SINS OF THE TONGUE
INTRODUCTION
The tongue is a tiny member of the body, yet it carries massive influence. In every dispensationโfrom the age of conscience to the age of graceโGod has always warned about the danger of destructive speech. But in the Dispensation of Grace, the believerโs tongue becomes even more crucial because we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). The tongue can build up or burn down, heal or hurt, witness or wound.
Today, we examine the sins of the tongue and why God calls us to sanctify our speech.
THE DECEITFUL TONGUE โ โA LYING TONGUEโ
(Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 3:9)
A. Counterfeit Speech โ Falsehood spoken (Proverbs 6:16-17)
B. Corrupt Statements โ Lies that mislead (Psalm 5:6)
C. Condemned by Scripture โ God hates lying (Revelation 21:8)
Dispensational Emphasis: Under Grace, lying contradicts the believerโs identity in Christ (Ephesians 4:24-25).
THE DESTRUCTIVE TONGUE โ โA FIREโ
(James 3:5-6)
A. Small but Severe โ A little spark (v. 5)
B. Spreading but Sinful โ Defiles the whole body (v. 6)
C. Set ablaze by Satan โ โSet on fire of hellโ (v. 6)
Dispensational Emphasis: Believers today represent Christ; uncontrolled speech damages our testimony.
THE DIVISIVE TONGUE โ โWHISPERING & BACKBITINGโ
(Romans 1:29-30)
A. Secret Slander โ Whisperers
B. Spoken Sabotage โ Backbiters
C. Satanic Strategy โ Division is demonic (1 Corinthians 3:3)
Dispensational Emphasis: Paul directly identifies whispering/dividing as carnal behavior unfit for the Body of Christ.
THE DANGEROUS TONGUE โ โTALEBEARING & GOSSIPโ
(Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 20:19)
A. Careless Repeating โ Reveals secrets
B. Character Ruining โ Destroys reputations
C. Church-Rending โ Separates friends (Proverbs 16:28)
Dispensational Emphasis: Gossip opposes the unity Paul commands for the church (Ephesians 4:3).
THE DEFIANT TONGUE โ โPROUD & BOASTFUL SPEECHโ
(Psalm 12:3-4)
A. Arrogant Announcements โ Boasting lips
B. Ambitious Assertions โ โOur tongue is our ownโ
C. Anti-Authority Attitude โ Refusing Godโs rule
Dispensational Emphasis: Pride contradicts the humility of Christ we are called to imitate (Philippians 2:5).
THE DISHONORING TONGUE โ โBLASPHEMY & CURSINGโ
(Colossians 3:8)
A. Cursing Lips โ Anger speaking through the mouth
B. Corrupt Language โ Filthy communication
C. Christ-Dishonoring Speech โ Tongue that shames the Savior
Dispensational Emphasis: Paul commands believers to โput awayโ such speech because we are new creations.
THE DELIVERED TONGUE โ โSANCTIFIED SPEECHโ
(Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6)
A. Pure Conversation โ Speech seasoned with grace
B. Purposeful Communication โ Edifying words only
C. Powerful Confession โ Tongue used for testimony
Dispensational Emphasis: The Body of Christ is uniquely called to speak grace, because we live under grace.
CONCLUSION
The tongue is a powerful tool. It can destroy a soul, divide a church, damage a testimony, or deliver the gospel. Every word spoken by a believer matters because we represent Christ in the Dispensation of Grace.
CALL TO ACTION
Surrender your speech to the Spirit.
Saturate your tongue with Scripture.
Speak only what strengthens, not what scars.
Let God sanctify your speech so your tongue becomes a testimony, not a tool of trouble.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your words reveal your walk.
Your tongue reveals your transformation.
Your speech reveals your spiritual maturity.
