Sermon:
Foul Language – Part 4
by Chris Cumming
Are you using foul language in your communications with others? I am
not necessarily speaking to rude, crass or profane words or what we call
cussing, but words and phrases that do not stand up to the Word of God.
My purpose, with this sermon, is to expose the negative idioms and
phrases we might be using in our communications and encourage the
positive ones.
Invoke positive language while eliminating foul language.
In
Part One of this sermon, we read
through the list of both the negative and positive idioms and phrases.
We then took the first one from the negative list and exposed it as
“foul language” and something we want to remove from our vocabulary and
communications. That first one was, “Looking at the World through
rose-colored glasses:” In
Part Two of this sermon, we continued
in the list and spoke to five more negative phrases.
In
Part 3 of this sermon, we discussed six
more negative phrases. Let us review from our primary list:
NEGATIVE IDIOMS AND
PHRASES
1] Looking at the World through rose-colored glasses:
[…handled
in Part
1 of this sermon]
--Cheerful or optimistic, especially to an excessive degree: took a rose-colored
view of the situation.
--With an unduly cheerful, optimistic, or favorable view of things: see the
world through rose-colored glasses.
2] Beat around the bush. […handled
in Part
2 of this sermon]
--Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
3] Cut corners. […handled
in Part
2 of this sermon]
--When something is done badly to save money.
4] Drastic times call for drastic measures.
[…handled
in Part
2 of this sermon]
--When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
5] I heard it on the grapevine.
[…handled
in Part
2 of this sermon]
--This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.
6] In the heat of the moment.
[…handled
in Part
2 of this sermon]
--Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
7] That is the last straw.
[…handled in Part
3 of this sermon]
--The final problem in a series of problems.
8] Let the cat out of the bag.
[…handled
in Part
3 of this sermon]
--To share information that was previously concealed.
9] I am going to give him a taste of his own medicine.
[…handled
in Part
3 of this sermon]
--The negative concept of revenge
10] He’s playing fast and loose with the truth
[…handled
in Part
3 of this sermon]
--Lying
11] A leopard can’t change his spots.
[…handled
in Part
3 of this sermon]
--The Salvation Process is all about changing and building better and righteous
character
12] Between a rock and a hard place.
[…handled
in Part
3 of this sermon]
--The idea of being in a situation one cannot escape.
There are 17 phrases in our negative phrase list. We continue now with number
thirteen:
13] Castles in the air.
--Plans that are unlikely to happen.
The concept of "castles in the air" is one where someone makes definite and
detailed plans with the hopes of carrying those plans out to a definite
conclusion. That is, he has plans. He has a goal. He wants something to
definitely plan. However, there are one or more flaws in the plan or the
thinking of the individual. Firstfruits do not attempt to establish castles in
the air. They establish their plans and carry out those plans with God.
What firstfruits are taught to do and count on are good plans. To accomplish
this God gives us knowledge, then understanding and finally wisdom. If we
develop good plans and follow them, God will support us. He will preserve our
way. God will make the wisdom and understanding we receive from Him to enter
into our heart. We will then have discretion, which is the power to rightly
decide. This discretion from God will preserve us and we will not likely make
plans that are unlikely to happen. Notice the scripture that back this up.
Proverbs 2:6-11
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler [supporter;
protector] to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every
good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy
soul;
11 Discretion [power to rightly decide] shall preserve thee,
understanding shall keep thee:
For verse 6 and the phrase, "out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding":
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD
is sure, making wise the simple.
For verse 7 and the phrase, "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous":
Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
For verse 7 and the phrase, "he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly":
Proverbs 28:18
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways
shall fall at once.
For verse 8 and the phrase, "He keepeth the paths of judgment." notice the commentary:
That is, the Lord keeps them; he does that which is just and right himself, in the course of his providence, and in the methods of his grace; and as he guides the feet of his people in the ways of righteousness and holiness, he keeps them there from turning out of them. ~John Gill
For verse 8 and the phrase, "and preserveth the way of his saints":
Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
For all of verse 9:
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide
thee with mine eye.
