Grace Temple International

Do the words you speak inspire or destroy

people                                                 (12th September 2010) 

 2 Timothy 2: 14-26

In our day to day lives, words are the mainstay of our relationships- a medium of communication that relays feelings across the spectrum of our lives. However, the impact of what is expressed among us is the central to this message.
Here are three points to form the basis of this message:

• The power of the spoken words ( impact)
• Integrity of the words ( soundness, credibility or honesty )
• Spiritual positivity of the words ( blessing orientedness)

First the Power of the spoken words.

When mankind was created by God, the bible said he ‘breathed into the nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living creature’, this power of Life encapsulated man’s ability to communicate by expression of words to relate to each other. However, every expression whether gestured or spoken has its negative and positive impact.
In our main quotation for the passage, verse 14 says remind and warn them in the sight of the Lord not to use quarrelsome words, it went on to say that argument over words do no good, but destroy the listener.
Many times people result to argument to proof their point. There are situations where it is alright to exchange words in a disagreeable way. However, the manner by which the disagreement will be allowed to fester and the kind of words used is central to the outcome of the conversation.

This led us to look into what’s meant by the word quarrelsome, it is any word that agitate or provoke contention. This implies words that are negative to put people down-humiliation or inflame situations.
Much of the confusion and turmoil in our world today is fuelled by the irresponsible way people use words in an explosive way against friends, neighbours, husbands, wives, children etc. These kinds of tensions could easily be avoided if; we could control temper and watch what we say against each other, even in the time of provocation.

Words could also be expressed in a negative and positive form through speaking agents in the supernatural realm; these powers often gain access to our minds and amplify their ideas into our lives. Some examples are: 1.The Holy Spirit talks to us through our minds to our spirit being the words of blessing, directions and knowledge of the word of God etc.
The next is words coming from Satan putting strange ideas into our heads-an unwanted thoughts, unwelcome imagery, dangerous suggestions, accusations, ideas and directions.

There are times when you hear voices, suggesting some horrendous things like:
You will be better off dead, your life is going nowhere, you are useless, and you must kill yourself and end it all. And by these voices some people commit suicide, or others’ lives got ruined by believing in these voices.
No one can discount the power of the spoken words, it can create, as well as destruct, hence it is important and also in our own interest to control our tongue and emotions in the time of anger.
The bible says be angry but sin not, that means don’t let your emotions get the better of you.
It is said that wise people discipline themselves, and that self discipline includes control of
Speech, James 3:2 says for all of us make many mistakes. If someone does not make any
Mistakes when he speaks, he is perfect and able to control his whole body.
This meant he who takes care in speech and not ‘offend’ is classified as an upright person, which is the character God wants us to portray.

Integrity of words (soundness of moral character, honesty)

It is the character of Christ, which we must learn from; that whatever words come out of our mouth is reliable enough to give full picture of a situation. Some will use exaggerated words, some blatant lies, all to make them look credible. Some people when they speak, it is difficult to rely on, because the words are figment of their own imagination; they don’t give true nature of situations; one thing to understand is that liars and gossipers are in the same category, they don’t give accurate information. It is required of God’s people to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in a non-confrontational, non-exaggerated and non-fictional way to appeal to those hearers. If there appear to be a sign of irresponsible approach to their questioning, which will lead to argument, then, we must put a stop to it; because we must present ourselves as peacemakers and not provocateurs.
In 2Timothy 2: 23&24 went on to warn us to avoid foolish and ignorant dispute that will generate strife, because as it was stated, a servant of God, which we are, must be gentle to everyone; and in correcting those who oppose your views do it in humility. 

The passage concluded that in our humility to share the word of God, they (our opposers) might repent and come to their senses and escape the trap the devil has set them, to deprive them of knowledge of the gospel.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things’’.
Therefore, it is important that our behaviour project the image of Christ to the world in a way that the spirit of the gospel will not be compromised, but at the same time have the potential to appeal to them, and give good report about Christ.
So, whatever things we do and say to ourselves and others must have the potential to bring a change of situation into people’s lives. The words we use are not what necessarily bring the answer, but the power projected in the word, and faith that we associate ourselves with, in the word produces the answer. Psalm 19:14- says ‘let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord, my rock, my redeemer’.

Spiritual positivity of the words (blessing orientedness)

As disciples of Jesus, we must be positive in our approach to difficult situations in our lives and others. I’m not advocating for positive thinking philosophy, but talking about positive thinking based on our faith in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 55:10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
Isaiah 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Jeremiah 23:29, also says the word of God is like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces. So let’s imagine the word of God as a hammer working on our behalf:
• It can drive home a nail- that’s it does bring positive result.
• It can break down obstacles- that’s it overcomes negatives
Therefore, speak the wholesome word of God to your situations and expect amazing results.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Let our words be wholesome to bring sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord-which is our relationship with him.
In our main passage verse 21, says ‘’ In the great house of God, there are various qualities, which are of gold, silver, wood and hay, some of these will command honour, while others will not, so these show what sort of characters that make up the membership of Christ’s ministry.
And God wants us to settle for the best quality in the power of the Holy Spirit that can be used for his ministry. Many people are dying without Christ, and it is our responsibility is to reach out to them, in a spirit led way that command respect, dignity, love; because many also are being led away in a wrong direction through wrong teachings as Paul said in Timothy, in the passage about those who spread false teachings. Our responsibility is being quality vessels to bring the truth of the gospel for their redemption.