A Foundation for Words: Bad Words - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) series recap (2) words to avoid (cf. “Christmas Story” movie)

Categories

1. Contentious speech (26:21): (1) words that stir up, look for opp’s to argue (2) contrarian, caring too much about non-important things, confusing fact and opinion (3) strategy → slowing down before speaking, assessing motivation, appreciating other viewpoints
2. Perverse speech (4:24): (1) words that distort truth → “crooked” (cf. 3:5-6) (2) false ideas,
approving/minimizing/justifying sin, rejecting scripture (3) strategy → God knows me best, in my flesh I accommodate myself, guarding our minds, who/what will we choose to be influenced by
3. Flattering speech (26:28): (1) using words to be liked/accepted/advanced (i.e. not genuine) (2) flirting, people-pleasing, puffing up apart from merit (3) strategy → identity comes from acceptance in Christ, are my words motivated by wanting to be like or genuine encouragement
4. Insensitive speech (26:18-19): (1) attempts at humor/attention that are inappropriate (2)
making someone the butt of a joke, embarrassing, embellishing, “just joking” (3) possible to be too sensitive (4) strategy → be aware of insecurities, how can I make this person feel valuable
5. Slandering speech (11:13): (1) sharing what shouldn’t be shared, defaming (2) breaking
confidence, “prayer request” disguise, involving someone disconnected (cf. 26:17), grounded in revenge/jealousy/pride (3) strategy → foster relationship with those different from you
6. Boastful speech (27:1-2): (1) being too presumptuous, drawing attention to oneself (2) ensuring others aware of accomplishments, over-reliance on plans/goals, parenting (3) strategy → reject incessant activity, use self-deprecating humor


Conclusion: (1) harmful speech separates us from God (cf. Mt. 12:36) (2) one description of Jesus is perfect speech (cf. 1 Peter 2:22) (3) Jesus alone offers freedom from slavery to harmful speech