Why What We Say Is Important

About this Episode

Why What We Say Is Important is the topic that will be discussed today on RIOT Podcast, a Christian Discipleship Podcast.

The power of speech is a gift from God and it must be used the way God ordains. In the book of James chapter 3, the tongue is compared to a bridle and rudder, a fire and a poisonous animal, and to a fruitful tree and a fountain. These three pairs of pictures teach us that the tongue has the power to direct, the power to destroy, and the power to delight.

The tongue is but a little member of our bodies, but it can accomplish great things for good or for evil. In our reading today Paul is going to point out three important ministries of speech we as Christians all have.

Colossians 4:2-6 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

THE FIRST MAIN AREA OF SPEECH WE SEE IS WE MUST BE ALWAYS PRAYING
Prayer and worship are perhaps the highest uses of the gift of speech. Paul was not ashamed to ask his friends to pray for him. Even though he was an apostle, he needed prayer support for himself and his ministry. In these few words, Paul described 4 characteristics of a satisfying prayer life.

Prayer is Faithful
Prayer is Watchful
Prayer should be Thankful
Prayer should be Purposeful

Warren Wiersbe: “It has been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. Prayer is not telling God what to do or what to give. Prayer is asking God for that which He wants to do and give, according to His will. Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, it is laying hold of His willingness.

THE NEXT AREA OF SPEECH IS WE CAN PROCLAIM GODS WORD
Colossians 3b-4 that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Paul did not ask for the prison doors to be opened, but that doors of ministry might be opened.

The proclamation of the gospel is empowered by prayer. The spirit of God uses the Word of God as we come to the throne of grace and ask God for His blessing. We must never separate the Word of God from prayer because God has joined them together.

THE LAST AREA OF SPEECH IS WE CAN BE WITNESSING TO THE LOST
Colossians 4: 5-6 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

When Paul says to walk in wisdom towards outsiders he is talking about people not of the faith. Jesus spoke with Grace on his lips, Luke 4:22 says “And all wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.”

Romans 10:9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and is justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.