Worthy Examples! (part 2 of 9)

WORTHY EXAMPLES! (part 2 of 9)
In Speech!

Paul encouraged Timothy:
“. . . BUT SET THE BELIEVERS AN EXAMPLE in SPEECH, . . . ” ( 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV)

What does our speech say about our faith? What does it portray linked to godliness? What does it convey regarding our character?

Our speech is a great revealer of the heart. Jesus noted this when He stated . . .
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKS.” ( Luke 6:45 ESV)

James pointed to the inconsistency of praise and cursing coming from the same mouth with an illustration from nature. He used the fact we do not get salt water and fresh from the same spring nor do we get olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine to convey how unreasonable it is for the great inconsistency in mankind’s words. ( James 3:9-12) So logically verse 10 states regarding the mouth . . .

“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT TO BE SO.” ( James 3:10 ESV)

Perhaps the most concise guide to our speech is found in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but ONLY SUCH AS IS GOOD FOR BUILDING UP, as FIT’S THE OCCASION, that it may GIVE GRACE TO THOSE WHO HEAR.” ( Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

There is great POWER IN WORDS. Our words can either build up or destroy. Let us focus on SPEECH that will both benefit others and glorify God!

Have a great day using EXEMPLARY SPEECH!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 10/31/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Example