Man s Greatest Power Text : Proverbs 25: 1-15

Transcription

1 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 1 INTRODUCTION : A. What is man s greatest power? 1. Is it the atom bomb? Man s Greatest Power Text : Proverbs 25: Is it the ability to create viruses that wipe out whole populations? 3. Is it the ability to cure all manner of illnesses? B. The answer is given in this small article by Morgan Blake. ( Atlanta Journal ) 1. WHO AM I? I am more deadly than the screaming shells from the howitzer. I win without killing. I tear down homes, break hearts, and wreck lives. I travel on the wings of the wind. No innocence is strong enough to intimidate me, no purity pure enough to daunt me. I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as innocent. I never forget and never forgive. My name is... gossip. 2. The Greek poet Euripides, who died about 406 B.C., said, "The tongue is mightier than the blade." 3. Propaganda has long been recognized as essential to winning wars. a. Josh. 2: 9... The fear of Israel was already upon Jericho when the spies arrived. b. Joseph Goebbels became famous for propaganda during WW II. c. Japanese used radio voices like U.S. born, Iva Toguri D'Aquino as Tokyo Rose. d. Hanoi Jane was instrumental in Vietnam s victory over the U.S.. 4. Politicians keep repeating things they know to be false because some will believe. a. People complain about negative campaign ads, but they work. b. Good men can be brought down by words and bad men elevated. C. God disrupt men s evil without killing them by just confusing their language. Gen. 11: 5-9 The LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 The LORD said, Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another s speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the...

2 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 2 D. James, the Lord s brother, warned us of the power of our words to do evil : 1. James 3: 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. a. Though small, the tongue has the potential for great harm. b. The tongue is like a match that starts a forest fire. 2. When he says it is set on fire by hell. He s indicating that Satan influences it. E. Our words have equal potential to do good as they do to do harm. 1. Our text, Vs. 11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. 2. Salvation is communicated by words : a. Acts 11: 14 and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved,... b. Rom. 10: 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things! In times of trials we ve all experienced words that ground us into the dust and also words that have lifted us up out of our despair. Thus, our own life experiences have taught us that there are many kinds of words. From Vs of our text, this lesson will bring to our attention five (5) different kinds of words. I. A word fitly spoken.. A. Vs. 11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. 1. We must know what to say. 2. We must know when to speak. 3. Just as important, we must learn when to be silent. B. The child of God draws from His Christian character when speaking. 1. Proverbs 10: 32 The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted. 2. Eph. 4: 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. a. The Christian s speech is limited... He speaks only that which edifies. b. We cannot say something just because it s true or because they deserve it. ( We don t have the right to say everything we have the right to say. ) c. We must always consider the circumstances before speaking. ( problem w/ child )

3 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 3 C. We need wisdom to be able to use the appropriate words for each situation. 1. This is especially true when communicating the truth of God s word. a. There are times when what someone needs to hear is not what they want. b. We not only have to approach them in the proper way, but at the proper time. John 16:12 I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 2. Jesus spoke with many different people, but handled each one differently. 3. There is no one size fits all in evangelism. D. Fitting words make the truth more readily accepted. 1. Can t change the truth. ( Truth is truth. ) 2. We must be careful not to be one who automatically kindles resistance. a. You ve all met people who when speaking cause a negative response right off. b. It can be a wrong attitude, a condescending tone, or an insensitive nature. * Considered Words... We can t let everything that pops in our head pop out our mouth. II. A reproving word.. A. Vs. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. B. Sometimes love requires that one point out an error to a brother. 1. Gal. 6: 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2. James 5: My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. 3. We are not doing an erring brother a favor by saying nothing when they stray. a. We must maintain a relationship that permits us to approach each other. b. Eph. 4: They erring brother must know that you love him. ( The truth may not be used as a hammer to beat someone down. ) c. The proper attitude is of paramount importance. ( Not superiority.. looking down ) C. Every Christian bears a fiduciary responsibility to the faithfulness of every other. 1. We cannot fulfill the law of Christ without bearing one another s burdens. Gal. 6: 2 2. We must lovingly speak a word of reproof even when out of season. II Tim 2: 2

