BEFORE YOU SPEAK … THINK!

Philippian 4: 4 – 9

Introduction:

1. Above my old desk at home when I was in high school, was this warning: CAUTION – PLEASE ENGAGE BRAIN BEFORE PUTTING MOUTH IN GEAR. Admittedly, I’ve not always heeded that valued warning; nonetheless, I further admit the warning has helped in every situation when I heeded the advice!

2. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

3. Words have power, and being the ones to use this power, we must be cautious!

a. Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

b. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

4. Peter’s inspired words teach us the same thing with greater intensity: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.” (1 Pet. 4:11)

I. IS IT TRUE?

A. Ephesians_4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

B. Philippians 4:8 … whatsoever things are TRUE

C. John 8:32 – Ye shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free.

1. (As Paul) – Acts 26:25 -- But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

2. 1 Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

II. IS IT HELPFUL?

A. Examine the experience of Peter and John

1. Acts 3: 1 – 21 (“In the name of Jesus, rise and walk” to the gospel of Christ!)

2. Acts 4: 1 – 4 (the benefit of still speaking the truth)

3. Acts 4:8 - 12 (Peter’s defense of this helpful speaking)

4. Acts 4:13 – 18 (The admittance of truth and the miracle; but charge to STOP)

5. Acts 4: 19 – 20 (Peter’s defense that he could speak nothing else!)

B. Helpful in ways of encouragement

1. Jude 20 – 25

2. Helpful speaking may not always be what they WANT, but will always be what they NEED

3. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

4. Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

III. IS IT INSPIRING?

A. An “inspiring” statement is NOT always one of INSPIRATION.

B. An INSPIRING statement is one that MOTIVATES

1. Romans 12: 1 – 2

2. 1Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

3. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1- 17

C. Such words should encourage OBEDIENCE

1. 2 Corinthains 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2. Romans 10: 1- 4

3. 1 Timothy 2: 1- 6

4. Romans 1: 16 – 17

IV. IS IT NECESSARY?

A. Some things are better left “UN”said!

1. 1 Timothy 1: 3 – 4 -- As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

2. James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

3. 1Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

B. What IS necessary is

1. Sound doctrine – Titus 2:1

2. Only the gospel -- Galatians 1:6 – 9

3. 1 Peter 4:11 -- If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.

V. IS IT KIND?

A. Luke 6:27 – 38

B. 1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 8

C. Ephesians 4:29 – 32

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.