Gossip

Gossip

A wound that runs deep

 The enemy uses many tactics to render us ineffective.

 Gossip (tailbearing) is a weapon that the enemy uses to divide the body.

 Gossip is an innate desire to our flesh.

Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (KJV)

Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. (NKJ)

Prov 26:22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (NIV)

 The words of talebearer are seeds of discord.

 They cause division.

 They break down rather than build up.

 They bring reproach to the name of Christ.

 They go down deep into a person’s soul

 Strife and bitterness are their fruit.

Prov 26:20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. (NKJ)

 Gossip is fuel the fire of strife.

 It is destructive and it spreads quickly.

 Don’t give place to gossip.

 You can snuff the fire.

Lev 19:16 ’You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD. (NKJ)

 God knew that gossip was a destructive force.

 Though we are not under the law we can learn from this principle.

 It endangers those around you.

Prov 11:11-13

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

 Cities are torn down from the mouth of the wicked.

 Words are important

 If we are not looking out for our neighbors best interest, we lack wisdom.

 Some things are meant to be left in secret between bretheren.

 God considers this faithfulness.

When is it gossip and when is it not?

The “THINK” principle

T – is it true

H – is it helpful

I – is it inspirational

N – is it necessary

K – is it kind

 Believers who continually gossip are carnal Christians.

 They tear down rather than build up.

 We must guard ourselves against gossip.

 Be led by our spirit-man not by the soul realm.

 It calls for repentance in the body of Christ.

 It calls for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

 It calls for discipline and true holiness, not religioisity.

Will you be an anointed or carnal Christian?

I have noticed that:

 Anointed Folks always put others before themselves.

 Anointed Folks are always in a state of self-examination.

 Anointed folks are diligent not disobedient to God’s word.

 Anointed folks are disciples of Jesus, not destroyers of the Body.

 Anointed Folks commend others on what they do right, not criticize what they do wrong.

 Anointed Folks have a river of joy rather than a stagnant pool of judgement.

 Anointed folks are always looking for the best, instead of expecting the worst.

 Anointed folks encourage others to greatness rather than condemn them to insignificance.

 Anointed folks are developers of people not destroyers.

 Anointed folks love people into conviction rather than beat them into condemnation.

 Anointed folks free people from sin instead of putting them into more bondage.

Will you be an anointed or carnal?