Chuck Swindoll Was Wrong

---

Bethany Bible Church June 25, 2017 Guest Teacher | Tom Shrader

Chuck Swindoll Was Wrong Ephesians 4:29-32 Four Characteristics of a Tongue That’s Under Control: 1. Your speech is _______________. (Colossians 3:8)

2. 1. Your speech is _______________. (James 3)

3. 1. Your speech is _______________.

4. 1. Your speech is _______________.

Taming the Tongue Chuck Swindoll once said that the last part of a person to be sanctified is their right foot (as in pressing the accelerator pedal on a car). Tom Shrader disagrees. He says that the last part of a person to be sanctified is their tongue. The tongue always reveals what’s in our hearts. Since only God can tame our tongues, then our speech becomes a spiritual

issue and a key component of our sanctification in Christ. All of us have had far too many experiences of listening and speaking words that are useless, profane, harsh, critical, and complaining. As we intentionally yield control of our tongues to God, our speech is characterized as being loving, caring, encouraging, concerned, supportive, and protective. Ironically, we become better speakers by becoming better listeners.

Questions for Discussion and Further Reflection 1. Think about a situation when your tongue was out of God’s control. What happened? Why did it happen? What was the impact of your words on those around you? 2. Think about a situation when your tongue was in God’s control. What happened? Why did it happen? What was the impact of your words on those around you? 3. How good of a listener are you? Do you really listen to another person’s words, or do you catch yourself rehearsing your next statement? 4. Think about Tom’s statement, “Disciples are walking listeners.” How practiced are you at listening to God? 5. Tom says, “Don’t try to save the world, try to save your world.” How is your world in terms of your own tongue? What would your parents, spouse, children, friends, and coworkers say about how you regularly use your tongue?

Chuck Swindoll Was Wrong

“The last part of a person to be sanctified is the right foot.” Chuck Swindoll

“But no one can tame the

tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” James 3:8

Taming the tongue

“ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

Your speech is posi9ve “ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…”

Your speech is construc9ve “…but only what is helpful for building others up…”

Your speech is percep9ve “…according to their needs…”

Your speech is effec9ve “…that it may benefit those who listen…”

This is a spiritual issue

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32