A Christian’s Speech
Introduction: I
would imagine that if you asked the residents of almost any town
whether they believe the Bible is indeed the word of God, most
would say "yes." Yet, it is easy to see that their belief does
not affect how they live daily. This is most evident in people's
speech. Many believe there is nothing wrong with lying or taking
God's name in vain, to name just a few examples. But what about
the Christian? What should characterize his or her speech? It's
to those questions in particular that we now turn our
attention.
1.
Christian Speech Should Be
Truthful
a. Titus 1:2 informs us that God cannot lie. Paul
instructed the Christians in Ephesus to be imitators of God.
Therefore, we, as His children, are to be those who speak the
truth.
b. Our speech reveals who we are truly following.
Notice Christ's words in John 8:44. Those who lie are actually
following the devil, not God.
c. Those of us who desire a heavenly home would
do well to heed Revelation 22:14-15. How much does heaven mean
to you?
d. Speaking the truth is especially important
when we discuss brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:25).
Thus, being a new person created according to God, “speak the
truth” signifies continual, habitual action. Can you imagine if
the parts of your physical body lied to one another? What if
your tongue told your stomach that what it had tasted was good
when, in reality, it was poisoned? The body wouldn't survive
that for long. When honesty is not practiced in the body of
Christ, but rather lies and deception are, harm and division
will follow.
e. Speaking the truth means keeping our promises
whenever possible (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). It is better not to
make a vow than to make one and fail to keep it. Christians
today should be known as people who keep their word.
2.
Christian Speech Should Be Godly.
a. Ephesians 4:29 speaks of corrupt, rotten
language. Recall that what comes out of your mouth indicates
what's in your heart (Matthew 15:18): “But the things which
proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a
man.” If Christ indeed dwells in our hearts by faith, our speech
should reflect that fact.
b. Our ungodly speech can lead to more
ungodliness (James 3:5-6). The reverse is also true. “A word
fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”
(Proverbs 25:11). Our words can uplift others and strengthen
them (Ephesians 4:29).
c. How do we, as Christians, ensure our speech is
godly? We must continually focus on what is godly (Philippians
4:8-9). True and upright—everything that stands in opposition to
lies and falsehood. “Noble"—honorable; dignified.
"Just"—righteous, right with God and men. “Pure"—innocent; free
from shame. “Lovely"—worthy, pleasant; agreeable. “Good
report"—having a good reputation. "Virtue"—moral excellence.
"Praiseworthy"—worthy of praise. We must eliminate anything from
our minds that is not deserving of being there. We must not
allow anything to dwell in our minds that does not belong there.
d. How do we discern what is godly and what is
not? By studying the Word! (2 Timothy 3:16-17) His Word helps us
to discern between right and wrong, good and evil. We should
approve the things that are excellent (Philippians 1:10). We
must use the filter of God's Word to take captive thoughts that
may lead to ungodly speech (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We must
capture and expel sinful thoughts before they lead to sinful
speech.
Invitation/Conclusion:
A Christian’s speech is vital to his eternal
destiny (Matthew 12:34-37). Some here today, who are part of the
body of Christ, may need to have their speech purified—repent
and ask God for forgiveness.
February, 2025
Sermon prepared
by Bobby Stafford
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford
The church of
Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more
lessons and Sermons, please visit
https://granbychurchofchrist.org/
https://granbychurchofchrist.com/
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