The Christian’s Speech

Ephesians 4:29

Introduction

1. Our text today appears in a context describing how we ought to walk since we were called to Christ.

a. The Christian’s life is to be radically changed from the way that he or she once lived while in the world.

b. The new man in Christ is to be guided by the Spirit who revealed the divine word that we must live by.

2. Unholy and ungodly behavior grieves the Holy Spirit who dwells within us as a seal of our redemption.

a. Among this hurtful conduct is lewdness, greed, lying, persistent anger, stealing, and bitterness.

b. This study will focus upon verse twenty-nine’s instruction regarding what our speech ought to be.

I.      Its Perverted Use

A.          Idle Speech

1.   Even the most disciplined individual may struggle at times with his speech. Jas. 3:2-10

a)       Though small, the tongue can do incredible damage and cause great pain and problems.

b)       It is a fire that is set, so it seems, by hell itself to defile the rest of our body.

2.   Even the careless words we speak will be accounted for in Judgment. Mt. 12:36-37

a)       Our speech reflects the influences that have been exerted upon our heart. Mt. 12:35

b)       This ought to make us careful in what we are willingly exposed to. (e.g. TV, movies, books)

3.   Jesus’ warning in Matthew twelve goes beyond merely what is vulgar or false.

a)       Idle talk includes a wide variety of speech that is displeasing to God.

b)       Some forms of unholy speech may be easily dealt with, but others may hit closer to home.

B.          Varieties of Abuses

1.   Lying

a)       Lying and falsehood is incompatible with the religion of Christ. Eph. 4:25

b)       What the world dismisses as a harmless white lie is judged by God to be dishonest.

c)       God will not make distinctions in types of lies or liars in Judgment. Re. 21:8

d)       Lying seems so benign, but it is included with all kinds of vicious and immoral wickedness.

2.   Gossip

a)       Gossip is unquestionably an idle form of speech that is very hurtful to others. Pr. 16:27-28

b)       Whispering and backbiting are characteristic of the evil that is in the world. (cf. Ro. 1:29-30)

c)       Many passages condemn evil and malicious speech. Eph. 4:31 (cf. Jas. 4:11; 2Pe. 2:1)

d)       Gossip is contrary to the positive use and purpose of our speech discussed in Eph. 4:29.

3.   Profanity and Vulgarity

a)       The New Testament expressly condemns the use of filthy language. Co. 3:8

b)       Words that are vulgar and profane ought not to have any place in the Christian’s vocabulary.

c)       Some speech is inappropriate for the Christian because it displays irreverence towards God.

¨     E.g. God, Jesus Christ, Oh Lord, Oh my God, Gosh, Gee, Golly, etc.

d)       If idle speech is condemned one wonders whether euphemisms are any better than profanity.

¨     E.g. Darn, Shoot, Heck, Dadgummit, or any irreverent and thoughtless exclamation

e)       Jesus condemns idle language, not just a list of words that we can manipulate to avoid.

¨     E.g. The Pharisaic manipulation of OT teaching regarding oaths (cf. Mt. 23:16-22)

f)        Christians ought to strive to be aware and in control of what they say at all times.

4.   Crude and Off-color Speech

a)       The Christian has no use for language that is crude, suggestive, or off-color. Eph. 5:3-4

b)       Filthy and foolish talk is condemned together with the practice of fornication!

c)       These phrases, discussions, and jokes are not fitting for a Christian, but thanksgiving is.

5.   Name Calling

a)       We’re not criticizing righteous denunciations of the wicked. Am. 4:1; Lk. 3:7; Mt. 23:14ff

b)       Jesus warns us not to vent our anger by calling people names. Mt. 5:22

c)       Would Jesus prefer terms like idiot, moron, or turkey to Raca or Fool?

II.    Its Proper Use

A.          Edification

1.   Our text in Ephesians four recommends speech that “is good for edification.”

a)       Edification refers to building up and strengthening something. (E.g. edifice)

b)       Edification is not the same as exhortation or encouragement though it may involve both.

2.   Our aim in our speech should be to edify the listener and draw them closer to God. Co. 4:2-6

a)       We are not seeking to build up their self-esteem, but their faith and knowledge of God.

b)       Our speech may not always please others or be easy to hear, but it should be useful.

3.   Our text refers to edification that is necessary or needful at the moment.

a)       Sometimes it is necessary for a person to first be rebuked in order to be properly edified.

b)       We will have to speak truths at times that are painful to say or hear. 2Ti. 4:2

B.          Silence is Sometimes Sinful

1.   Just because our speech is not vulgar does not mean that it is what pleases God.

a)       When something needs to be said and we don’t say it, it is just as bad as speaking evil!

b)       Silence is not always golden; sometimes it can be sinful. Ezek. 33:8; Jas. 4:17

2.   Eli the priest was condemned by God for failing to restrain his sons. 1Sa. 2:29; 3:13

a)       Eli’s sons were extremely wicked and had no reverence for God. 1Sa. 2:12-17

b)       Eli expressed regret over their wickedness, but it was too little too late. 1Sa. 2:22-25

3.   We don’t do the wicked any favors when we remain silent in the face of their sin.

a)       John the Baptist openly confronted Herod because of his wickedness. (cf. Lk. 3:19-20)

b)       We don’t have to seek opportunities to condemn, but we must not shrink when they come.

III.  Its Ultimate Purpose

A.          Give Grace to the Hearer

1.   Grace is a gift that benefits the recipient and brings him joy.

a)       The term is used in various ways in the New Testament.

b)       It can refer to the beauty of one’s speech, not in its eloquence but in its purity.

2.   When our speech is free of sinful offense and aimed at edification, it will be full of grace.

B.          Speech That Glorifies God

1.   Ultimately we should strive to glorify God with the words that we speak.

a)       By keeping our speech free of lies, gossip, irreverence, vulgarity, and hate

b)       By shaping our words so as to make the most of every spiritual opportunity we are given

c)       By never remaining silent when words of truth need to be said

2.   Such speech will be a blessing to those around us.

a)       It will encourage the weak, comfort the grieving, and warn those in jeopardy.

b)       It will disperse the knowledge of God’s salvation to others.

Conclusion

1. Earlier in Ephesians four, Paul discussed what was necessary to cause the church to grow. Eph. 4:15

a. We must SPEAK – we cannot remain silent about the Lord and still please Him

b. We must speak the TRUTH – our words must not be tainted by sin and error

c. We must speak the truth in LOVE – our motive must be the edification and salvation of others

2. Our prayer ought to be for holiness both without and within. Ps. 19:14

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