Let Us Imitate Jesus by Controlling Our Speech (1 Peter 2:21-22)
1. These verses teach Christians to follow the Lord's example. 2. In our lesson we are especially interested in the fact that no "guile" [deceit] was found in the Lord's mouth -- in other words, Jesus controlled His speech. 3. To help people see Jesus in us we must follow His example. 4. We are examining a number of passages that deal with "controlling our speech." 5. Let us begin by showing that . . .
I. CONTROLLING OUR SPEECH IS EMPHASIZED IN PROVERBS 10:19
A. The first part of this verse mentions "the multitude of words." 1. This refers to an uncontrolled tongue. 2. Where an uncontrolled tongue exists, sin will not be wanting. B. The latter part of this verse mentions one who "refrains" [restrains, controls] his lips. 1. One who "refrains his lips" is said to be "wise." 2. Not only is such a person wise, but he will also avoid the sins associated with a multitude of words. C. By making this contrast in Proverbs 10:19, Solomon stressed the importance of controlling our speech many years before Jesus came in the flesh.
II. THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY CONDEMN UNCONTROLLED SPEECH
A. (Proverbs 8:13b) The Lord hates a "froward" [perverted] mouth. B. (Proverbs 13:3b) "Destruction" is in store for a person who opens wide his lips. C. (Matthew 12:36-37) We will be judged by our words. 1. We will give an account of the words that we speak. 2. We will either be justified or condemned by our words. D. (James 1:26) Religion that is accompanied by an unbridled tongue is "vain." E. Examples of sinful speech: backbiting, blasphemy, cursing, gossip, lying, railing, slander, whispering, being a busybody, etc.
III. GREAT BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CONTROLLED SPEECH
A. (Proverbs 13:3a) One who "keeps" [guards] his mouth keeps his life. B. (Proverbs 17:27-28) Wisdom is associated with controlled speech. C. (1 Peter 3:10) Those who control their speech will enjoy long life and see good days.
IV. INSTRUCTIONS THAT WILL HELP US CONTROL OUR SPEECH
A. Let us remember that God is aware of the things we say (Psalm 139:4). B. Let us listen to the Lord's instructions (Psalm 34:13). C. Let us determine to control our speech with the Lord's help (Psalm 39:1). D. Let us learn to differentiate between times to speak and times to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). E. Let us keep the right things in our hearts (Matthew 12:34-35). F. Let us practice the admonition given in Ephesians 4:28.
1. God has blessed us with the ability to speak. 2. Let us use this blessing in a way that pleases Him. 3. By doing so we will help others to see Jesus.