Say What? Week 1: Profanity October 28, 2018

SAY WHAT? WEEK 1: PROFANITY OCTOBER 28, 2018

1. [SERIES] As you can tell from the stage setup and that video bumper, we’re starting a new sermon series this morning on the words we use, and how they affect the people around us. a. Specifically, we’re going to take a look at what the Bible has to say about certain types of speech that we all agree are wrong, yet many of us slip into from time to time: profanity/coarse language, lying/slander, gossip, and sarcasm. 2. Now most of you probably have a pretty good handle on these issues, and may be wondering why we’re going to spend four weeks studying things we shouldn’t say; let me address that by sharing an observation with you… a. Talk about how I’ve noticed over the past few years how the language of our culture (music, media, TV, movies, games, and even clothing) has degenerated to the point where I found myself no longer surprised by what I was hearing. b. This trend reached a crescendo during the recent confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh when all manner of gossip, vulgarity, slander, and hateful sarcasm dominated our airwaves for weeks. 3. Like many of you in this room, I am not squeamish when it comes to language—I am not easily offended by certain words or figures of speech; but I have become increasingly disturbed by the lack of civility and respect that is so prevalent today, and believe that we will benefit from what God has to say about “iffy” communications. a. My goal through this series is not to make the modest uncomfortable or more tolerant, or to provide excuses for language that may be considered off-putting. b. Rather, my goal is to provide a frame of reference for why things like profanity, gossip, and slander should be avoided, and some practical tools for helping us be less judgmental and prudish as we guard our own thoughts and speech. 4. But, before we go too much further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer… Pray. 5. [SERMON] So, with these things in mind, let’s begin with a look at what the Bible has to say about profanity, vulgarity, cussing, or just being a plain-old potty mouth. 6. To illustrate my point of just how accepting we’ve become of language that would have earned most of us a “soap sandwich” as kids, take a look at how casually the following ad for a very popular game treats obscenity… 1 a. The commercial features actor, Ryan Reynolds, as he reprises his cranky comic alter ego, Dead Pool. b. Please keep in mind that what he says and what you think he is saying are very different, but the point it makes about what people will say around little ears is clear. Play Toon Blast commercial. 7. Personally, I think Ryan Reynolds is pretty funny; but, the message of that commercial is fairly sobering if you stop and think about it… a. It pokes fun at the fact that coarse language is so much a part of how we communicate today that we can joke about—and not be appalled by— launching a tirade like that in front of a child without apologizing. 8. Transition: If this is the state of the world in which we live, how should we respond? a. Do we need to modify our thoughts about appropriate language to accommodate others, or navigate the culture? b. Do the words we use even matter anymore? After all, words aren’t really “dirty” or “clean”—they’re just combinations of sounds that evoke images and feelings. c. Is foul language even considered sinful since we have “freedom” in Christ? 9. To unravel questions like these, I want to turn to several passages in the Bible that provide some excellent guidance in this area; but, first, let start with a few comments about the Bible… 10. [BIBLE 1] The Bible is explicit that the name of God is holy, and should never be profaned or taken in vain. a. Exodus 20:7 (ESV) “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. 11. God’s glory is reflected in His name (Psa. 8:1); it is “holy and awesome” (Psa. 111:9), and should be “hallowed” or revered (Matt. 6:9). To profane or take God’s name in vain does not mean that we cannot use His name(s); rather, we should not misuse it! a. Misuse means taking something holy and making it worthless or common. b. It includes referring to God’s name as a swear word; calling upon Him to curse someone or something; referring to the Lord flippantly or irreverently (such as “Oh my God (OMG),” “By God,” or “For God’s sake”); swearing or taking an oath by His name (cf. Matt. 23:22); or calling oneself by the name of Christ (a “Christian”) while intentionally and continually disobeying His commands.

2 12. [BIBLE 2] The Bible does not tell us which words are “clean” and which are “dirty.” a. The Bible is written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, there are very few (if any words) that transcend space, time, and culture as clean or dirty. b. In fact, the Bible contains some very coarse and graphic language that we would find objectionable by today’s standards.1

mǎš·tîn) is used 6 times in ןיִתְּשׁ ַמ) ”i. The term “pisseth against the wall the AV as a colloquialism for males (1 Sam. 25:22, 34; 1 Kgs. 14:10; 16:11; 21:21; 2 Kgs. 9:8).

