OceanSide church of Christ




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Corrupt Communication
by: Dalton Gilreath

I.                Introduction

A.    The tongue is a powerful tool given to us by God (James 3:1-13)

                                                    i.     We can use it for much good

                                                   ii.     We can use it for much evil

B.    Paul references “corrupt communication” in Ephesians 4:29 

                                                    i.     This passage is where we get our title

                                                   ii.     Any wicked communication could be considered in this category but we want to focus on some we don’t mention often

C.    Before we do, notice Jesus statement in Matthew 12:36-37

                                                    i.     Every word we speak will be brought into judgment whether good or bad

                                                   ii.     Notice our words will condemn us but they can also justify us

II.              Profanity

A.    Normally when we think of profanity we think of cuss words

                                                    i.     Biblically speaking, profanity means to profane, or make something reverent irreverent (1 Tim 6:20, 2 Tim 2:16)

                                                   ii.     For example, taking the Lord’s name in vain is profanity

1.     Jesus says the Lord’s name is “hallowed”

2.     It is holy and should always be used reverently

B.    Paul discusses the flip side of profanity as well, that is, making something unclean appear to be clean or common

                                                    i.     If there is a passage about dirty jokes in the Bible it is found in Ephesians 5:3-5

                                                   ii.     Paul is discussing sins of the flesh and references three phrases describing the same thing, dirty talk or jokes

                                                 iii.     We not only don’t need to participate in them but do not joke about them so as to make light of sin

III.            Cursing

A.    Biblically speaking, cursing means to wish evil upon another (Rom 3:14)

                                                    i.     Hoping tragedy will befall someone is serious in God’s eyes (Mark 7:10)

                                                   ii.     Jesus reminds us that the punishment under the Old Law for such an offense was death

B.    Peter gives us an example of someone cursing (Matt 26:74)

                                                    i.     Peter denied Christ three times

                                                   ii.     The third time he “cursed” meaning he discussed some horrible end for him if he knew Jesus

                                                 iii.     We should never curse ourselves or another even though we have no power to truly place a curse

IV.            Euphemisms

A.    First of all, not all euphemisms are looked down upon

                                                    i.     For example, Jesus said Lazarus was sleeping (John 11:11)

                                                   ii.     No one would suggest Jesus sinned in that statement

1.     We use euphemisms often as well, such as fib (lie), affair (adultery), passed away (died), etc

2.     Note that the euphemisms may be softer words but have the same meaning

B.    Here are some euphemisms that have wicked roots or meanings

                                                    i.     Gosh, Golly, Gah, OMG = God

                                                   ii.     Jeez, Jee Whiz, Crikey = Jesus or Christ

                                                 iii.     Heck = Hell

                                                 iv.     Dang, Darn = Damn

                                                  v.     Crap, Shoot, Fudge, Doggone, WTF = Very foul words

C.    I think we can all agree it isn’t wise to use these euphemisms or to type them in abbreviations either

V.              Conclusion

A.    Make sure all you say is good for edifying and not the opposite (Eph 4:29)

B.    Season all your speech with salt (Col 4:6)

C.    Remember, only a wicked person speaks wicked things even if they claim to be a Christian (Prov 15:28, Jam 1:26)