(Audio/Video/Text)
Title: The Power of Unique Precision Language
Intro:
This single verse is so unique in a Greek langauage sense because Paul identifies three things that we ought to avoid, but he chooses his words execptionally carefully, and we know this because Paul, who wrote 2/3rds of the NT, uses three words that we are going to study today, that appear nowhere else in Scripture.
“…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”
When we were last in Ephesians two weeks ago, we began having this discussion about how difficult this section of Paul’s writing can be when we use it as we should. The easy thing to do, the far too often application that comes from passages like this, which remind us of the things that Christians ought not practice, is to use this passage like a mirror that we hold out to the world and say, “See! you ought not to do these ugly things, for they dishonor God!”
But the mature Christian does the much more difficult thing, and turns the mirror of scripture upon themselves and asks: “In what ways am I guilty of these sins?”
Let’s pray
Alternate English Translations:
NKJV: neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks
NIV: Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
NASB: and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
Greek Study: “filthiness/obsenity”
aischrotēs (ahee-skhrot’-ace)
Definition: filthy, baseness, dishonor
This word only occurs this one time in the NT, but it’s base word (aischros) occurs five times, each translated as “shame.”
In short, what this means is that there are things are things that ought to cause us shame, but for most, they don’t.
Where do we most often see this?
- Humor (internet, stand up comedy, TV/film) *we will dig into this more shortly
- Gossip/Slander/Name Calling
- Lack of Modesty in Dress
- Others?
Greek Study: “foolish talking”
mōrologia (mo-rol-og-ee’-ah)
Definition: foolish talking
Again, this is the ONLY occurrence of this word in the NT.
This is actually a Greek compound word from a greek word meaning “silly talk” and another greek word meaning “buffoonery”
Where do we see this most often?
- In young children
- In adults that don’t want to think seriously (usually because they are consumed with trivial things)
- In people who’s egos are out of control
Greek Study: “coarse jesting”
eutrapelia (yoo-trap-el-ee’-ah)
Definition: pleasantry, humor, facetiousness in a bad sense, low jesting
Again, this is the only occurrence of this word in the NT
It is also a compound word from a Greek word meaning “ready to joke” and “vulgar”
PB’s definition: making an easy joke for the lowest common denominator, toilet humor, Pure ID, second grade humor, Howard Stern*
Two Huge Questions for Consideration:
- Why do we participate in these three things (obscenity, foolish talking, coarse jokes)?
- What should we do instead?
Why do we (Christians) often find ourselves involved in these things?
(obscenity, foolish talking, coarse jokes)
- We don’t want to be seen as prudish
- We are different with believers than we are with secular friends
- We say, “I’m not going to get worked up over these little things, it’s no big deal, it doesn’t really mean anything.”
- Others?
What Should We Do Instead?
“…but rather giving of thanks.”
How we use our mouths and bodies OUGHT to direct praise, thankfulness, and appreciation to the ONE TRUE GOD.
But often we use our speech, and our bodies, to amplify OURSELVES; by making shocking jokes, wearing shocking clothes, involving ourselves in shocking activities, all of which draw attention to us and not to God.
How is giving thanks the remedy for these three sins?
When we give thanks we direct our actions to Praising God.
Does this mean I can’t make a joke or laugh?