Title: Setting an example through our speech
Text:
1 Timothy 4:12; Matt 5:18
1TI 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Introduction
Paul told Timothy not to let anyone look down at his youthfullness and for him to do that, he must in speech show an example to others.
The bible in Matt 5:18 says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The real you are found in your speech. The words you used and the content of your conversation will caused others to think badly or highly of you.
That is why in order to rise up to a new level of respectability we need to conquer the evil of the tongue and put it to death.
1. To put the tongue to death we need to change the Heart. (Matt 5:18)
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
- If you heart is filled with bitterness – Your speech will show that bitterness.
- If your heart is filled with criticisms – Your speech will naturally be critical. Have you been with such a person before? Such a person has something to criticise against everything and everyone.
- If your heart is filled with rejection – Your speech will reflect that sense of rejection.
To conquer the evil of the tongue, you need to have a change of heart.
2. Start recognizing speech, which are potent.
The bible speaks strongly against speech, which are potent.
Colossians 3:8-9 (KJV)
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
a.
- The vulgar tongue (Ephesians 4:29, Col 3:8) (KJV uses the word corrupt)
- The lying tongue (Col 3:9)
- The gossipy tongue (Prov 18:8)
- The slandering tongue (
- The flattering tongue
- The critical tongue
- The angry tongue
3. Speak edification and not destruction (Proverbs 18:21)
Words are powerful. They either encourage or devastate a person. That is why some words stick in your mind long after the incident and it affects you.
In your speech be guided by one general principle:
Am I edifying? Ephesians 4:29
- Name-calling
- Jokes that are carried out too far
- Exaggerations
- Rubbing salt in a wound
Are you rude in your speech towards your parents?
Conclusion
