God's Team Must Talk Holy
* * * READ THIS WARNING * * *
1. Satan Will Tempt You During this Lesson
When you study or teach the difference between holy and unholy talk, you yourself will be tempted to use foul or profane speech. Beware, Satan will try to use this lesson to tempt the one who studies it or the one who teaches it to speak, state, or give direct and indirect examples of unclean or blasphemous speech and therefore sin while doing so. For example, the one who teaches this lesson will be tempted to take the name of the Lord in vain, use foul or profane language, or use evil words to show others how not to do so. The one who studies this lesson will be tempted to ask questions or make statements that contain foul language or improper uses of the name of the Lord.2. There is No Liberty to Speak Improperly
Obviously, this lesson attempts to teach against bad language without using it directly or indirectly. No member of God’s team, especially the one teaching, should use this lesson to take the liberty to express bad language, either verbally or in writing. At no time or place, either publicly or privately, is it proper to use, write, or speak foul or profane language. The one who does so will bring God’s judgment upon himself. Put the greatest of restraints upon your tongue or else Satan will take advantage of you to use this as a time to make you feel free to sin in your speech. At no time do you have the liberty to state or use foul and profane language.3. There is No Liberty to Be Silly or Amused
Some will be tempted to be silly with this topic or think it is good for a few laughs. But it should be taught soberly, with all seriousness. Sinful speech is no laughing matter; it is not a subject for amusement. During this lesson, extinguish or suppress any foolhardiness and desire to be amused. Instead, enrich your speech.ENRICH YOUR SPEECH
While many teams in this world talk trash--in an unclean, unholy way--members of God’s team must be careful to speak in a clean, separate and holy way. Whether you are a new disciple or if you have been one for a while, you must take a look at every part of your own language. Our speech is a topic for serious consideration and consequence. For example, the Basic Course on the Bible for Beginners and Christians pointed out that if anyone continues in the habit of reviling others or lying, then he will not be permitted into heaven but instead he will be thrown into the lake of fire (1 Cor 6:9, 10; Re 21:7, 8). Reviling and lying are only two types of bad speech that must be overcome. There are other types of bad language that all of us must rise above. The good news is that the grace of God improves every part of our speech.“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge...” (1 Cor 1:4, 5)
One of the ways that God’s grace enriches us is in our speech. To be enriched means to be improved, enhanced, deepened, and developed in something. We know that the world is impoverished, poor, or underdeveloped in Godly speech, even if it has great material wealth. At one time, when we were of the world, we were poor in speech. Many disciples still need to improve their language in some way. Every part of our speech must be enriched by God’s grace to be Christ-like. This benefits our own selves as well as others. Obviously our tongues have been designed to affect the ears of others. When we are enriched in Christian language, then we will be able to speak gracefully to people. This fulfills God’s will as revealed in the command. “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, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Eph 4:29) Around you are the ears of all kinds of people; adults, children, friends, family, co-workers, and strangers. How can you give grace to the ears around you? Give grace to your hearers.
1. Do Not Use Bad Words [unwholesome]
Unwholesome words are bad words that cannot nourish the soul. You should not feed the ears of the people around you on bad words. “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Ps 34:13) Graceful speech is not foul; it is not flattering; it is not reviling; it is not slanderous; it is not silly; it is not blasphemous; it is not deceptive; it is not mis-leading; it is not vain or meaningless, etc. These things are evil.2. Use Good Words [good for edification]
Give them something good to swallow or chew on that is nourishing to the soul. Instead of starving or defiling people with your words, God expects you to feed people with your words. “Let all things be done for edification.” (1 Cor 14:26) Every good word is edifying. Speak good words. What’s the good word? Now there are many good words that God gave to His people for nourishment that are not positively stated; they are in the negative. Eight of the Ten Commandments are in the negative; no and not. Any good word, whether stated in the positive or in the negative, can be spoken in the mild, that is kind. But there is a time when the good word is opposing, cross, stern, or severe. For example, Samuel spoke God’s good words of opposition, severity, and rejection to King Saul (1 Sa 15:22, 23). However, King David failed to oppose one of his sons when he began to exalt himself and conspire to become king in his place (1 Ki 1:6).3. Consider the Need [according to the need]
If you really want to feed someone, use words that are appropriate for their circumstantial needs. For example, if someone around you is suffering, tell him to pray (Ja 5:13). If somebody near you is facing a great and good challenge, tell them to be strong and courageous (Josh 1:6). If someone apologizes to you, forgive him. This is how you can give grace to your hearers. Next, take a look at three common problems with speech today in the U.S.A.1. HOLY vs. VAIN or FOUL USE of GOD’S NAME
Taking the name of the Lord in vain or profaning it in any form, whether directly or indirectly with abbreviations or euphemisms, is not right, appropriate, or acceptable. Meaningless/useless (vain) or foul (profane) use of God’s name is a grave and major sin.1. Consider the Seriousness of Misusing God’s Name
It is a most serious offense for any person to use God’s name in an unholy way. It offends God, therefore it is a sin against Him. It was an offense in the Mosaic Age. Obviously it is a sin in any age.
