(Audio/Video/Text)
Title: Put on/Put Off Part Four: Right Speech
Intro:
Tell me things in your life that you can simultaneously love and hate. (For me: Browns games, working out, Hospice work…and…THIS sermon.)
(read/pray)
Notable English Translation Differences:
NASB: Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
NIV: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
RSV: Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.
(Others?)
What Can We Learn From the Greek?
(let’s take a look at one word in particular)
“Corrupt”
Greek: sapros
Definition: rotten, putrefied, corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out
of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless
Objections:
Moments of solitary anger? (hammer on thumb, browns games?)
Off color joke among friends?
Quoting someone else?
Other scenarios where Christians might defend the use of “Sapros”?
PB’s Response:
- I struggle with ALL of these.
- If Jesus were there, and you said what you said, would there be shame? If yes, then don’t say it.
- Dig into context, this verse seems to be specifically instructing us to the correct speech, as it relates to our speech about others.
- An alternative path is offered, and that is what we are going to look at next…
The Right Alternative:
“…but only (speech) as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that is may impart grace to those who hear.”
- Our speech towards others should be edifying. This does not mean it can’t be corrective, but it needs to encourage and build up as it corrects, not tear down and injure. (Avoid seeking the “pound of flesh” approach.)
- Our speech needs to “fit the occasion.” (See Matthew 7) Our speech should be dispensed in equal amount to the need, and not more or less. (example: flipping out about something small…dogs toys everywhere. Also, it can be too “light” like not addressing a situation clearly/directly and with clear expectations.)
- Our speech should impart grace. The delivery of our words needs to be LATHERED with grace.
How do we do #3?
Three thoughts:
- Think of Christ’s grace unto us before acting toward others.
- Remember your own previous sins.
- If you were being corrected, what would be the most effective way to be corrected? Do unto others…
Close and QA