ṭĕḥôr) is used 8 times in the רח ְט) ii. The word “emerods” or hemorrhoids AV to boils, tumors, or skin eruptions caused by plague or dysentery (Deut. 28:27; 1 Sam. 5: 6, 9, 12; 6:4, 5, 11, 17). 13. [BIBLE 3] God’s people have always taken steps to protect the character of His Word. a. God originally prophesied through Zechariah (14:2) that women in Israel would shagal) by wicked, invading armies. The Masorites (Jewish גָשׁ לַ ) be raped scholars from the 6th—10th centuries AD) found this obscene, so they replaced ”.which means “to lie with ,( בַכָשׁ ) ”it with the tamer “shakev b. The orig. language of Ezekiel is simply too graphic in his descriptions of the whoredom of Israel (Ezekiel 16:26, 36, 37; 23:20-21)! c. Many of the ancient Hebrew euphemisms—such as to “know” someone (Gen. 4:25; Judg. 19:25), “go in to” (Gen. 6:4; 16:2), “approach” (Gen. 20:4; Lev 18:14); or “lie with” (Gen. 19:32)—are still used in English. i. The Bible speaks of “covering the feet” for relieving oneself (Judg. 3:24; 1 Sam. 24:3), and uses “nakedness” (Gen. 9:22), “feet” (Exod. 4:25), and “thighs” (Gen. 24:2) to refer to the genitals. d. The Talmud says that whatever was written “disgracefully” should be read “politely” (b. Meg. 25a). i. This means that the rabbis and scribes understood cultural norms of language, and used decorum when reading or copying the Bible so as to preserve its holiness and character.

1 The following examples are from Ullendorff, E. (1979). The Bawdy Bible. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 42(3), 425-456. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/615569 3 14. [RBI 1] The appropriateness of a word can sometimes be a matter of culture… a. Illustration. The angry email I rec’d after saying “screwed up” from the pulpit at MVBC. 15. Words have a range of meaning depending on cultural understanding (e.g., feces, dung, poop, or the more colorful 4-letter versions like crap, and sh*t)—different words may refer to the same thing, but some are considered more offensive or impolite. a. Why is that? The sounds themselves have no moral value. It is only how they are received or perceived by the culture in which they are spoken. b. Philippians 3:7–8 (ESV) 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. 16. I can’t tell you how many pastors I have heard (myself included) point to the word “rubbish” and then go on to explain that “σκύβαλον” (skúbalon) is the cultural equivalent of another 4-letter word for “poop.” a. In reality, that is simply not how the Greeks understood this word. b. In Paul’s time, σκύβαλον referred to something that was thrown to dogs; stuff that is left over, cast off, of worthless; chaff; or something filthy to the mind. 17. Paul is comparing what he has gained in Christ to his ethnicity, upbringing, and the accomplishments of his former way of life; to him, they are useless and have no value because none of these things are as glorious as knowing and serving Jesus, and none of them made him righteous before God. Share Gospel. a. Culturally-speaking, Paul says that his high status in Judaism is like gum that you might step in on the street—it may have tasted good at one time, but now it’s just a sticky mess on your shoe. 18. Paul’s words may have been offensive to pious Jews, but they weren’t offensive to the Greek-speaking Gentiles in Philippi who understood that the cross of Christ is far more scandalous than a word pastors occasionally overstate to shock the Sunday crowd. 19. [APP 1] How are the words I use generally understood by the culture in which I live? 20. [RBI 2] The appropriateness of a word is can sometimes be a matter of culture, context… a. Illustration: How the angry tone of my MVBC Youth Pastor’s sermon made people think he was cussing at them when, in reality, he didn’t use any foul language at all.

4 21. Where, why, and how we say words may be considered offensive or obscene, even if we don’t intend them to be taken that way. a. For example, even though expressions like “Munching finger puppets!” or “Hamburgers!” or “Schlitterbahn!” are nonsensical, and have no meaning; but, depending upon where, why, and how I say them may cause discomfort to some people. b. Colossians 3:8 (ESV) 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 22. What we see here in v. 8 is a list of types of speech that may come out of a person’s mouth. If you look, you’ll see “slander” in that list, which we’ll talk more about next week; for today, the phrase I want to focus in on is “obscene talk.” a. The Greek word underneath that is αἰσχρολογία (aischrologia), which describes talk that is more than just obscene, it’s abusive and degrading. b. The idea here is that certain words or phrases—whether they’re considered obscene or not in a particular culture—are derogatory; they tear a person down. 23. [SERIES] In Greco-Roman times, the social elite would never utter vulgar or profane words in public or polite company; they would, however, order their servants to run down others with insults and sexual innuendo, or read provocative poetry as a form of entertainment. a. In this entire section of Colossians (3:1–17), Paul is telling the followers of Jesus that they should not behave or speak the way they did before, because they are new creations in Christ; running people down and speaking filth is no longer acceptable behavior. b. We understand that this is what he is saying because in Col. 3:11, he points out that the old social strata and ethnic divisions have been blown away—all are equal at the foot of the cross, and everything should be done in love with a higher ethic in mind. i. Colossians 3:11 (ESV) 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 24. Instead, Paul tells us to speak in a way that is winsome and attractive so that we may stand out against the harshness of the world, and earn the right to share the Gospel.

