How Important are Careless Words?
Matthew 12:22-37
Intro:
1. ILL: Listening to the truck driver on the CB.
2. The guy probably considered himself a Christian, but his vulgarity was careless words!
4. What do you need to know about careless words?
I. Words are Important
A. Words are more powerful than you think!
1. Why is this true?
a. The accumulation of the things you choose to hold in your mind eventually become who you are.
b. Words are the vehicles you use to transmit what’s in your brain to someone else’ brain.
c. You influence who someone else becomes by the words you continually transmit to them.
2. Words have power. II Pet 2:18 - For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.
a. People have become great heroes of God by the encouraging words of those they respect.
b. People have committed suicide by the discouraging influential words of others.
B. Words for good.
1. Singing with thanksgiving to one another. Eph 5:19-20 - Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Encouraging one another. I Thess 4:18 - Therefore encourage each other with these words.
C. Words for evil.
1. We can get so hung up on debating issues of doctrinal interpretation that we can neglect the more important issues of faith, love & godly living!
2. I Tim 6:4-5 - He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind.
3. II Tim 2:14 - Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
II. Words are an Indicator of What’s Inside
A. v22-32 - What’s the Unpardonable Sin?
1. Here was a man who was possessed by a demon & couldn’t speak or see.
2. Jesus drove out the demon & healed him. He was delivered from Satanic bondage.
3. This was a miracle where the Holy Spirit overpowered Satan’s stronghold!
4. The Unpardonable Sin is the refusal to accept the Lord regardless of the evidence - to have a completely closed mind to spiritual things!
5. You see this attitude all around you.
a. You talk about the Lord & someone says, “I don’t want to hear that God stuff!”
b. A person rejects the Lord based on some experience in the past they use as a smokescreen to justify their rejection. They shut their mind to your witness.
B. v33-35 - Words betray what your heart is like.
1. People don’t have to listen to you talk very long to discover your attitudes.
2. Your words betray your heart!
C. Therefore - think before you speak!
1. Prov 10:19 - When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
2. Prov 29:20 - Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
3. Eccl 10:12-13 - Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness.
III. Behavior Speaks Louder Than Words
A. Behavior backs up the words you say. I Jn 3:18 - Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
B. Behavior can be more influential than words. I Pet 3:1-2 - Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
C. Behavior gives power to the words of the gospel you present. I Thess 1:4-5 - For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
IV. What Do You Do When You Goof?
A. God’s judgment may come to you in connection with your words. Eph 5:6 - Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
B. v36-37 - At the Judgment Day, God may question you about the words you spoke.
C. So - what can you do if you’ve goofed?
1. Humble yourself! Prov 6:1-3 - if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!
2. Genuinely apologize! Matt 5:23-24 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
3. If your words have directly offended God - surrender yourself to Him as Savior & Lord!
Remember - Your words betray you!
They present you for who you really are.
So - allow Lord Jesus to penetrate your life &
clean you up -
Then your speech will honor Him!
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