SERMON BY OKPAN CLEOPAS (MINISTER)
TOPIC: DANGEROUS STATEMENTS SOME CHRISTIANS MAKE
(PROVERBS 18: 21; 21: 23; JAMES 3: 2)
INTRODUCTION:
In human relationships there is bound to be of fences and misunderstandings occasioned by the differences in the way people reason, talk, or approach issues. We react in certain ways when we become angry or frustrated. One of such ways is in the aspect of the kind of statements we make, whether positively or negatively. In this message, therefore, we shall look at some of the dangerous statements which some Christians make, as well as their implications.
The Power of Speech
Solomon says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Prov. 18: 21). Those who know the power of speech often use it to their own advantage. We are responsible for what we say, whether good or bad, and it will affect us one way or the other. The wise Preacher says “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21: 23). James says that if one will be able to control the use of his tongue then he will be able to control his actions so that he will not commit sin (Jas. 3: 2).
Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 6: 13 – 16). Our “speech must always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” (Col. 4: 6). Unfortunately, some Christians have shown in their speech that they are not affected by the words of Christ, which is supposed to dwell in them richly.
Dangerous Statements some Christians make
- “If it were when I was in the world…”This statement means that the fellow is really regretting being a Christian, a new way of life that has cost him the old life of worldliness. So, what is it about unfruitful works of darkness that a Christian should be missing so much? According to the apostle Paul, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5: 17). Yes, we have been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1: 13). This means that we are no longer to live like the people of the world, who have no fear of God in them. That is why such a statement should never come into the mind of a Christian, let alone being spoken even in a fit of rage.
- “Over my dead body…” This statement has a huge negative implication. It means that it is only after the death of the individual before certain things can be allowed to take place or cease to be. Even if one is standing up for what is right, why bringing death into the matter?Why pronouncing death upon your life? What if God decides that what you are trying to prevent should go on? It means you will have to die first, because you openly said so.
As Christians, we have been bought at a price; we are no longer our own (1 Cor. 6: 19, 20). So, our lives in the flesh must be lived to glorify God (Gal. 2: 20). All Christians must focus on doing the will of God and look forward to fulfilling our ministry before we die (Col. 4: 17). No one should die before his time (Eccl. 7: 17); and no one should die without fulfilling his mission on earth. That is why the statement, “Over my dead body,” should not be conceived or spoken by any Christian.
- “I will never forgive you…” Declaring never to forgive someone is inadvertently asking God never to forgive our sins. The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18: 21 – 35 teaches us the futility of asking God to forgive our sins when we have vowed never to forgive our neighbour. We must understand that forgiveness is a divine command (Matt. 6: 14, 15; Mark 11: 25, 26; Eph. 4: 32). So, we have no choice but to forgive those who have offended us. Failure to obey this command will make one a candidate of hell. That is why no Christian should waste his time making such an ungodly statement.
- “Even if the church will withdraw fellowship from me, I don’t mind.” This is not the spirit of a true Christian. Why should one purposely do something that he knows will make the church to discipline him by withdrawing Christian fellowship from him? This means that such a Christian does not value the fellowship of the saints, because he does not whole-heartedly share in it. The implication here is that whatever relationship he had with the Lord has since broken down, since he has chosen to grieve the Holy Spirit by sinning wilfully (Eph. 4: 30; Heb. 10: 26).
- “I am ready to put off my Church Clothe and fight dirty over this matter.” The phrase ‘church clothe’ in the context of this statement means “Christian principles, values, or lifestyle.” On the other hand, to ‘fight dirty’ means “applying any ungodly or worldly means to fight or settle scores.” So, for this statement to come out of the mouth of a Christian it means he has no Christian values left in him. In fact, he has become worldly in his thinking and approach to conflict. He is ready to subscribe to anything, even if it means swearing to an idol, just to prove a point. Paul’s advice to such Christians is, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10: 14).
CONCLUSION
The Lord wants us to appreciate the beauty of good speech. We are expected to speak with grace words that are appealing and edifying to those who listen to us. Our statements as Christians should clearly differentiate us from those who are worldly and have no fear of God in them. We must always understand that life and death are in the power of the tongue.