5 a. Colossians 4:6 (ESV) 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. i. “Let your conversation always be graciously winsome and seasoned with the salt of wit and pungency.” – Murray J. Harris, Colossians and Philemon2 25. [APP 2] What do my words reveal about my care and concern for others? 26. [RBI 3] The appropriateness of a word is can sometimes be a matter of culture, context, or character… a. Illustration: Talk about how the words we say (or don’t say) are a reflection of our character; God often works through our character and speech to reach people other believers may not be able to reach. b. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 27. The key word in this passage is “corrupting” (σαπρός sapros), which literally means rotten or decaying. a. To understand why Paul chose this word, we need to back up and look at Ephesians as a whole. The purpose of this letter is to promote unity, and to point out that—like Colossians—believers have a new identity and life in Christ. b. This new life should result in such a radical transformation of behavior and character because we have been enlightened to the Truth; we have been (or are being) re-created into the image or reflection of Christ. 28. [SERIES] Our words should reflect our new, heavenly character at all times, and should only be used for “building up” (creating unity and encouraging others); there is no time or place for trivial or meaningless talk from our old way of life. a. God’s people—especially when in the company of other followers of Jesus— should not even speak of the things unbelievers do; these things aren’t funny, and we shouldn’t be accused of, or caught talking about them (even in jest). i. Ephesians 5:3–4 (ESV) 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no

2 As quoted in Hultin, Jeremy F., (2008). The Ethics of Obscene Speech in Early Christianity and Its Environment. Supplements To Novum Testamentum, 128, 169. doi: 10.1163/ej.9789004168039.i-279 6 filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ii. Ephesians 5:12 (ESV) 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 29. [APP 3] What does my manner of speech reveal about my person and character? 30. [RBI 4] The appropriateness of a word is can sometimes be a matter of culture, context, or character… but it is always a matter of the heart. 31. In the final analysis, the words we use reflect what’s going on in our hearts—it is this filter or lens through which we should always evaluate what comes out of our mouths. a. Matthew 12:34 (ESV) 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. b. Matthew 12:36–37 (ESV) 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 32. [SERIES] It does not matter what, why, where, how or to whom we are speaking, what we say has an impact on others, and it speaks to our internal condition and convictions. a. Just as money is morally neutral, so are words; it’s what we do with them that matters. b. We must remember that that when we express words or phrases out of anger, pain, frustration, or some other emotion or situation, God—through His Son, Jesus Christ—was tempted and experienced the same things as us at an intensity beyond our comprehension, yet He did not sin (Heb. 4:15). i. Even when Jesus was critical of the evil and hardness of heart around Him, He did not break God’s Law; He used His words perfectly because His relationship to the Father was built on absolute love and submission. 33. [APP 4] What do my words reveal about my relationship with God? 34. [SERIES] The heart of the matter is this: Because our faith and trust for forgiveness and eternal life rest in what Jesus did on the cross, you and I are free to say and do pretty much whatever we want. a. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

7 35. You can—in the privacy of your own home, in the quiet reaches of your heart, and among your close friends—speak whatever however you want. a. But, you should regularly ask yourself questions like these when you speak… i. How are the words I use generally understood by the culture? ii. What do they reveal about my care and concern for others? iii. What does my manner of speech reveal about my person and character? iv. What does my language reveal about my relationship with God? b. Let your honest, thoughtful answers guide you, and help you gain control over the most amazing and beautiful—yet destructive and evil—human organ: the tongue. i. James 3:2 (ESV) 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 36. The Early Church Father, Clement of Alexandria, taught that—other than blasphemy—there’s nothing wrong with “obscene” words as far as God is concerned. a. But he also stressed that “foul language is the road to shamelessness, and shameful behavior results from both.” 3 i. Matthew 5:22 (ESV) 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. b. # Bad words can bring us closer to bad deeds. 37. In other words, run your thoughts and words through this filter… a. Philippians 4:8 (ESV) 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. b. Or, as Ron Burgundy from the movie Anchorman might say, “Stay classy, Waterford!” 38. Go to [BLACK] as I invite the Prayer Team forward and close with prayer.

