11/24/2019 Sermon Engage The Battle 3

Defining Biblical Gossip, Slandering, Backbiting, Etc. Great and Wonderful Discussion:     Is it edifying and building people up? Is it biblical? Would you stand in the pulpit on Sunday and repeat? Is it pleasing to God’s ears? If Discussing A Problem With The One Person Of The Problem:  Is the root of the problem biblical; not just your opinion?  Since the problem is with this one person, are you following Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15-17? If Discussing A Problem Involving Another Person(s)     Is the root of the problem biblical; not just your opinion? If possible, have you talked directly with that person or persons? Are you talking to someone with all the facts and knowledge? KEY: Are you talking with someone who has the responsibility and authority to facilitate correcting the problem? If you have been or ever find yourself in such wrong conversations, know this - you are Gossiping, Slandering, Etc.!  You need to stop immediately.  Interrupt the speaker and tell them this is not appropriate.  If they don’t stop immediately, tell them you will be glad to go with them right now to talk with the Pastor about this.  If they refuse to stop, leave.  If they don’t stop talking and you don’t stop listening, know this: You are committing a grievous sin before God.  You need to repent of your sin.  If you have done this in the past, you still need to repent of your sin. Also Cf. Romans 1:29-30; 1 Timothy 5:13; 2 Timothy 3:1-7 Biblical Definition of Gossip – a person who spreads rumors or idle, fruitless tales. The Apostle Paul described some of the early believers as “not only idle but gossips and busybodies” (1 Tim. 5:13). Jesus said, “For every idle word men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36). Biblical Definition of Slander – evil, malicious talk intended to damage or destroy another person. Slander is prohibited throughout the Bible. The greatest slanderer of all is the Devil, or Satan – the adversary who opposes God’s people and accuses them before God (Job: 1:9-11; Rev. 12:10).