4 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 4 D. Notice the word of reproof is to be given to a listening ear. 1. We must work to maintain the kind of relationship that enables us to receive reproof. 2. Bonds of love don t just happen and they are not permanent. ( built & maintained ) 3. Without the love bond we cannot function as the church of Christ. John 13: III. A faithful word.. A. Vs. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. B. A trustworthy messenger is one who can be trusted to deliver a message exactly. 1. He will really deliver it. ( No excuse or procrastination ) 2. He won t edit the message, substitute his opinion, add to it, or leave any part out. C. We would expect Solomon to say the faithful messenger is refreshing to the recipient, but he says it is refreshing to the sender. 1. The sender has confidence that the message will be sent faithfully. 2. If there is a reply, the master is confident that he will receive it exactly. 3. It is the contrast between the faithfulness of Moses and Jonah seeking to hide. 4. Through the prophets, God condemned the priests of Israel for not teaching. D. The duty of all God s people is to accurately, faithfully communicate the gospel. 1. We have only one message to deliver... For God so loved the world... I Cor 15: We re not at liberty to add a bit to it that we think will make it more appealing. 3. We dare not leave out parts that we feel might make it hard to accept. a. Acts 20: Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. b. The implication is that there is guilt if whole purpose is not shared. 4. Christians are stewards of the gospel and as steward must be faithful. a. I Cor 4: 1-2 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. b. It is not within us to decide if we will carry the message. c. We have no choice in what message we will deliver. b. Some will not like it and make that very clear, but others will joyfully receive it. c. We deliver it faithfully out of love for the lost, but more to honor the sender, God.

5 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 5 IV. An empty word. A. Vs. 14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. B. The opposite of the faithful messenger. 1. This is used of false teachers in Jude 12 These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; Autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted 2. We must have an honest evaluation of ourselves. a. Rom. 12: 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith b. The message can never be about the messenger. C. Never make promises that God did not make. 1. False teachers have been making empty promises since the Garden of Eden. Gen. 3: 5 For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. 2. God never promised to make followers rich in this life. ( Wealth is a temptation. ) 3. God never promised to give us the victory over all temptation or problems. a. Jesus was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4: 15 b. Jesus freed us from sin, but not from the desire to sin. We still live in flesh. Jesus will not let Satan overwhelm us, but we must overcome our habits. V. A persuasive word. A. Vs. 14 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone. B. We must approach people in a calm reasoned manner. 1. Persuasive does NOT imply the use of high pressure tactics. a. Not like these promoters trying to push products on TV. ( $20 value free.. NOW ) b. Emotional responses don t last... as emotion subsides so does the commitment. 2. The Christian cannot be reactionary when talking with people about their soul. a. Considerations about salvation is an emotional topic. Patience & care are required. b. Some people deliberately try to foster reactions to divert from serious reasoning. 3. Angry arguments do not lead people to faith in Christ and salvation in Him.

6 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 6 C. Remember the example of Jesus. 1. I Pet. 2: 23 Who while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 2. The actions of the messenger reflect on the one who sent the message. II Cor. 5: 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. D. All Christians are required to be ready / willing to share the message of Christ. 1. I Pet. 3: But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;( Rm 15: 14.. goodness + knowledge = able ) 2. The most persuasive messenger for Christ is the one who sincerely loves. a. One who is deeply in love with the Lord projects that love to others. The first step in training a salesman is to sell him on the product. b. When you sincerely care about someone, attacking is more difficult for them. 3. The messenger s manner of speaking must not contradict the message delivered. a. In our previous lesson we saw that the conduct of one s life can deny and discredit the message. Titus 1: 16 b. Here we see that the manner in which it is delivered can also discredit the word. Prov. 16: 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. ( Moses at rock ) CONCLUSION : A. There is great power in words. 1. Let us pray for the wisdom to use them wisely in carrying the message of Christ. 2. May we never be a source of offense. May the only offense be that of the cross. 3. May we each be that faithful messenger who refreshes the Christ who has sent us. B. I leave you with the instruction of the Lord s Apostle. Col. 4: 5-6 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. INVITATION :

7 Sermon : Man s Greatest Power Page 7 Lesson Text : Proverbs 25: These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. 3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith; 5 Take away the wicked before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. 6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; 7 For it is better that it be said to you, Come up here, Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen. 8 Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, When your neighbor humiliates you? 9 Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another, 10 Or he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away. 11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. 15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.