Filthy Language

The issue of filthy language and course jesting among professing Christians, (including pastors/elders) has come up quite often, lately. Here is some food for thought:

Eph. 5 shows the differences between those who are in Christ and those who are sons of disobedience---not in Christ. The contrast is vast. The commands are clear. The consequence is severe.Those who practice the fruit of disobedience are not going to inherit the kingdom of Christ and God, but rather suffer His wrath.

This is so serious that the Lord tells us to not even associate with such people (v. 7), let alone to take no part of such works of darkness (v. 11).

Works of darkness:

sexual immorality
impurecovetousness
filthiness
foolish talk
crude joking
deceives by use of empty words
brings God's wrath
disobedient
in darkness
no fruit of light
shameful
things done in secret
drunkeness/debauchery

As Christians we are to know God's will regarding these matters (v. 10,17) and His will is revealed in this very chapter: be immitators of God, walk in the light, be obedient to Him. The second half of the chapter tells us what to do (submission is discussed there).

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I believe constant use of filthy language (cussing, swearing, course joking) is not a small sin, for there are NO small sins with God. He takes these things extremely seriously and so should those who claim to know Him (1John 1:6-9 now comes to mind).

Heb 12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

If a person has been shown their sin using clear Scripture, in this case it would be foul and filthy language, and yet remains unrepentant, it should become a church discipline issue. Clear disobedience over and over without godly sorrow reveals a hard heart that needs correction, maybe even the gospel, and can infect the Body of believers.

Let us obey the command:

Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Therefore do not associate with them;

Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.