THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD

Our words have amazing potential. James tells us that the tongue—though a small part of the body—has a large potential, (James 3:1-12). He likens the tongue to the bits that direct a horse—and that horse properly led can propel us on a journey or launch us off a cliff. There is the illustration of a rudder that can steer a ship to safely reach its destination or crash it upon the rocks in destruction. Further, he says, “the tongue is a fire,” and the fire can warm your house all winter, or burn it down!

Likewise, Paul gives command concerning the power of the spoken word in Ephesians 4:29, when the Apostle says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

While this is generally applicable to every believer, it should specifically direct the preacher, whose fundamental duty is to speak God’s message. This places a great responsibility and a grave accountability on him, so much so that we are also warned by James, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment,” (3:1). The quantity of words spoken by the preacher and the potency of those words elevates the possibility our speech may become destructive rather than instructive.

Therefore, Paul calls for THE EXCISE OF EVIL SPEECH, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…”. Evil speech is a malignancy in our mouth that must be excised. It is cancerous communication that if allowed even in small measure will spread with deadly consequence. 

Certainly, this would include crude language, but also deceptive speech, manipulative conversation, doctrinal error, boastful talk, and bitter expression.  All of this, as James states it, “is set on fire by hell,” (3:6b). We say so much and speak to so many that the weight of our words increases exponentially. 

The heart of our problem is the problem of our heart. Your tongue is a bucket and it draws out what is in the well of our heart. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” (Matt. 12:34b). The fruit of our speech is derived from the roots of our soul. This dark, desperate, depraved, demonic heart we have is poisoned beyond cleansing and wild beyond taming, (James 3:7-8). 

Our only hope is in regeneration. That which man cannot cure, God can heal. He gives us a new heart. Then, the Holy Spirit within us can tame our tongue. Yet, the potential in regeneration, must be practiced in sanctification. The cross must be applied to every area of the believer’s life. It must be for the preacher, and particularly his tongue. Let us pray, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips,” (Ps. 141:3). 

The negative to avoid is not enough, there is the positive to apply in THE EXPRESSION OF EDIFYING SPEECH, “but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”  Whereas, the speech of Adolph Hitler ignited a world war, the oratory of Winston Churchill extinguished those flames and helped propel the rebuilding of a civil society. God calls men to preach His Word and by that power He saves sinners and strengthens saints. While Paul demands the excise of evil speech, he directs us to the expression of edifying speech. Do not tear down with your words, but build up!

There is supernatural power in the preached Word. Here is the promise, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55:11). 

It is “A word fitly spoken [that is] like apples of gold in settings of silver,” (Prov. 25:11). It is proper speech precisely spoken that is a thing of beauty and value.  This is the preacher’s awesome privilege and power:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim. 3:16-4:5). 

The Apostle Paul reminds us that edifying preaching when it is received is helpful, but for those who reject it, it is hated. Truth that will grow the children, will grind on the counterfeit. The Word is a double-edged sword. Be faithful in your preaching and leave the results in God’s hands. Just make sure that you seek to edify.