Introduction

• Matthew 12:35
• What is the reasoning we need to have in place to determine what is obscene?
• Ephesians 5:12

Principles

• Ephesians 1:3-14 – If you have hope in Christ, there is a direct connection between your thoughts, conduct, and speech.
  • Why did God adopt us?
  • What was God’s aim in choosing us?
• Ephesians 2:1-10 – Paul describes a transformation in the Gentiles (and himself). They had died to sin, as we should.
• Ephesians 4:17-24 – Is what we are doing, saying, and watching after the likeness of God?
• Matthew 7:15-20 – We are known by our words!
• Matthew 12:33
• Ephesians 4:29 – What should our speech be? Something that is timed appropriately and will build another up.
• Ephesians 5:1 – Be imitators of God.
• Ephesians 5:4
  • Filthiness: disgraceful or improper
  • Silly talk / foolish talking: the talk of the unwise
  • Coarse jesting / crude joking: speaking in a crude, debased way
• Ephesians 5:3, 5 – See II Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; I Thessalonians 4:3

Application

• Is it wholesome?
• Who am I trying to impress?
• Galatians 5:12
• Harsh language in the Bible was used to point out sin.