(a) In the Ten Commandments, God Warned
People Against Misusing His Name
“You shall not take the name of the LORD
your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave
him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” (Ex 20:7)
Understand two things about this command.
First, God wrote it with His own finger. He
Himself specifically and specially chose it or
singled it out from all of His commandments,
out of all of His law, Moses’ Law, and He
personally engraved it with His own finger on
one of the two stone tablets. It is impressive
that God chose Moses to write down all the
words of the Lord. But it seems even more
impressive that God Himself first wrote this
commandment, one of Ten Commandments,
with His own finger. Second, it was listed
among sins that required the severest of
punishments. God grouped it or put it in the
same company as certain sins that still lead
to spiritual death today, sins such as murder,
lying, stealing, adultery, etc. So it was a most
serious matter, issue, and grievous offense
to say the name of the Lord in a worthless,
meaningless, useless, or unholy way. It leads
to certain punishment. God has pledged to
punish anyone who does not treat His name
as holy, sacred, and reverent in how they
use it. To understand how big a mistake it is
to misuse God’s name, think about the
severity of the punishments that were to be
given for failing to keep some of the Ten
Commandments. Remember that one of the
Ten was to not take His name in vain (Ex 20:7).
IDOLATRY–death (De 13:1-5)
SABBATH–cut off from the assembly
HONOR PARENTS–death (Ex 21:15, 17)
MURDER–death (Ex 21:12-14)
ADULTERY–death (Lev 20:10)
(b) Moses Was Punished for Not Treating God
as Holy in His Own Speech to Others
In another place, God said, “You shall not
profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified
among the sons of Israel...” (Le 22:32) But at
one time, Moses failed to set apart God as
holy in the hearing of the sons of Israel. So
God said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you
have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy
in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore
you shall not bring this assembly into the
land which I have given them.” (Nu 20:12)
To “treat Me as holy” means to sanctify His
name. The Psalmist revealed the specific
way in which Moses did not sanctify God’s
name, saying, “They also provoked Him to
wrath at the waters of Meribah, so that it
went hard with Moses on their account;
because they were rebellious against His
Spirit, he spoke rashly with his lips.” (Ps
106:32, 33) Moses said, “... shall we bring
forth water for you out of this rock?” (Nu 20:10)
QUESTIONS: Who brought forth the water?
Was it primarily Moses and Aaron? Or was it
primarily God who brought forth the water? It
was God who brought forth the water for
Israel. Moses and Aaron were secondary
ingredients, not the primary ingredients that
caused this miracle to happen. Like the staff,
Moses was simply an instrument that God
used to make it happen. So when you are
tempted or provoked to primarily express to
others your name(s), yourself(s), or your
talent(s) as holy you can expect to be
offending the God of holiness. For whose
fame, notoriety, and honor are you working?
If indeed you are doing something good for
God, who is at work within you? Is it you or
God? For whose pleasure are you primarily
working, yourself or the Lord’s? “… for it is
God who is at work in you, both to will and
to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13).
