In Word and Deed

Text: Colossians 3:12-17

 

I.         There needs to be a consistency between the things we say and the things we do

            A.        “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?”

                        1.         People understand that it is one thing to talk about something, but often something else to actually to it.

            B.        Thoughts and the actions must join together.

                        1.         One without the other is hypocrisy

                        2.         It is by a person’s deeds, over their words, that show their true character - Matthew 7:15-20

                        3.         Your deeds must match what you proclaim - I John 3:17-18

            C.        Colossians 3:17 - “Whatever” doesn’t leave much out.

                        1.         Consistency between word and action is required.

II.        The power of words

            A.        God created the universe by speaking - Psalms 33:6,9

            B.        Our salvation is taught to us by word - Romans 1:16

                        1.         Our faith is based on listening to God - Romans 10:17

                        2.         It is through words that we learn what we need to do - I Corinthians 1:21

                                    a.         Truth comes from Jesus - John 1:17

                                    b.         As Peter said - John 6:68

                        3.         Thus early Christians preached - Acts 26:25

                                    a.         Reasoning and persuading - Acts 18:4

                                    b.         Breaking down false arguments - II Corinthians 10:3-5

                        4.         And those words changed people for the better - II Timothy 3:16-17

            C.        Words are the vehicles which carries our thoughts

                        1.         Our aim is to have words and thoughts pleasing to God - Psalms 19:14

                        2.         We will be judged by our words - Matthew 12:33-37

                                    a.         Words reflect our hearts – who we are

                                    b.         Even idle words, words said without thought, will be weighed by God

                                    c.         For even idle words tell us about the person’s inward thoughts

                        3.         Words show the thoughts and intentions - Mark 7:20-23

            D.        Life and death are in the power of the tongue - Proverbs 18:21

                        1.         With our words, we can do a lot of good

                                    a.         It heals other people - Proverbs 12:18

                                                (1)       And they have joy for themselves - Proverbs 12:20

                                                (2)       Wise words are gracious - Ecclesiastes 10:12

                                                (3)       Earnest council from a friend is sweet - Proverbs 27:9

                                    b.         We can bring salvation to others by teaching - Acts 2:40

                                    c.         Protection by sound speech that cannot be condemned - Titus 2:7-8

                        2.         But words can cause damage as well

                                    a.         To stir up anger - Proverbs 15:1

                                                (1)       A fool destroys with his words - Proverbs 18:6-7

                                                (2)       Example is Demetrius’ speech - Acts 19:25-29

                                    b.         To seduce into doing evil - Proverbs 5:3-5

                                                (1)       Removing dirty talk (sexual talk), foolish talk (empty of content), coarse jesting (sexual jokes) - Ephesians 5:3-7

                                    c.         To deceive - I Peter 3:10

                                    d.         Teaching false doctrine - Acts 15:24

                                                (1)       Idle talk and subversion - Titus 1:10-11

            E.        This is why we must control our tongue - James 3:1-12

                        1.         Without a bridle, we have a useless religion - James 1:26

                        2.         No corrupt words from my mouth - Ephesians 4:29

III.       The strength of action

            A.        Deeds display the heart

                        1.         Faith shown by what we do - James 2:18

                        2.         Wisdom shown by conduct - James 3:13

            B.        We are judged by what we do

                        1.         Romans 2:5-9 - Judged according to deeds

                        2.         Revelation 20:12 - Judged according to works

                        3.         Thus, we must work out our salvation - Philippians 2:12

            C.        It is by deeds we accomplish what we are told by God

                        1.         It cannot be faith alone. It is faith that leads to action

                                    a.         Mark 16:16 - believe and is baptized

                                    b.         Acts 2:38 - repent and be baptized

                                    c.         Acts 22:16 - Why do you delay?

                        2.         Nothing would be accomplished if everyone sat still

            D.        It cannot be a partial obedience - James 2:11

            E.        Not temporary obedience - Galatians 6:9-10

IV.      Neither word nor deed alone

            A.        You can’t just talk about love. Love is shown in what we do - I John 3:14-18

            B.        James 2:14-17 - Faith can be declared, but without works it is dead.

            C.        Remember the teachings and conduct - Hebrews 13:7

            D.        Action helps us remember the words - James 1:21-25

V.        In heart as well as in reality

            A.        Worship in spirit and truth - John 4:24

            B.        Is your religion consistent?

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