1. Slander

2. See no evil, Hear no evil – outside influences  Speak no evil  Speak no evil – influence from within and below (Ja.3:6)  Gehenna  Gehenna: only here outside words of Jesus  Satan  Satan affects our speech (3:15)  Tit.3:1-2

3. I. Meaning Of Slander

4. To tell person(s) an untruth about another that will harm his reputation  False witness, Mt.15:19  Unproveable charges, 1 T.5:19; 6:4  Busybodies, 1 T.5:13  Revenge, 1 Pt.2:23; 3:9. Gn.39  Conflict, Ro.3:18. 1 T.6:4. 3 Jn.9-10 “When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser” “When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser” – Socrates

5. Not all references to others is gossip or slander Ac.9:39 the good Ga.2:11-14 the bad 1 T.1:19-20 the ugly

6. I.Meaning Of Slander II. Mark of Slander

7. Ex.16:1-7 The facts: Israel grumbled against Moses & Aaron, 2-3 1. God 1. God was listening, 7 Him 2. He took it personally: they slandered Him, 7f 3. Moses / Aaron merely did what God said Israel slanders Moses Aaron God

8. God has not changed 1. Pr.14:31 2. Pr.19:17 3. Ac.5:4 4. Ja.4:11-12 5. 1 Jn.4:20 Illustrated: 2 Sm.10 Jesus slandered: Mt.9:34 Mt.11:19 Lk.23:2 Saul: 4 Saul: Ac.7:58; 8:1, 3; 9:1... 4 Lord Lord took it personally Lord Christians merely did what Lord com.

9. Conclusion: when Christians slander Christians, they... Copy worldly people. Dn.3:8; 6:24 Cannibalize one another. Ga.5:15 Contrasts (Ga.5:25): Worldly vs spiritual behavior Slander vs edification Contrasts (Ga.5:25): Worldly vs spiritual behavior Slander vs edification Pride (Ga.5:26): Provoke (if superior) Envy (if inferior) Pride (Ga.5:26): Provoke (if superior) Envy (if inferior)

10. Conclusion: when Christians slander Christians, they... Copy worldly people. Dn.3:8; 6:24 Cannibalize one another. Ga.5:15 Criticize Christ. Hb.6 Apostate re- crucifies Him Slanderer re- accuses Him

11. I.Meaning Of Slander III. Medicine For Slander II. Mark Of slander

12. 1. Avoid slanderers, Pr.20:19 2. Be direct, Mt.18:15-17 3. Know you can stop, 1 Co.4:13 4. Exclude, 1 Co.5:11 (6:10) 5. Direct disobedience, Ep.4:29 6. Do not retaliate, 1 Pt.2:21-23; 3:9 7. Remember Judgment, Jude 15 Ja.3:1-2Mt.12:36-37Col.4:6