SPEAK UP
Preach not because you have to say something, but because you have something to say.— Richard Whately
1 Corinthians 1:18, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Many people in this world would love for the Christian to shut up. They would love for them not to be able tell others about Jesus. They would love for preachers, pastors, evangelist, and missionaries to be locked up in prisons around the world. But that is not what God wants!
He wants us to speak up during these days! He wants us to proclaim the name of the Lord loudly but lovingly! He wants you and I to share with this lost, dying, and hurting world what He has done for us. He wants us to lift high the name of Jesus! Will you join me today?
SPEAK TRUTH EVEN IF IT MAKES SOMEONE MAD.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 3 John 1:3
It’s a given, if you speak Truth someone will lash out at you. You will find out where they stand. Their true colors will shine through. But do you shrink back in a hole never more to proclaim the Gospel? No! If anything, you speak a little louder! You shine a little brighter! You stand firm in Who you have believed! Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12, For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Don't let a little backlash on the Truth you speak cause you to discontinue doing what God has commanded!
DON’T TRIP OVER YOUR OWN TONGUE!
It is bad to think ill, but it is much worse to speak it, for that implies consent to the evil thought and a willingness to infect others with it. -Henry
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Psalm 34:14
Boy sometimes I’m just like Andy Griffith, I want to pull the words I just spoke right back into my mouth. Now, I know you’re always perfect with your words and never make a comment out of place but I do and many times, I pay for it for a long time! (Now be honest, you do to…)
Friend, it would do us good to listen twice as much as we speak today. I mean, the Lord did give us two ears and one mouth! If we did, maybe, just maybe we wouldn’t trip over our own tongue as much as we do!
How do you need to react to the Word of God?
No one ever graduates from Bible study until he meets the Author face to face. –Harris
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:18-19
In these verses I see that we need to react to the Word of Truth in three ways:
1. Swift to Hear—We should be prepared to hear the Word of God when read, when taught, when Preached, or even when sung!
2. Slow to Speak—We should only speak when the Word of God has penetrated our lives. Taking time to meditate on what was said.
3. Slow to Wrath—Instead of having a wicked response to the Word of God we better take the time to consider what the Word means in and to our life.
How you react to the Word will determine whether you live a victorious or defeated life!