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Paul Tripp: What Makes a Word a Bad Word?
Here is my question that I would ask Dr. Tripp. He speaks of edification through building up through grace. My question is how we use words to those that are devout pagans or legalists? God and his prophets seem to “bring it” most with those types of people. They didn’t hold back and so I can see that as edifying the audience to show how stupid and grotesque their sins were. So, I wonder if Tripp makes a distinction here, or in those instances he would consider that to be “grace”…just wondering.
What are your thoughts on Dr. Tripp's distinctions? Is he crazy? I think it is very helpful.
HT: Pastor Pete
5 comments:
I can see exactly where Dr Tripp is coming from ... that which leads to edification. No he is not crazy and his thoughts definitely are helpful. I wonder though under some circumstances whether to 'connect' with some groups of people the use of language which is common to that group may be appropriate. That may mean using language which may have lost its sting in one group but would make the hairs curl on the back of your head in another group. So the use of vulgarities may be necessary. I can tell you working in a health field that some people just don't understand the word faeces but sure know what you mean when you use the word s*i# or p*S# for urine... In another context maybe the word d&&kh&&d may be uses to refer to some who has done something really stupid or evil etc... So is it ok to use the phrase "don't get plss#d with wine"? Maybe it might be under some circumstances.
This is a most difficult solution to the problem in that "when" do we come to know, before or after?
1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1Co 10:32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
1Co 10:33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
It seems to me we ought to know?
If we do not know and it comes to our attention, we then have a clear word, "that was offensive" to them, him, her, them and then we have a Savior we turn to in acknowledging Him in all our ways and by Promise, He will direct our way to reconciliation.
dung is that "word" and no, we should not damn anyone unless we are doing it to save the soul and spirit from damnation, as in this prescription to the Corinthian Church:::>
1Co 5:3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.
1Co 5:4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,
1Co 5:5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
Scripture is clear.
Matthew 15:1:1 "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that
which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
Matthew 15:17-20: "Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands
defileth not a man."
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him Colossians 3:8-10
Matthew 12:34-36: "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak
good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A
good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:
and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But
I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of judgment."
Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
I think it seems pretty clear. Swearing and cursing for the Believer is unacceptable. The Bible couldn't be anymore clear.
Sharing the Gospel while using words that God has said are sinful kind of defeats the purpose of sharing the Gospel. Because we are to be set apart from this world, not of the world. If unbelievers don't see a difference in those who follow Christ then what reason is there for them to even want to hear the Good News?
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17
"Friendship with the world is enmity to God." James 4:4
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:20-21
"Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on." Proverbs 4:14
"... in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
"...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned..." 2 Timothy 3:1-14
Mike D.
Mike.
So, what would you say is how you deem what is a cuss word and what isn't?
This is the essence of these posts dealing with this subject. Just posting verses helps no one.
I know the same verses that you have posted, but that still doesn't answer the deep questions of language that Tripp seems to answer very well.
Well Seth,
(and by the way, a great blog you have here)
I would say by Christ's standards that anything deemed a cuss word by "the world" is one we should stay away from. Because we as Believers are not supposed to be of the world. So aligning ourselves with a negative from the world would be clearly disregarding the scriptures point on that.
The 'S' word means only one thing (and it isn't another word for candy) and most free thinking people seem to know that. As well as the 'F' word, the 'B' word and a few other dandies.
You can ask an unbeliever and if they're honest with you they'll admit that those choice words are indeed curse words.
This is why I believe the scripture not only lays out the admonishment not to use swearing or cursing or any inappropriate language that might come from our mouths, but not to be friends with the world. The combination seals any question of what is or isn't appropriate for the Believer.
At least this is how I read the Word of God. Tripp needs to have his eyes opened. I know it may sound redundant but we should ask ourselves, What Would Jesus Do? I can almost guarantee you that He would not use a profane description from the unbelieving world. If we are to be transformed into the likeness of Christ then I would think that the route Tripp is taking doesn't lead there.
Mike
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