THE SPIRIT'S SWORD (21:38)

Words matter. They carry power that can soothe the soul and inflame the spirit (Prov. 15:1; 25:11). “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” (Prov. 15:2). Jesus said there is a corresponding measure of responsibility and accountability for the words we use (Matt. 12:36-37). We must think before we speak, lest our words wound rather than heal and weaken rather than strengthen (James 1:19-20; Eph. 4:29).

America’s social and political climate is inflamed by hot rhetoric from all sides. And religion has always had its rhetorical flashpoints. What is rhetoric, and what is its place in society and, more specifically, in communicating the gospel?

The word rhetoric means “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques” (lexico.com). Its synonyms include “oratory, eloquence, power of speech, command of language, expression, way with words, delivery, diction” (Ibid).

Rhetoric is not inherently evil. For example, Apollos was an “eloquent” man (orator, skilled in speech) who was “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). This ability served him well when he learned “the way of God more accurately” and “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:26, 28). However, a problem arises when human wisdom is advanced through rhetorical flourishes that impress and persuade (1 Cor. 1:17). Paul did not draw attention to “eloquence or human wisdom” when he preached for fear that people’s faith would rest on the man and not in the power of God and His word (1 Cor. 2:1-5, NIV). Again, words matter. They carry power (James 3:5-8). When our words are driven by emotion, human will, and man’s wisdom they can and will lead people away from God’s truth, peace, and salvation in Christ.

One of the difficulties in distinguishing helpful rhetoric (that focuses on facts and truth) versus disruptive rhetoric (that incites and inflames) is the tendency to assign impure motives before listening to what is said. We close our ears (minds) to meaningful dialogue, understanding, and progress when the words of someone with whom we disagree are only viewed as insincere pomposity (hot air) or misinformation. Prove all things (1 Thess. 5:21).

Sometimes rhetoric is intentionally meant to shut down communication, to label, and to intimidate. This is dishonorable and unjust. For instance, to say someone is a “homophobe” because they have Bible-based objections to homosexuality has a chilling effect on a fruitful discussion. That rhetoric stigmatizes, intimidates, and quarantines all who do not accept same-sex marriage as loving conduct.

The Pharisees teach us how not to treat others this way (Luke 7:39; 15:1-2). Our words are to be humble and gracious, not caustic when we answer those who oppose the truth (Col. 4:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:24-26). It is not a virtue to be disagreeable when we disagree with others.

As we choose our words, we must be aware of the attitudes and values from which they spring, as well as what our words actually express (Matt. 12:34-35). Why? “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:37).

1. “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” (Mark Twain)
2. God expects us to continually develop spiritually, knowing that “perfection” is about maturity toward heaven, Phil. 3:12; Heb. 12:23.

A. Good Nutrition, Jno. 6:35, 48-51 (63).
B. Spiritual Exercise, He. 5:13-14; 1 Tim. 4:7-8.
C. Disciplined Lifestyle, 1 Cor. 9:24-27 (Heb. 12:1-2); 1 Jno. 1:7-2:2.

A. Markers of Growing Weaker Spiritually and Away from Christ:
    1. My heart is dull toward God’s word, Matt. 13:15 (Acts 28:27).
    2. My love for God is growing cold, Matt. 24:12; 1 Jno. 5:3 (Matt. 22:37-39).
    3. Prayer has become an afterthought, Lk. 18:1, 8; 1 Thess. 5:17.
    4. I am frustrated over doing good, Gal. 6:9.
    5. I am growing eager to satisfy the flesh, 1 Tim. 5:11 (indulgent); Eph. 4:22; 1 Pet. 2:11.
B. Markers of Growing Stronger Spiritually and Closer to Christ:
    1. I speak and live the truth in love, Eph. 4:13-15 (Matt. 12:34); Eph. 4:25.
    2. I am faithfully doing my part as a member of the body of Christ, Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:14-27.
    3. I am working for the Lord, Heb. 6:10-12.
    4. I am diligent to be holy and live in grace, 2 Pet. 3:14-18 (2 Tim. 2:1-2).
    5. I am putting off old man of sin and putting on new man of Christ, 1 Pet. 2:1-2; Eph. 4:20-24.

The Bible says sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 Jno. 3:4). God’s law says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Rom. 13:1). Therefore, yes. We sin against God when we violate the authority (laws) of governing authorities.

It’s relatively easy to obey when government is benign. But, what if the “governing authorities” are unjust, evil, and oppressive? Do you suppose these traits existed during the rule of Nero, Domitian, and other Roman emperors? Most assuredly. Peter wrote during Nero’s reign, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good…Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:13-14, 17). While we have liberty in Christ from all men, we do not use that to justify wickedness, but we to submit ourselves to the constituted authority “as bondservants of Christ” (1 Pet. 2:15-16).

When competing loyalties arise between God and government, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). By doing so we trust God to execute His vengeance on the wicked nation while He secures the faithful ones unto eternal glory. (This is the message of the Revelation.)

What if the government commands me not to preach the gospel and charges me with “hate speech” for doing so (2 Tim. 4:1-5)? What if the government removes my ability to protect myself and my family from harm (1 Tim. 5:8)? What if the government says I must bow at the altar of secularism and atheism (Rev. 13:15-17)?

The answers? I must continue doing God’s will with faith and humility, assured that God will right every wrong (2 Thess. 1:7-9). “Repay no man evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:17-18).

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The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
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