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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Put Off Corrupt Talk; Put On Grace (Ephesians 4:29, 30)

Bryan Schneider · August 8, 2020

Ephesians 4:29-30

sharonrpc.org/sermons/put-off-corrupt-talk-put

Summary

  • Because God has made believers alive and renews their minds by the Spirit, the command to govern speech is gospel-rooted rather than legalistic.
  • Corrupt speech includes abusive insults, vulgarity, slander, gossip, relentless criticism, and the withholding of needed affirmation.
  • Words can wound the inner person, spread division, and produce effects far deeper than the familiar saying about sticks and stones admits.
  • Christians put off speech that tears down and put on words fitted to the need that build others up and impart grace.
  • The command first shapes speech within homes, friendships, and the church, including the difficult moments when grace is least natural.
  • Persistent corrupt speech grieves the Holy Spirit and can wound a believer's assurance, while Spirit-enabled repentance leads toward holiness and comfort.

Reflection and discussion

  • Which form of corrupt speech—abuse, vulgarity, slander, gossip, criticism, or withheld encouragement—most often marks my words?
  • Whom have my words wounded or slowly worn down?
  • Do I excuse destructive language because it is common in my workplace, family, media, or culture?
  • What does the present hearer actually need in order to be built up?
  • How can I speak truth in love without using truth as a pretext for contempt?
  • Where should I add specific affirmation rather than merely stop saying harmful things?
  • Am I resisting the Spirit's sanctifying work by protecting a favorite pattern of speech?

Key terms

Corrupt speech
Language that is morally rotten and destructive, including abuse, vulgarity, slander, gossip, and words calculated to diminish another person.
Edification
Building another person up through words that are truthful, timely, and suited to a genuine need.
Impart grace
Using speech as an instrument of undeserved good for those who hear rather than as a weapon for self-advancement.
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Offending the personal Spirit who seals believers by persisting in conduct contrary to his sanctifying work.
Repentance unto life
A Spirit-worked turning that hates and leaves sin and deliberately walks toward God in obedience.

Notes and prayer