“Are YOU Sowing Discord Among Brethren?”

1. “Are YOU Sowing Discord Among Brethren?” Gossips and Talebearers

2. “Are YOU Sowing Discord Among Brethren?” • Some folks continue to gossip and bear tales, even though they know it to be wrong. • That is why we are going to examine the matter tonight. • EVERYONE needs to hear this lesson.

3. “Gossips” G5397 φλύαρος phluaros floo'-ar-os From φλύωphluō (to bubble); a garrulous person, that is, prater: - tattler. - STRONG’S

4. “Talebearer” H5372 נרגּן nirgân neer-gawn' From an unused root meaning to roll to pieces; a slanderer: - talebearer, whisperer.

5. Too much time on their hands… • 2 Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.” (NKJV) • 2 Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” (ESV)

6. Too much time on their hands… • 1 Timothy 5:12 “having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.” (NKJV)

7. Many people like to gossip… • Proverbs 18:8 “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.” (NKJV) • Proverbs 18:8 “The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.” (ASV) • Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.” (ASV)

8. “Are YOU Sowing Discord Among Brethren?” • 2 Corinthians 10:10-18, The apostle Paul dealt with it. • Proverbs 26:20-22, Tale-bearing is a cause of strife among brethren. • 1Peter 4:15 “For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters:” (ASV)

9. Talebearers reveal secrets… • Proverbs 11:13 “A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” (NKJV) • 1John 2:19 • Proverbs 20:19 “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” (NKJV) • Proverbs 17:9 “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (ESV) • Proverbs 16:27-28, The ungodly digs up evil and sows strife.

10. Some people make things up to tear others down… • Psalm 41:7 “All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt.” (NKJV) • 1John 4:19-21 • Romans 1:29 “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers” (KJV) • Proverbs 10:18 “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” (KJV) • Psalm 101:5 “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.” (NKJV)

11. God says that we are to put an end to such talk… • Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”(NKJV) • 1 Peter 2:1 “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” (NKJV) • James 4:11 “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law.” (NKJV) • Titus 3:1-8

12. Consider the motivation that the Lord gives… • “Gossiping” and “Talebearing” – • Causes strife. • Separates friends. • Some will continue – • Even when others have done no wrong. • Trying to gain some sort of “advantage” or to make themselves look better in the eyes of others. • God says – • Many who gossip do so because they are idle, not busying themselves with what they should be doing. • He will destroy the slanderer. • Keep your mind occupied with the things of God, not man!!

13. “Are YOU Sowing Discord Among Brethren?” Gossips and Talebearers