God’s primary goal is to get pleasure from
you, and not you from Him. Or else who
would be worshiping whom? Some have this
equation mixed up and out of balance. They
turn Christianity into or use it as a pleasure-
seeker kind of religion. This is self-centered,
not God-centered. Man furthers his interests
and pleasures, not the Lord’s. But God gets
pleasure from you in two basic ways:
(1) When He can use you to do some form
of His good will/work. (2) When you do not
take the credit or ignore giving the credit to
the Lord for the good will/work that He calls
you to do, but instead instantly give all the
honors, praise, thanks, and glory to God. Do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus. During any
good work, always be ready or prepared to
respond to others deflecting attention to the
One who truly deserves the credit for any
good said or done by you. People will be
tempted to initially or primarily give you the
credit for it. Beware! Give God the glory.
In Regard to His Own Talent, Joseph Quickly
Sanctified God in His Speech to Others
“They said to him, ‘We have had a dream
and there is no one to interpret it.’ Then
Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations
belong to God? Tell it to me, please.’ ”
(Ge 40:8) “Then Pharaoh sent and called for
Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out
of the dungeon; and when he had shaved
himself and changed his clothes, he came
to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have
had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and
I have heard it said about you, that when you
hear a dream you can interpret it.’ Joseph
then answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in
me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable
answer.’” (Ge 41:14-16) Like Joseph, when
tempted to take credit for your perceived
talent, even in front of the greatest worldly
men, you must say that it is in God to do
something, not yourself. “It is not in me, but
God...” “It is not in me, but God...” For further
consideration on this topic, consider Daniel
2:30; 2:20-23. What did he say that is related
to giving God and not himself the holy glory?
(c) God Warned People Not to Curse His Name
or the Name of One of His Rulers
“You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of
your people.” (Ex 22:28)
To curse means to blaspheme, speak evil of,
or revile. Job understood how serious a sin
it would be to curse God. In case his sons or
daughters may have cursed God in their
hearts, Job offered sacrifices to the Lord for
them. This he did continually (Job 1:5). David
did not curse King Saul, a ruler of God’s
people, nor did he stretch out his hand
against him, even though he was David’s
enemy (1 Sam 24:6, 10, 11; 2 Sam 1:14-16).
But consider this man’s mistake. Shimei did
not go unpunished for cursing King David, a
ruler of God’s people (2 Sam 16:5-13; 1 Ki
2:8, 9, 36-46). Jesus warns people today to
not curse the Holy Spirit, “... but whoever
blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has
forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.”
(Mk 3:29) “... blasphemy against the Spirit
shall not be forgiven... whoever speaks
against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven
him, either in this age or in the age to come.”
(Mt 12:31, 32) You most certainly must avoid
speaking against the name of the Holy Spirit.
Do not misuse any of God’s names, either
directly or indirectly.
2. Avoid Direct & Indirect Misuse of God’s Names
In everyday sayings, in everyday life, many people are in the bad habit of using the name(s) of God--Lord, Christ, Jesus, Jesus Christ, God, etc.--thoughtlessly, carelessly, as a meaningless expression, as a swear word, a curse word, or a foul word. People take the name of the Lord in vain or profane it when they suffer, get hurt, are disappointed, angry, bitter, or when they want to condemn or damn others. They misuse it when they want to take vengeance, or when they want to show disgust, swear, or use foul, filthy, or trashy language, or when they just want to express amazement, wonder, shock, surprise, or astonishment about somebody/thing. They do this in two ways or forms, either (1) directly or (2) indirectly. But in no way or form, and at no time is it right to use God’s name in an unholy way.
(a) Avoid Direct Misuse of God’s Names
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of
darkness, but instead even expose them; for
it is disgraceful even to speak of the things
which are done by them in secret.” (Eph 5:11, 12)
It is one thing to expose sin, making it
accountable to the truth, but it is another
thing to speak sin. This lesson attempts to
expose some of the sins that people have in
misusing God’s names, without imitating their
speech, without speaking sin. For that would
be disgraceful, dishonorable, and shameful.
Here is a cleaned up, disinfected, sanitized
list of some direct problems that certain
Americans have in misusing God’s name.
[The names of God have been completely
removed and blanked out from these
problem sayings as well as any reference to
foul language. Do not fill in the blanks with
God’s name or foul words.]
