“If Anyone Speaks”1 Peter 4:11

The “Gap”• Between what Christianity is and what others

see Christianity as.– IE: what you say and what others here you

saying.• Christian characteristics:– Loving, peaceful, compassionate, dedicated,

committed, selfless, merciful, forgiving• How others perceive Christians:– Hateful, arrogant, conflicting, judgmental,

hypocritical, condemning, fanatical

1 Peter 4:11

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

If you’re gonna talk…•Be careful what you say.•Be careful how you say it.

What would God say?“speaks the very words of God”

• “I Love You”– For God so loved the world that he gave his one

and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

“I don’t want you to be lost!”

• God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:9

• “But I will let you be if you so choose.”– “I won’t force you to follow me.”

Our “Message”(Of what do we speak?)

• God loves you• He doesn’t want you to be lost.– (Message of Christ and His sacrifice.)

• He can’t have sin in His presence.– (“Must repent”)

Be careful how you say it.

• “speaking the truth in love” Ephesians 4:15• “if someone is caught in a sin, you who live

by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” Galatians 6:1

• Maybe our success in leading others to Christ has been hindered more by our attitude and approach than by the offensiveness of our message.

Live it or don’t bother saying it.

• “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” Colossians 3:17

• You may do more harm than good.– I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor

hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16