot of destruction with the things we’ve said.

5. Words have power to declare.

[Read Romans 10:9-10]

  • The good news is that Jesus died for every bad thing we’ve ever said or done.
  • Our words doom us, but Jesus died on the cross to deliver us from the penalty of sin.
  • Jesus offers eternal life to anyone who believes in him.
  • Tonight, you’ll have the power to declare that you trust in Jesus for eternal life.

Words are powerful.

APPLICATION

#1 – Reset your words through forgiveness.

  • Ask forgiveness from God.
  • Ask forgiveness from those you’ve hurt.
  • Grant forgiveness to those who’ve hurt you.

#2 – Restore those who feel torn down. Build someone up with your words tonight.

#3 – Receive the free gift of eternal life by trusting in Jesus.

Would you trust in Jesus right now to give you eternal life? You can say this simple, silent prayer in your heart right now to God:

Dear God, I know I’m a sinner; I know I can’t save myself by my own efforts. But, I believe that Jesus died in my place for my sin. I trust in him alone to forgive me for my sins and give me eternal life. I receive the free gift of eternal life by faith right now. Thank you for saving me.

If you just trusted in Jesus based on his death on the cross in your place because of your sins – you’re saved – not because you said a prayer, but because you trusted in Jesus.

LANDING

Text YES to 304-208-8066.

Find a leader to pray with.