For all of verse 10:
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom
For all of verse 11:
Proverbs 4:5-6
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words
of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep
thee.
So there is nothing wrong with daydreaming or wondering about things, but when
it comes to making real plans and setting real goals, let none of them be just
"Castles in the air."
14] Go with the flow.
--To do what people do and accept things as they are.
Going with the flow is wrong. The flow as they call it is something that takes
place with humans in the world. The humans invent and then define the flow.
They do all they can to get you into that flow. Both God and scripture are left
out of this process. We do not want to be in the human flow but on a specific,
straight path made and maintained by God. Humans invite us to the flow here on
earth. God invites us to a path that leads to the Kingdom of God.
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.
For the phrase, "And be not conformed to this world":
Galatians 1:3-4
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil
world, according to the will of God and our Father:
1 Peter 4:1-2
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased
from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts
of men, but to the will of God.
For the phrase in Romans 12:2, "but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind":
Ephesians 4:22-24
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.
Now for the phrase in Romans 12:2, "that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God":
Ephesians 5:17
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Here are quotes that will conclude this matter:
"The opposite for courage is not cowardice, it is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow."
"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." ~John F. Kennedy
My encouragement: Never go with the human inspired flow. Go with the
living Word of God and therefore His will.
15] In your face.
--An aggressive and bold confrontation.
How often have we talked about this one? We never wish to be in someone's face
in an act of bold and aggressive confrontation. The fruits of the Spirit
include longsuffering, gentleness, peace and meekness. These fruits are
recorded in Galatians just before our key verse for this bit of foul language.
Galatians 6:1-2
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore
such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 5:26 [last verse of that chapter] says,
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one
another.
Notice this for the phrase, "in the spirit of meekness":
2 Thessalonians 3:13-16
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no
company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be
with you all.
Some quotes to conclude this piece of bad language:
“Peace is not an easy prospect--it requires greater bravery than does conflict.”
“Provocation is on the opposite lane of resolution.”
Refrain from being in someone's face. Avoid aggressive confrontation.
16] Knock on wood.
--Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid some bad luck.
I suspect that everyone has used this phrase in their life at one time or another. I know I have. Some have used it in place of the phrase, "Thank God." For example, we should never say, "I have never broken a bone, knock on wood." What we should say is, "I have never broken a bone, thank God..
The origin of knocking on wood for this purpose is believed by some to be from early pagan mythology. Wood gods, or dryads, lived in trees, and people would go to them for blessings and to prevent bad luck.
We should never knock on wood to avoid bad things happens but acknowledge God by saying something like, "God forbid anything should happen."
Moreover, we should never have anything in our language or actions that link back to paganism.
Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be
defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part
in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:22 which says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
and this is clearly not just foul language but evil language.
17] Sweep the
situation/problem/subject under the rug.
--could be a form of lying and often is. It could be a form of lying to others
but mostly ourselves. Firstfruits are taught and encouraged to face all
situations boldly and with courage to their conclusion and/or resolution. Would
God the Father or Christ sweep something under the rug?
Proverbs 3:5-6
5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Is Jesus bold? Should we conform to that boldness?
Ephesians 3:11-13
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is
your glory.
Psalm 56:4
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what
flesh can do unto me.
Most of the things one might sweep under the rug are manmade problems.
Firstfruits are not afraid of these types of situations and problems. They face
all things boldly.
Quotes:
“Freedom lies in being bold.” ~ Robert Frost
“I used to be afraid of the dark until I learned that I am light and the dark is afraid of me.”
Face everything with a Godly boldness and the boldness of Christ. Never sweep anything under the rug.
We have just finished the list of foul language. Study these and rid your life of all foul language.
Invoke positive language while eliminating foul language.
Invoke positive language while eliminating foul language.