Sermon Outline By Brian A. Yeager

"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

Refrain [Keep] Your Tongue From Evil | Sermon Outline By Brian A. Yeager

Refrain [Keep] Your Tongue From Evil
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I. Introduction:

A. The word of God says to control our tongues (James 1:26).

  1. Self-control is a part of growth (II Peter 1:5-6) that eventually should be mastered (Titus 2:2).
  2. Temperance is fruit that comes from being spiritually minded (Galatians 5:22-23).
B. Understanding that words are brought into judgment (Proverbs 13:2-3 and Matthew 12:36-37).
  1. What type of person is snared by their words (Proverbs 12:13)?
  2. Think before you speak (Proverbs 15:28, Proverbs 29:11, and Proverbs 29:20).
  3. Much talking equals many opportunities to say the wrong thing (Proverbs 10:19).
  4. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

II. Body: Psalms 34:12-15 and I Peter 3:8-12

A. The word of God broadly tells us to let no corrupt communication come out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29). Consider a few specifics we know clearly…
  1. Don’t lie, speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25).
  2. Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain (Deuteronomy 5:11).
  3. Don’t blaspheme [slander; railing; reproach] (Colossians 3:8, Titus 3:2, and James 3:9-10).
  4. Don’t bear false witness (Romans 13:9).
  5. Don’t swear or take oaths (Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12).
  6. Don’t strive not about words to no profit (II Timothy 2:14).
  7. Don’t be a constant murmurer [complainer] (Philippians 2:14-16).
  8. Don’t be a talebearer (Proverbs 11:13).
  9. Jesting [witticism], foolish talking, filthiness [obscenity] (Ephesians 5:3-4).
B. A clear and concise guide of what to say is the word of God (I Peter 4:11).
  1. Whatsoever… in word or deed (Colossians 3:16-17).
  2. Jesus left us a great example to follow (I Peter 2:21-23).
C. Thinking about what people hear us say (Colossians 4:5-6 and Titus 2:7-8).
  1. To return to an earlier point, speech that is edifying to the hearer (Ephesians 4:29; cf. Romans 14:19, Romans 15:2,, etc.).
  2. Whether it is lawful or not, is it expedient and edifying (I Corinthians 10:23)?
  3. Think about how some might be waiting for you to say something that they could use to discredit you (Mark 12:13; cf. Psalms 37:30-32 and Psalms 39:1-2).
D. There are things which people often think are evil words, that are not so. We have to be careful not to condemn someone wrongly (John 7:24 and James 4:11-12).
  1. We cannot condemn sexual talk (Proverbs 5:18-20, Song of Solomon 7:1-10, and Ezekiel 23:17-20).
  2. We cannot condemn euphemisms (Genesis 4:1, Genesis 38:9, Deuteronomy 23:1, Deuteronomy 25:11, I Corinthians 7:3, and Philippians 3:8).
  3. Some so-called “bad words” as seen in the world actually have appropriate meanings (I Samuel 25:22, Isaiah 36:12, Jeremiah 2:23-24, Mark 16:16, Hebrews 12:8, and Revelation 1:18). *Not a complete list by any means.
  4. There is also a time to call people things that may easily be perceived as offensive (Proverbs 12:1, Ezekiel 16:28, Matthew 7:1-6, Matthew 17:17, Mark 8:33, Matthew 23:33, Galatians 3:1-3, etc.).

III. Conclusion: Remember to think before you speak (Ecclesiastes 5:2) and to use self-control (I Corinthians 9:24-27).

© 1999-2022 Brian A. Yeager