Coarse Jesting
Memory verse: Eph. 5:3-4
Review:
Last week we discussed the power of the tongue for good and for evil. James gives us a graphic explanation of the explosiveness of that power. We also defined some specific sins of the tongue: gossip, flattery and slander. We also saw that the tongue reveals the hearts affections. This week we narrow our discussion and consider Paul’s admonitions in Ephesians, specifically his instructions regarding filthiness, foolish talking and coarse jesting.
Introduction:
Yammering, gabbing, verbal jousting and joking are common to man. Humor in all its forms is a feature of humanity. But how is this feature to be impacted by our new life in Christ? What is the proper role of humor in Christian speech and communication? More specifically, what should typify speech between Christian young men? How is our joking and kidding around to be sanctified? What about a good-natured horse-laugh at our brother’s (and our) foibles?
Christian speech in general
1. First, we need to realize that humor is not frowned upon in Scripture
Eccl. 3:4
2. Secondly, we need to observe that the Bible itself contains examples of what many Christians would consider inappropriate speech
Gal. 5:11-12
Phil. 3:8
3. Third, we need to realize that what we say matters
Matt. 12:36-37
4. Fourth, we need to understand that growing in wisdom and godliness affects our speech
Proverbs 10:32
Corrupt Words
Eph. 4:29
What is contrasted in this verse?
What is a corrupt word?
What does “necessary” imply?
How do we define grace in this passage?
What is grief? What grieves the Holy Spirit? Why?
Filthiness, foolish talking and coarse jesting
Ephesians 5:1-4
What are the imperatives in this passage?
How is walking in love defined?
What is a sacrifice?
When we imitate Christ in this way, what does God think of it?
What things should be absent among believers?
What thing should be the dominating presence among believers?
Definition of terms
What about the term “filthiness?”
What about “foolish talking?”
What about “coarse jesting?”
Conclusion/Application
What’s wrong with humor about immorality?
1. It doesn’t take sin seriously enough. This is a deadly error.
2. It enables us to talk about things we would not dare to discuss seriously. Humor allows us to press the line of appropriateness further than we could seriously. If we venture too far, we simply say, “Just kidding.”
3. Joking about immorality often is but the first step we take toward immorality.
4. Joking about sex degrades it. Sex is a gracious gift from God. We dare not make light of God’s gifts. We mock them in so doing.
Specifically, what Type of Humor Should I Avoid?
1. Jokes that demonstrate disrespect for God, Jesus, the Bible, and the Church. That is, humor at the expense of that which is holy. Jokes that tend to place God in a trivial light. Humor, that in the end is teaching the wrong lesson or a false doctrine.
2. Jokes that rely on sexual humor, and innuendo.
3. Humor that would send the wrong message concerning your own values or would give people the impression that you might be open to certain temptations.
4. Humor that is cruel and laughter at the expense of a horrible tragedy. Humor that you wouldn’t appreciate if you or a loved one weretargeted(Matthew 7:12).
Check your motivation.
Often, when one becomes a Christian there is a learning period to discern what is and what is not appropriate speech (Hebrews 5:14). But if you have been a Christian for some time, then look at your motivation before you say something humorous. If you want to shock people, or prove that you aren’t a “prude”, then you need to refrain from saying what you were about to say. Ironically, Christians don’t have to worry about trying to “shock people”, the message that we are bringing from God will do just fine in getting people’s attention (Acts 24:25).