The Deadly Speech in Anger and Conflict
My Big Mouth Week 5
Gary Moritz
Part of My Big Mouth—Unmasking the Power of Words
June 14, 2020

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Pastor Gary Moritz
pastor@cityunited.church

INTRODUCTION

There are some big mouths in our culture today! The words we speak every day shape our life and our culture. Unmasking the nature of our words directly affects our quality of living − positively or negatively. Each of us must decide whether the words we speak will lead to life, success, and positive relationships or death, destruction, and painful memories. It is up to us and our big mouths!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” —Proverbs 18:21

“My Big Mouth” will teach us how to choose our words wisely to create the life we want through unmasking the power of our words. During these collections of talks, we will learn how the words we speak transform the life we live.

Resource Page for “My Big Mouth” Series.

The topics for this collection of talks are as follows:
Your Words Shape Your Identity
May 17 My Big Mouth - Kick Off Sunday
May 24 Your Words Shape Your Identity
May 31 The Truth Behind Cussing
June 7 Self-Talk that Honors God
June 14 The Deadly Speech in Anger and Conflict
June 21 Speaking with the Right Attitude (Father’s Day)
June 28 Speaking Lasting Words


Text: Ephesians 4:15 (CSB, New Testament)

TODAY’S TAKEAWAY:

T.H.I.N.K. before you speak.

MY BIG MOUTH WEEK #5:

The Deadly Speech in Anger and Conflict

“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head – Christ.” —Ephesians 4:15

WHAT IS CONFRONTATION? IS IT BIBLICAL AND ESSENTIAL?

The word “confrontation” is generally associated with conflict and considered to be something negative or even destructive. Confrontation is usually related to hostile situations where two or more political parties or strong-willed people are intensely argumentative or strongly opposing each another. But this need not be the case.

I. TWO BIBLICAL OF CONFRONTATION

A.

confronts David about his adultery and murder. (2 Samuel 12:1-14)

• Nathan knew David, David’s role as king, and his responsibility before God.

• Nathan deeply cared for David and wanted God’s very best for him.

• Nathan’s words were tactful and were spoken in truth and love to restore him.

B.

confronts the rich young ruler about his materials over mission thinking. (Mark 10:17-31)

• Jesus clarified the convictions of this respectable, religious young man.

• Jesus loved this young man enough to confront him with God’s truth.

• Jesus allowed the young man to let the truth set him free—but did it?

II. SHOULD CHRISTIANS CONFRONT?

A. It is needed for a

relationship.

• Healthy confrontation seeks to build up, not tear down the other person. It is caring for a wavering believer’s moral or spiritual wellbeing. It is doing or saying the right words or the right thing to set a relationship right. It is knowing “how to speak a word in season” (Isaiah 50:4).

• Healthy confrontation is a mark of maturity, even Christlikeness. Spoken properly and when necessary, it can be sign of a holy, healthy, and growing relationship with God and others.

B. It can be helpful in building

friendships.

• Some people neither like to be confronted nor care enough to confront someone else, even when they know it is desperately needed. There is “a time to keep silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

• Words that confront must be corrective, yet constructive. “Like apples of gold in pitchers of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

• They show the great value in a friendship and they can strengthen the relationship “as iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

III. SHOULD CHRISTIANS CONFRONT?

The sincere goal in confrontation is to restore godliness and renew usefulness to a broken relationship.

A. We must be mindful that our words have

.

B. We need to be careful to speak the truth in

.

“… urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” —Ephesians 4:1-3

These are the type of words to use. Always T.H.I.N.K. before you speak and confront someone:

• Are all the facts T rue?

• Am I doing it with H umility?

• Will my words I nspire change and draw people closer to God?

• Are all or any of my words N ecessary?

• Is my language K ind?

MAKE THIS YOUR DAILY PRAYER

“Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” —Psalm 141:3

Conclusion:

Do I T.H.I.N.K. before I speak?

[Click here for this week’s Group Guide]

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