WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY? (2)

The Condemnation of Cussing

Victor M. Eskew

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.    The title of our lesson is :  “What Did You Just Say?”

1.      This is what my mom would say to us if she thought we said a bad word.  (NOTE:  Bad words included euphemisms back then).

2.      Picture:

 

 

3.      We have subtitled our lesson:  “The Condemnation of Cussing.”

 

B.      This is the second lesson of this two part series.

1.      We began the first lesson noting that Jesus caused people to wonder at the “gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth” (Luke 4:22).  We, too, are to speak gracious words according to Colossians 4:6a.

 

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…

 

2.      We examined two points in that study.

a.      What is cussing?

b.      Why do people cuss?

 

C.     In this lesson, we will examine three other questions that deal with the subject of cussing, foul language, or dirty words.

 

I.                   WHY IS IT WRONG?

 

A.    Condemned in God’s Word

1.      The Bible condemns evil language.

a.      Ephesians 4:29

 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that is may minister grace unto the hearers.

 

b.      Ephesians 5:4

 

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:  but rather giving of thanks.

 

2.      Do not be of the world.

a.      Romans 12:2

 

And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

 

b.      I John 2:15

 

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 

3.      Seek to be holy, that is, pure and set apart.

a.      God is holy (Rev. 15:4).

 

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?  for thou only art holy…

 

b.      Can we imagine God using cuss words when He speaks?

 

c.       We are to be holy as He is holy (I Pet. 1:15-16)

 

But as he which hath called thee is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

 

B.      Takes one away from God

1.      Those who cuss are not usually as spiritual as others.

2.      The reason is because they are holding on to something in the world by using foul language.

3.      In Romans 3:14, Paul described the Jews who had become as corrupt as the Gentiles. 

 

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.

 

C.     Does not manifest self-discipline

1.      One of the elements of living a Christian life involves disciplining the body.  This includes the use of the tongue.

2.      James 1:26

 

If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

 

D.    Takes one on a downhill course (II Tim. 2:16)

 

But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

 

E.      Ruins one’s example (I Tim. 4:12)

 

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

 

F.      Violates the law of kindness

1.      Ephesians 4:32

 

And be ye kind one to another…

 

2.      Cuss words are never intended to communicate kindness.  They indicate anger, hostility, and condemnation.

 

G.     Violates the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12)

 

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:  for this is the law and the prophets.

 

H.    Used at the wrong time and toward the wrong people

1.      Used against a spouse or a child

2.      Used against a close friend

3.      Used against an employer

4.      Used against someone in a position of authority (i.e., police officer)

 

II.                HOW DOES ONE OVERCOME A FOUL MOUTH?

 

A.    Understand that it is wrong

1.      Study God’s Word and see how it condemns evil speaking (Jms. 1:25).

2.      Consider the consequences of a poisonous tongue.

 

B.      Truly repent and commit to change (Acts 17:30; Matt. 3:8).

 

C.     Realize when and where it is done.

 

D.    Rid yourself of all excuses for doing it.

 

E.      Have someone hold you accountable.

 

F.      Form an accountability system:  $1.00 per word.

 

G.     Don’t associate with others who cuss (I Cor. 15:33).

 

III.             WILL GOD HOLD ONE ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVIL WORDS?

 

A.    Idle words (Matt. 12:36)

 

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

 

B.      Secret things

1.      Christians who cuss would never cuss around the preacher or elders.

2.      They would not dream of cussing while they are in the assembly.

3.      Their cussing is something they try to keep secret.

4.      Ecclesiastes 12:14

 

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

C.     All that is done in the body, good or bad, will be judged (II Cor. 5:10).

 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.    Every aspect of our lives is to be governed by the Word of God, including our tongues.

Every aspect of our lives is to manifest Jesus Christ to others, including our tongues.

Every aspect of our lives is to be holy, including our tongues.

Every aspect of our lives will be judge, including our tongues.

 

B.      Psalm 19:14

 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.