CHURCH OF CHRIST at

November 15, 2009Don’t Forget:•Devotional/Thanksgiving dinner

Hebron

The Scoop on

I. The Characterizations of Gossip

II. The Causes of GossipIII. The Cures for Gossip

Gossip

The Characterizations of Gossip:

1) Gossip in the Old Testament• Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth

secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. – “Talebearer”—one who travels about

(Ezekiel 22:9)• Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is,

there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. – “Talebearer”—to roll to pieces;

slanderer, whisperer

The Characterizations of Gossip:

2) Gossip in the New Testament• I Timothy 3:11 Even so must their wives

be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

• Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things– “Slanderers,” “false accuserers”—

diabolos, Greek equivalent to Hebrew Satan

The Characterizations of Gossip:

2) Gossip in the New Testament• II Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there

are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies– “Busybodies”—to work around; mettle

about• I Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be

idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

The Causes of Gossip:1) Hatred

• Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

• II Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good

The Causes of Gossip:2) Jealousy

• Matthew 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him

• Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming

• Titus 3:2-3 …to speak evil of no man…living in malice and envy

The Causes of Gossip:3) Wordiness

• Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

• Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

The Causes of Gossip:4) Genuine concern

• Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter

—must be BALANCED with—• James 5:16 Confess your faults one to

another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

• Proverbs 20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war

The Cures for Gossip:1) Filtration

• Ask yourself these questions:1) Is it true?2) Is it needful that I tell it?3) Is it kind?

• If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” DO NOT TELL IT

The Cures for Gossip:2) Faithfulness

• Psalm 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

• Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

The Cures for Gossip:3) Focus

Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican

The scoop on gossip:

It causes division

It erodes reputations

It separates us from God

Consider During the Lord’s Supper:

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.