Guarding Our Words: The Sin of Speaking Evil
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into James 4:11-12, focusing on the theme of "Acceptable Sins." We explored how our culture, and sometimes even the church, has normalized certain behaviors that God clearly defines as sin. Specifically, we examined the sin of speaking evil against one another. This passage from James is straightforward: "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters." This command is not just a suggestion but a divine mandate that we must take seriously.
We began by defining what "acceptable" means and how it often leaves room for disagreement. However, when it comes to God's commands, there is no room for debate. God's way is the only acceptable way. We then broke down the phrase "speak evil against" from its original Greek, revealing that it means to weaponize our words against others. This is not just a bad habit but a sin rooted in selfishness and a judgmental heart.
We discussed how harmful words can destroy our witness to a watching world. When we speak ill of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are essentially standing in judgment over God's law, which is a serious offense. Our words should instead be gifts that build others up and reflect God's grace.
Finally, we emphasized that God will have the final say. There is only one lawgiver and judge, and it is not us. We must be careful with our words, ensuring they are life-giving rather than destructive. If we have spoken evil against someone, we need to seek reconciliation. If someone has spoken evil against us, we must not retaliate but follow the biblical steps for resolution.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Commands Are Non-Negotiable: When God gives a command, there is no room for personal interpretation or cultural adaptation. His way is the only acceptable way, and we must align our lives accordingly. This is a life-giving truth that brings clarity and direction to our spiritual journey. [39:03]
2. Weaponizing Words Is a Sin: Speaking evil against others is not just a bad habit but a sin rooted in selfishness and a judgmental heart. The Greek term "kataleo" means to weaponize words, turning them into tools of harm. This behavior is fundamentally opposed to the love and grace God calls us to exhibit. [42:22]
3. Harmful Words Destroy Our Witness: When we speak ill of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we undermine our witness to the world. Our actions should reflect the transformative power of God's love, not contradict it. A watching world is confused when our words and actions don't align with our professed faith. [01:03:32]
4. Reconciliation Is Essential: If we have spoken evil against someone, we must seek reconciliation. This involves acknowledging our sin, asking for forgiveness, and making amends. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5 and 18 provide a clear roadmap for resolving conflicts in a godly manner. [01:06:25]
5. God Will Have the Final Say: Ultimately, there is only one lawgiver and judge, and it is not us. We must be mindful that our words and actions will be judged by God. This should instill a sense of humility and responsibility in how we interact with others, ensuring our words are life-giving and grace-filled. [01:05:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:21] - Biblical Citizenship Class Announcement
[34:03] - Survey of Acceptable Behaviors
[36:52] - Introduction to James 4:11-12
[37:37] - Defining Acceptable Sins
[39:03] - God's Commands Are Non-Negotiable
[42:22] - Weaponizing Words Is a Sin
[50:20] - Practical Examples of Weaponizing Words
[01:03:32] - Harmful Words Destroy Our Witness
[01:06:25] - Reconciliation Is Essential
[01:09:17] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[01:12:12] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- James 4:11-12
- Matthew 5:23-24
- Ephesians 4:29
### Observation Questions
1. What does James 4:11-12 command us not to do, and what are the consequences of disobeying this command? [39:42]
2. According to the sermon, what does the Greek term "kataleo" mean, and how does it relate to speaking evil against others? [44:54]
3. In Ephesians 4:29, what kind of talk are we instructed to avoid, and what should our words aim to do instead? [53:18]
4. What steps does Matthew 5:23-24 outline for someone who realizes they have wronged a brother or sister? [01:06:25]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that God's commands are non-negotiable, and how does this principle apply to the way we use our words? [39:03]
2. How does weaponizing words reflect a judgmental heart, and why is this considered a serious sin according to the sermon? [42:22]
3. What impact do harmful words have on our witness to the world, and why is this particularly damaging for Christians? [01:03:32]
4. How does the concept of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24 align with the sermon's message about seeking forgiveness and making amends? [01:06:25]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you spoke negatively about someone. How did it affect your relationship with that person and your own spiritual well-being? What steps can you take to seek reconciliation? [01:06:25]
2. Think about your daily conversations. Are there specific situations where you are tempted to weaponize your words? How can you consciously choose to speak life-giving words instead? [42:22]
3. How can you ensure that your words build others up and reflect God's grace, especially in challenging situations? Can you think of a recent example where you succeeded or failed in this? [53:18]
4. If someone has spoken evil against you, how can you follow the biblical steps for resolution outlined in Matthew 18? What might be the first step you need to take? [01:07:49]
5. How does understanding that God will have the final say in judgment influence the way you interact with others? How can this perspective help you cultivate humility and responsibility in your speech? [01:05:02]
6. Identify one person you have spoken negatively about in the past. What specific actions can you take this week to make amends and restore that relationship? [01:06:25]
7. How can you create a habit of speaking words of life and encouragement in your family, workplace, or church community? What practical steps can you implement to make this a consistent practice? [01:12:12]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Commands Are Non-Negotiable
God's commands are clear and non-negotiable. When God gives a command, it is not open to personal interpretation or cultural adaptation. His way is the only acceptable way, and we must align our lives accordingly. This truth brings clarity and direction to our spiritual journey, helping us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Understanding that God's commands are non-negotiable helps us to navigate the complexities of life with a firm foundation in His Word. It is a life-giving truth that brings clarity and direction to our spiritual journey. [39:03]
Deuteronomy 30:16 (ESV): "If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it."
