Paul has talked about lying, anger, work, giving, and now he is going to talk about words, all these things are practical things, things we deal with everyday, Paul is going to show us how to deal with them in the correct way!!
Ephesians 4:29-Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
We are made in the likeness of God, and God uses speech to communicate to mankind, matter of a fact, it was speech that made the world come into existence!
And God said, Let there be light!
And God said, And God said, And God said….
How does John reveal who Jesus is…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
One major area of breakdown in marriages and families today is communication.
A guy is in court and the bailiff says, “Do you swear…” and the man stops him and says, “No, but I know all the words!”
We know all the words, evil words, profane words, obscene words, rude and objectionable words, insulting words, hurtful words, careless words, unwholesome words.
Paul is literally saying, "Let no rotten words come out of your mouths."
That covers the whole range of evil speech, from vile obscenities to idle rumors and careless gossip.
You wouldn't run people down with your car, but are you willing or have you…Run people down, with your mouth, with your words?
You can‘t put on Christ while at the same time not changing the way you talk!
We know that word of mouth can build a business up or tear a business down, it can add people to a church or keep from a church, it can build up a person reputation or destroy a person’s reputation.
Its not enough just to stop talking dirty, we must do something useful with our speech.
Here are some examples of things we say to our children, or spouse, or a love one: "Can't you do anything right?" "What's wrong with you?"
"You'll never learn." "You're always breaking something."
"Oh, just let me do it."
Here are some examples of encouraging words: "That's it!" "I know how worked hard today." "I'm very proud of you.” "Now you've figured it out."
"You are very good at that." "That's the way!"
"You are doing a good job." "Good thinking."
I want you to think about the words you used this past week.
How often did you use your words to tear others down, to degrade others and to unfairly criticize them?
How often did you use ungracious words or unkind words?
Either the old self rules or the new self rules!
Either the flesh is in control or the spirit is in control!
Button up your lip securely
Against the words that bring a tear,
But be swift with words of comfort,
Words of praise, and words of cheer.