3 Ibid., Hultin. 234.

8 SAY WHAT? SELECTED PASSAGES WEEK 1: PROFANITY ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION

THE REALLY BIG IDEA Indeed, I count everything as loss because of • The appropriateness of a word can sometimes be a matter of the surpassing worth of culture , context , or knowing Christ Jesus my character … but it is always a matter of the Lord. For his sake I have heart suffered the loss of all . things and count them as rubbish, in order that I TAKING IT HOME may gain Christ. 1. How are the words I use generally understood – Philippians 3:8 by the culture in which I live? But now you must put 2. What do my words reveal about my care and them all away: anger, concern for others? wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from 3. What does my manner of speech reveal about my person your mouth. and character ? – Colossians 3:8 4. What do my words reveal about my relationship Let your speech always with God ? be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION know how you ought to 1. Thinking of some (or all) of the words that are generally considered answer each person. inappropriate, is there a context in which a Christian might – Colossians 4:6 appropriately use that word? Explain. 2. Read Ephesians 4:29. Would it be possible to violate the spirit of that Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, instruction without using any of the words you thought of in question but only such as is good #2? If so, how? for building up, as fts the 3. What does it tell you about a person (their background, beliefs, fears, occasion, that it may give etc.) when you hear them use obscene or abusive language? grace to those who hear. 4. When you hear someone direct this sort of language toward a person – Ephesians 4:29 or particular group, what does it tell you about the value the speaker gives to that individual or group of people? Let there be no flthiness nor foolish talk nor crude 5. What does God think of that individual or group? Can you think of any joking, which are out of Scriptures that support your opinion? place, but instead let 6. Read Ephesians 4:1–3. If a person were striving to “walk in a manner there be thanksgiving. worthy of the calling” as described here, how likely would he or she be – Ephesians 5:4 to use words that corrupt rather than build up? Why? You brood of vipers! How 7. Read Ephesians 4:17–24. How does a person “put on the new self?” can you speak good, 8. If we have been “renewed in the spirit of our minds” will it make a when you are evil? For difference in the way we talk to one another? Will it impact the words out of the abundance we use? Will it change our tone of voice? of the heart the mouth 9. Do any of the four application questions above represent an area for speaks. you to work on this week? – Matthew 12:34

SERVICE TIMES

What are you praising God for today? How may we pray for you? Sunday Celebration 10 AM

14143 Yosemite Blvd Waterford, CA 95386

209.874.2532 cbcwaterford.org

10/27/18

■ The Bible is explicit that the name ■ The Bible is explicit that the name of God is holy, and should never be of God is holy, and should never be profaned or taken in vain. profaned or taken in vain. ■ The Bible does not tell us which words are “clean” and which are “dirty.”

■ The Bible is explicit that the name of God is holy, and should never be The appropriateness of a word profaned or taken in vain. can sometimes be a matter of ■ The Bible does not tell us which CULTURE… words are “clean” and which are “dirty.” ■ God’s people have always taken steps to protect the character of His Word.

1 10/27/18

■ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for ■ How are the words I use generally the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of UNDERSTOOD by the culture? knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

■ But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from The appropriateness of a word your mouth. can sometimes be a matter of CULTURE, CONTEXT…

■ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

2 10/27/18

■ Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

■ But sexual immorality and all impurity or ■ For it is shameful even to speak of the things covetousness must not even be named among that they do in secret. you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

3 10/27/18

■ How are the words I use generally UNDERSTOOD by the culture? The appropriateness of a word ■ What do my words reveal about my can sometimes be a matter of CARE and CONCERN for others? CULTURE, CONTEXT, or ■ What does my manner of speech CHARACTER… but it is always a reveal about my PERSON and MATTER of the HEART. CHARACTER?

■ “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

■ How are the words I use generally UNDERSTOOD by the culture? ■ What do my words reveal about my CARE and CONCERN for others? ■ What does my manner of speech reveal about my PERSON and CHARACTER? ■ What do my words reveal about my RELATIONSHIP with GOD?

4 10/27/18

■ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.