Now is the Time, Part 12: Be Silent | Speak

Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

Hello.

I’m Grant.

Our scripture for today says….

There is a time to be silent.

Let’s practice.

Before we begin…does silence make you uncomfortable?

It doesn’t have to.

Take a breath.

Thank God for that breath.

It’s a gift.

God gave you life and breath today.

God is here.

God is near.

Be still,

and know,

He is God.

Let’s take 60 seconds

One minute to rest, focus or be thankful

I will keep the time, so you don’t have to….

60 precious seconds

Begin.

Now is the Time

A time to be silent and a time to speak

When it is Time :

The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are
a snare to their very lives.
Proverbs 18:6-7

The :

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53:37

The :

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying,
“Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He
was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate
said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” But He
answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Matthew 27:11-14

The :

Therefore, the prudent man keeps quiet in such times,
for the times are evil.
Amos 5:13

When it is Time

Watch your words both in and (Proverbs 10:19)

your words (Proverbs 18:21)

Wisely ask for (from God! – 1 John :14)

Wisely offer an (I Peter 3:15, Colossians 4:6, Proverbs 15:23, Proverbs 12:6)

We are called to speak out (Isaiah 1:17 and I Peter 3:15)

There is a Time to Speak:

Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins.
Isaiah 58:1

Why is this ?

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36-37

Small Group Questions

1. What has been the highlight of your summer so far?
2. Given a choice, would you rather speak or be silent? Why?
3. Take some time and review all of the scriptures above. What is God saying to you?
4. Read Matthew 12:36-37. How would you define an “empty word”?
5. What do you need to keep silent on? What do you need to speak out on?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?