How to Make our Speech God-Glorifying   BAC - vph August 2003

I. To a large extent, our speech simply reflects who we are. 

As we grow in godliness, our speech will become more godly.  What we think, greatly influences what we say.

Matthew 12:34 - You brood of vipers, how can you being evil, speak what is good?  For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart  (seat of decision making).  The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

II. Run Your Speech Through Good Filters

A. Filter of Edification

Hebrews 10:23-25 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Eph 4:25 - Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

B. Filter of Evangelism

C. Filter of Pleasing God, not man   Pr 29:25 - The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted

III. Switch out Bad Filters      

A. Make myself feel important B. Entertain myself  C. Make myself feel good D. Others 

Verses to Ponder  

Need for sensitivity to one another before speaking

Proverbs 15:1 - Harsh words stir up strife

Proverbs 12:8 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing

Proverbs 18:19 - A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city and contentions are like the bars of a castle

2 Timothy 4:2 Reprove and rebuke with great patience (endurance/steadfastness/long suffering) and instruction

The tremendous value of instruction and reproof

Proverbs 5:5 But he who regards reproof is prudent

Proverbs 5:31 He whose ear listens to the life giving reproof will dwell among the wise

Proverbs 2:2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept instruction, that you may be wise the rest of your days

Discussion Questions

1. What are the situations that seem to give rise to you saying things you wish you did not?

2. What can you do to be more effective at edifying others? 

3. What does "speaking the truth in love" look like?

4. How do friendships facilitate "speaking the truth in love?"

5. How do you deliver a message that may be difficult for the recipient to hear in a way that a)is clear enough to make the point b) doesn't blow away the other person

6.  Will people always react positively to when the truth is shared with them?

7. Why do people often find it difficult to receive challenging input?  How do you feel when you're "reproved?"

8. Have you changed over time?

9. In the body, what should one do if they're feeling that someone "disapproves of something we're doing?"

10. Why does a single negative remark have such a detrimental impact on us when a positive remark may only have a marginal difference?

11. What are signs that we value input from other believers?

12. Is all input good?  What should you do if you don't agree with someone's input (in the body) that you've received?

13. What are some "bad filters" that you're tempted to put on?