Reflection: What is one command from God that you find challenging to follow? How can you take a step today to align your life more closely with this command?
Day 2: Weaponizing Words Is a Sin
Speaking evil against others is not just a bad habit but a sin rooted in selfishness and a judgmental heart. The Greek term "kataleo" means to weaponize words, turning them into tools of harm. This behavior is fundamentally opposed to the love and grace God calls us to exhibit. When we weaponize our words, we are not only hurting others but also standing in judgment over God's law. Our words should be used to build others up and reflect God's grace, not to tear them down. [42:22]
Proverbs 12:18 (ESV): "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you may have used your words to harm rather than heal. How can you seek to make amends and use your words to build up instead?
Day 3: Harmful Words Destroy Our Witness
When we speak ill of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we undermine our witness to the world. Our actions should reflect the transformative power of God's love, not contradict it. A watching world is confused when our words and actions don't align with our professed faith. Harmful words can destroy our witness and make it difficult for others to see the love of Christ in us. It is essential that our words and actions consistently reflect the grace and love of God. [01:03:32]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent interactions with others. Are there any instances where your words may have contradicted your witness for Christ? How can you ensure your words align with your faith?
Day 4: Reconciliation Is Essential
If we have spoken evil against someone, we must seek reconciliation. This involves acknowledging our sin, asking for forgiveness, and making amends. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5 and 18 provide a clear roadmap for resolving conflicts in a godly manner. Reconciliation is not just about restoring relationships but also about aligning our hearts with God's will. It is essential for maintaining unity within the body of Christ and for our own spiritual growth. [01:06:25]
Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV): "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to seek reconciliation with today? What steps can you take to begin the process of making amends and restoring the relationship?
Day 5: God Will Have the Final Say
Ultimately, there is only one lawgiver and judge, and it is not us. We must be mindful that our words and actions will be judged by God. This should instill a sense of humility and responsibility in how we interact with others, ensuring our words are life-giving and grace-filled. Recognizing that God will have the final say helps us to live with a sense of accountability and reverence, knowing that our actions and words are seen and judged by Him. [01:05:02]
James 4:12 (ESV): "There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Reflection: How does knowing that God is the ultimate judge influence the way you speak and act towards others? What changes can you make today to ensure your words and actions are pleasing to Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When God gives a position, when God gives a command, or when God gives a instruction, there is just one position that's acceptable. And that's His. And that's especially important to understand that when our way and when God's way, when they're not exactly correct. We always defer to God. Amen? That's how this works. And that is a life-giving truth." [39:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Never weaponize your word because it's an action that is steeped in the sin of selfishness. I'll bet you never thought of it that way before because truthfully, I really hadn't a lot in my life either. Thought of this passage in that way that the reason for this is not just because it's a bad thing to speak bad about other people, right? Although it is, without question. But the reason and the purpose goes much deeper than just it's not a good idea." [50:20] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our words instead should be gifts, carrying God's grace, nourishing, as it says, nourishing with God's grace into the lives of others by what? By building them up. So when this talks about here, why is this such a, a big deal? Why is it, what does it mean? That's what it means." [54:54] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we love each other, when we speak words of life, words of encouragement, words of grace, we treat each other with grace like God treats us. When we're honest with each other, when we're committed to speak into people's lives and not about people, that's weird. And a watching world sees what's happening and they take notice when God's love is on display. And friend, that is a play. Of blessing." [01:05:02] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Speaking evil of someone might feel like an acceptable sin, but friends, as your heads bowed, as your eyes closed, I assure you it's not. Maybe someone's talked to you in this way, or you have said something else to someone else. I want to encourage you as the band plays in a moment to make a commitment to God to either go to someone, make it right, or to say, God, I'm going to do this when I can, as soon as I can. But God, I want to this morning commit, Lord, to not speak words of death, but Lord, speak words of life." [01:10:38] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What James is driving home, there's never an acceptable time to speak about a brother or sister in Christ to weaponize your words publicly or privately, whether you know them or not in a way that's harmful to them. And you, the speaker, are the one who owns the words. That's really important to understand." [51:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Harmful words destroy our witness to a watching world. Again, note in the text, it says, the one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. Think about this this morning. When you start talking to people, you start talking to them, you start talking about your brother or sister in this manner. What you're doing is you're standing in condemnation of the law of God." [01:00:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're sinning, and I say that on purpose because it's true, if you're sinning by speaking evil against a brother or sister in Christ, know this, God will have the final say. It's just true. That's what the word tells us. That's what we know is true. Friend, if this is a practice in your life, you are in sin. At the very least, you are being harmed spiritually." [01:06:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have someone who has spoken evil against you and you know it. Someone's, said about you, it's terrible and it's awful and it's heartbreaking and it's what you want to pull away. You want to ply into a closet and you want to run away. You want to say, this is why I hate people, right? Because they're always saying stuff about me and I, this is what I want to do. No, no, no, no. That's not what you do. Don't take the bait. Don't return evil with evil." [01:07:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you trust Jesus for your salvation, he forgives and he washes the account, the account clean. And when God looks at your account, you know all the, there's a long list of, of, of things there. But when you look, when God looks at it, all he sees is Jesus and his blood and his forgiveness is cleansing power. Someone this morning, give God some praise because that's what he has done." [01:10:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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