Words

Words

February 24, 2019 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: Words are powerful; we must use them to build each other up.

Focus Passage: Matthew 12:34-37

Supplemental Passage: for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 NASB)

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? (James 3:8-11 NASB)

Introduction: Friday night, my wife and I were discussing what to about supper; whether or not to have leftovers, cook something, or go out. I mentioned that I had some leftover chicken and dressing for lunch. She asked me, “Was something wrong with it?” I was taken back by that question, because it was absolutely delicious. I asked her why she asked that and she replied that the way I said “chicken” sounded like it was bad or tough or something. We discussed by answer and the way I said it had unintended results. We must watch the way we speak to each other both in tone and content.

I. Words of Condemnation

a. Expressions of doubt

i. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, (James 1:6-7 NASB)

b. Expressions of negativity

i. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)

ii. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8 NASB)

c. Expressions of evil

i. "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. (Matthew 5:22 NASB)

ii. and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4 NASB)

iii. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- (Colossians 3:9-10 NASB)

II. Words of Justification

a. Expressions of faith

b. Expressions of positivity

i. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)

c. Expressions of goodness

i. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:6 NASB)

III. Words of Life

a. Expressions of Love

i. A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)

b. Expressions of Gratitude

c. Expressions of Encouragement

i. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)

Application/Invitation: Now that you know you will be condemned or justified by your words, how will you speak differently? How will you speak differently during an argument? When you’re angry? When you’re disappointed?