Important Note: Remember, this is not the time to misuse any of God’s names in a direct or indirect way, either verbally or in writing. This is not the time to bring up everything we know about how people misuse the name of the Lord. It is too difficult for most people to properly disinfect these things. For the most part, leave it unsaid. Some things are better left unsaid. Therefore, this list is intentionally left incomplete for fear of taking the name of the Lord in vain or profaning it.
(b) Avoid In-direct Misuse of God’s Names
Perhaps they think that they are being polite
well-mannered, proper, courteous, or not
rude. But when people in-directly misuse the
name of the Lord, they are still being vain or
foul. There are two ways that people
in-directly misuse God’s name, with
abbreviations and euphemisms.
1. An abbreviation is a shortening of a word
or saying to certain letters, syllables, or
consonants which means the same thing
as the original word or saying. So it is the
short cut (reduced, compact, abridged)
way or method that people use to say
something vain or foul.
2. A euphemism is the substitution of a mild,
vague, or in-direct word or saying for one
that is openly foul, profane, filthy, improper
to use, or offensively harsh or blunt. It is a
slight or major variation of a foul or profane
saying that secretly means the same thing.
Here is a cleaned up, disinfected, sanitized
list of some in-direct problems that certain
Americans have in misusing God’s name.
[The names of God have been completely
removed and blanked out from these
problem sayings as well as any reference to
foul language. Do not fill in the blanks with
God’s name or foul language.]
3. Use God’s Name in a Holy Way
Here are some proper ways to use God’s name. • In Prayer (Mt 6:9) • In Baptizing (Mt 28:19) • In Teaching (He 5:12; 6:1) • In Singing (2 Sam 22:50) • In Blessing (Ruth 2:4; Nu 6:22-27)Do not be poor or impoverished in your use of the name of the Lord. But instead enrich your use of God’s name.
2. CLEAN VS. FILTHY TALK
In a similar way that people improperly use the name of the Lord, they sin in using filthy words directly or indirectly. Profanity, obscenity, and foul language in any form, whether direct or indirect with abbreviations or euphemisms, is not appropriate or acceptable at any time.“...and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Eph 5:4)
So instead of talking trash or being a coarse comedian, you should express thanks, gratitude, and appreciation for something admirable, commendable, or worthy. Learn not to profane but to praise, honor, and applaud what is right. Filthy talk is trashy, dirty, indecent, foul, or immoral. Coarse talk is crude, vulgar, unrefined, or foul-mouthed. Without giving examples of filthy words, for no one should give examples of them, many people use them:
(a) To describe sexual relations and
reproductive organs, or the same as an
expression of disappointment or when upset,
or just as a filler word or adjective, or to
describe a person not liked or thought of as
a fool or an idiot. [What used to describe
something as not normal, a freak, is now a
euphemism to describe a certain foul word
for sexual relations.]
(b) To describe human or animal excrement,
manure, and urine and the parts that excrete,
or the same as an expression of
disappointment or when upset, or just as a
filler word or adjective, or to describe a
person not liked or thought of as a fool or
an idiot.
(c) To describe something that is broken or
goofed up.
(d) To describe or rate a situation as miserable
or lousy, with one of the words similar to
drinking from a straw.
(e) To describe anger, disgust, disappointment,
or condemnation of another by vainly
misusing Biblical words such as hell.
Do not be poor or impoverished in your speech by using any form of foul language. But instead enrich your use of clean language.
3. SOBER VS. SILLY TALK
Another major problem with people’s speech is that it can be very silly. Silly talk is not appropriate among God’s people.“...and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Eph 5:4)
So replace silly talk with thankful talk because gratefulness is edifying. Learn not to be silly but to be grateful for what is right. Silly talk is foolishness. “Foolishness [silliness] is bound up in heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.” (Pr 22:15) But it is obvious that foolishness is also united to the hearts of certain men and women who are undisciplined in sober speech. Listen to what God said about his people of old: “... Ephraim has become like a silly dove...” (Ho 7:11) “For My people are foolish... They are stupid children...” (Jer 4:22) God help us not to play the fool, in word or in deed.
1. Silliness/Foolishness Will Ruin Your Life
Consider these heavy statements on this topic.
(a) “But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin
is at hand.” (Pr 10:14) Damage is not far away,
it’s nearby; as close as your hand is to your body.
