War Of Words VI - Winning The War Of Words (Galatians [5]13-[6]2)
Winning The War Of Words
Text: Galatians 5:13 – 6:2 (Rom. 6:11-13)
Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)
Date Preached - (11/18/01)
Introduction:
When we talk about victory in Communication we are not talking about one small aspect of our lives, but an entire lifestyle!!
NOW – Word’s Matter!
They must be chosen carefully. Not just the words we choose to say, but also the words we choose not to say.
In Galatians 5 we see …
I. A Picture Of Victory
What does winning look like?
A. Victory involves recognizing the destructive power of words vs.15
Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Words are the most powerful influence we have in the lives of others. (Proverbs 18:21)
ILLUS: Many cannibalistic species of animals.
B. Victory means affirming our Victory in Christ vs.13
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Our freedom in Christ has a FROM aspect (Vs.1-6), but it also has a TO aspect.
We cannot glory in what grace takes us from w/o also accepting what it calls us to.
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
FROM: TO:
World Christ
Flesh Spirit
Sinful Lusts Desire for Godliness
Fear Faith
Pride Humility
Words that deceive, Words that edify, encourage,
manipulate and serve self and serve God’s redemptive
purpose.
C. Victory means saying “No” to the sinful nature vs.13 & 24
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
We have all had to deal with the failure of a friend. We have been misunderstood or even mistreated and hurt at times by those closest to us.
We’ve been provoked, tempted to sinful anger, envy, selfishness etc.
When Christ was crucified my sinful nature was crucified with Him. I no longer have to submit to the evil desires of my heart. I no longer have to be ruled by these emotions.
For these very moments, we have been given Christ. We must choose if we will live under sin’s passions and desires, or the rule of Christ.
LOOK UP & READ Colossians 3:1-5
D. Victory means speaking to serve others in love vs.13-14
Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Paul calls us to talk that is other-oriented.
1. I must consider the person (My Neighbour)
What do I know about the individual that would impact what I am about to say?
2. I must consider the problem
What is this person’s real need in this situation?
3. I must consider the process
Don’t just spout off!
E. Victory means speaking in step with the Spirit vs.25
SEE FRUIT in vs.22-23
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Problems are not obstacles to the development of this fruit, but opportunities to see it grow.
I must speak in a way that reflects God’s work in me and encourages His work in you, no matter the circumstances.
In the heat of the trial, God will show you your sin in a new way. We will discover that the things we hate in others are present in us as well.
Are we communicating in a way that promotes the Spirit’s work of grace in our lives and others?
F. Victory means speaking with a goal to restore. Gal. 6:1-2
Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Paul does not say “If you catch someone in a fault”. He is not talking about sneaking up on people in order to catch them in sin.
He is talking about those “overtaken” or they themselves being caught in sin.
What we need to realize is that in one way or another we all live “caught” in some aspect of our lives, almost all the time!
We must see the need in our lives first, then we will begin to see the need for restoration all around us.
If we see others as “caught”, we must respond to one another with an agenda of restoration, not one of demand.
The purpose of human relationships is not human happiness. It is the work of reconciling people to God and restoring them to the image of His son.
II. Winning is a Journey
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
On the journey we are not just focused on what we have to carry, but on who else needs assistance.
When I see a person struggling to carry his load, I am called to share the weight.
ILLUS: Add for special Olympics (Down Syndrome children who stopped to help up the competitor who stumbled)
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Let’s keep our eyes open, not only to our struggle, but to other pilgrims on the journey with us.
Conclusion: (Review)
Getting Personal
1. Take time to identify your personal battlefields (Well aware of) and minefields (Not so well aware of).
Pride (speak first and think later), Poor listener, Defensive and reactionary, Deciptive or manipulative, angry, blame-shifting, bottom-lining (ultimatums).
2. What powerful emotions and desires do you need to say “NO” to or be more discerning in regard to? Make a List……..
3. In what specific areas is God calling you to speak out of a commitment to serve others in love?
Home/Marriage At Church/Work
4. Which fruit of the Spirit needs to grow in you, and more consistently influence the way you talk to others?
Read vs.22-23 again!
5. Where do you see restorative work that needs doing? How can your words help? What daily opportunities do you have?