Speak Evil of No One

🗣️ Speak Evil of No One

Passage from this morning—different focus…

Something I have grown in considerably but still have room to grow in and I’m sure I’m not alone....

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Titus 3:1–11 (ESV)

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,

11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Background:

1. 🧠 Remember Who Paul Is Talking To

Paul is instructing Titus, a church leader, on how to guide believers in Crete.

This is a call to godly living—for all believers, not just leaders.

2. ⚠️ The Warning: Watch Your Words (Titus 3:2)

“Speak evil of no one…”

NO ONE!

Slander = to demean through speech; to tear down someone’s reputation.

The same Greek word is used for blasphemy—speech that dishonors.

When we slander others, we blaspheme their name, character, and worth.

Common excuses we make:

"It’s just venting."

"It’s true though."

"They deserve it."

⛔ But Paul says—no exceptions.

When we speak evil, slander, defame others it is sin!

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Helpful Question: How would they feel if present?

Story: Kathleen, failing to hang up.

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Transition: There’s a reason we ought to be mindful:

3. 😬 The Mirror: Remember Who You Were (Titus 3:3)

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient…”

We are no better than the people we’re tempted to tear down.

Saved not by our works, but by God's mercy and grace (v. 5).

Grace should make us humble, not haughty.

💡 Quote to remember:

“Apart from the grace of God, I am nothing.”

If everything is by grace, I have no cause to boast in anything that I am…

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Tran: Our words are powerful, we must be careful…

4. 🔥 The Power of the Tongue (James 3)

The tongue is small but powerful—like a rudder or a bit in a horse’s mouth.

We bless God and curse others with the same mouth.

“These things ought not to be so…” (James 3:10)

🐍 The tongue is untamable in our own strength—but we are not alone.

God’s Spirit empowers us to speak in a way that honors Him.

5. 🛠️ Use Words to Build, Not Destroy

“Our words are like a hammer—we can build up or tear down.”

👥 What if Christians became known for:

Changing the conversation when gossip starts?

Defending someone’s reputation instead of joining the pile-on?

Speaking words of life, truth, and grace?

🎯 Key Thought:

Slander is just as serious as adultery or drunkenness. It’s sin. But by grace, we can grow.

🙏 Application: Let Grace Shape Your Speech

God’s grace doesn’t just forgive, it transforms.

Let’s represent Jesus with our words—at home, at church, at work, online.

Not just avoiding evil speech, but being intentional in speaking life.

💬 Discussion Questions

Why do you think slander and gossip often “fly under the radar” compared to other sins?

What are some practical ways you can use your words this week to build up others?