(b) “Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so
a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor.” (Ecc 10:1)
Silliness is bigger than you think.
(c) “For from within, out of the heart of men,
proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders,
adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit,
sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.
All these evil things proceed from within and defile
the man.” (Mk 7:21-23) According to Jesus, foolishness is evil
and it defiles the man. So silly speech is an evil thing and it
defiles the man. And anything that defiles the man is sin. Silly
speech then is a sin. This is a weighty matter.
2. Leading Men Must Not Be Silly Men
Leading men must be men of gravity, not levity. This is listed as one of the qualifications for oversight of a church. “... keeping his children in subjection with all gravity... ” (1 Tim 3:4 KJV)“... keeping his children under control with all dignity...” (1 Tim 3:4 NAS)
Gravity means being dignified, and being dignified is not being foolish or silly, but sensible and sober-minded. So silly, foolhardy men must not be put in charge of a church. The opposite of gravity (seriousness) is levity (jokiness). Especially before the assembly, we should be men of gravity not levity, apostles of Christ not apostles of fun, always looking to be edifying not funny or a jokester. For all disciples are taught by God to be people of gravity, dignified, and serious, older men, younger men, and women alike (Titus 2:2, 6; 1 Tim 3:11). “... be serious...” (1 Pe 4:7 NKJV) “Be sober...” (1 Pe 5:8 NKJV) “Become sober-minded as you ought...” (1 Cor 15:34)
3. Spokesmen for God Must Not Be Silly Men
Not only was the Holy Spirit serious in His speech (Ac 20:23), but Paul was called to be too. “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” (Ac 20:24)Solemnly means seriously and earnestly. Paul was not called to be silly or foolish in what he said to others, even to the lost. For example, “While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.’ ” (Ac 26:24, 25). He was not silly even with those who were lost, for Festus was lost.
4. Look to Instigate or Activate Joy vs. Comedic Laughter
Some are simply looking for the opportunity to be silly, play the fool, the idiot, the jester, be the entertainer, the clown, the humorist, or tell a joke to God’s people. This is not serious, sober, dignified, wise, or prudent speech. Is it right to play the fool, be silly, or tell a joke in a courtroom before a judge? It is not appropriate to do so, neither in the assembly of God’s people. There is a difference between being a joy and a jester, between a joyful heart and a joking heart. For a joyful heart, not a joking heart, is good medicine (Pr 17:22). Sarah’s laughter was not over a joke, she was overjoyed and amazed about something good. She enjoyed it. So the next time you want to make someone laugh with your silliness, comedy, or foolhardiness why not instead try to give them something to truly enjoy or rejoice about? “A joyful heart is good medicine.” (Pr 17:22) Raise sounds of joy (1 Chr 15:16), such as the joy of salvation (Ps 51:12) for there is rejoicing among the angels of heaven over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:7). Shout aloud for joy (Ezra 3:12). Let Your godly ones sing for joy (Ps 132:9). Sing for joy over your victories (Ps 20:5), like when the women sang for joy over David’s victory over the enemy, Goliath. Reap with joy (Ps 126:5). Talk about how to make Paul’s joy complete (Phil 2:2). Dwell on that time for everlasting, not temporary joy (Is 61:7) Joy is a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22), not silliness. Joy is gladness. Be glad. Don’t be silly. Do not be poor or impoverished in your speech by using silly or foolish language. But instead enrich your use of sober and wise language.
Here Is the Conclusion
All aspects of our speech need to be enriched by God to be Christ-like, especially our use of God’s name, clean language, and sober speech. There are many more categories or types of speech that we could study, such as spiritual vs. sensual speech, oaths vs. yes or no, flattering speech, and more. But we must also be careful to cultivate the source of our words, talk, and responses to others, the heart (Mt 12:34, 35; 15:11). We speak from that which fills the heart, from our inner man, our spirit. If you take the name of the Lord in vain, then you have a vain heart not a good heart. If you use filthy language then you have a filthy heart not a clean heart. If you are a silly person, then you have a silly heart not a sober heart. So we must do what Solomon said to do. “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” (Pr 4:23) Pay close attention to your own inner being. Make him pure!HOME PAGE - Bible Study on Holiness
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