Backbiting on SermonAudio

In a world drowning in information and drama, Pastor Paul Chapman reveals a profound biblical prescription for maintaining our sanity and spiritual peace. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 4:11, we're challenged to embrace a countercultural ambition: to study to be quiet. This isn't about ignoring sin or burying our heads in the sand, but rather about understanding our God-given jurisdiction. The sermon unpacks six powerful biblical truths that help us navigate the chaos of our digital age. We learn that gossip and busybodying are placed alongside murderers and thieves in Scripture's hierarchy of sins, reminding us that our words and attention carry weight. The concept of staying in our lane becomes more than a driving metaphor—it's a spiritual discipline that protects our peace and effectiveness. We're reminded that God never called us to police the world or carry burdens He never assigned to us. Instead, we're called to mind our own business, work with our own hands, and trust God with the rest. This message speaks directly to our social media-saturated lives where everyone's problems become our problems, and where accusations fly faster than truth can catch up. The wisdom here is timeless yet urgently relevant: innocent until proven guilty, two or three witnesses, hear both sides, and ultimately leave judgment to God.

Questions This Message Answers Why does James say no one can tame the tongue? What does our speech reveal about the condition of our hearts? Why can the same mouth both praise God and curse people? What are the Bible's warnings about gossip, slander, lying, and corrupt speech? How can believers become a source of encouragement rather than division? What does James mean by a fountain producing either sweet water or bitter water? Why can't a fig tree produce olives or a grapevine produce figs? What is the difference between earthly wisdom and wisdom from above? How can I recognize whether my words are being influenced by the world, the flesh, or the devil? What qualities characterize godly wisdom according to James 3? Why should Christians pursue peace instead of strife? How can the Holy Spirit transform the source of our speech? Why do I keep saying things I later regret? Can anyone truly control their tongue? What does the Bible say about foul language? Is gossip really a serious sin? How can I become a peacemaker instead of a troublemaker? What is the difference between worldly wisdom and God's wisdom? Main Truth The tongue reveals the true condition of the heart, and only God's wisdom and the Holy Spirit can transform the source from which our words flow. Christ Connection Jesus Christ perfectly demonstrated the wisdom from above. His words were always pure, gracious, truthful, and life-giving. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are transformed to increasingly reflect His character in both speech and conduct.

This sermon identifies gossip, slander, and backbiting as destructive forces that tear apart the fabric of church community by violating the ninth commandment. Using Proverbs 26 to illustrate how tailbearers fuel strife like arsonists, the message defines these sins and highlights their lasting damage to reputations and fellowship. It distinguishes between malicious gossip and necessary biblical reporting for correction or justice, urging believers to handle sin through proper channels rather than secret circulation. The preacher emphasizes that overcoming this sin requires heart transformation through Christ's grace, mirroring Jesus' refusal to repay slander with slander. Ultimately, the congregation is called to protect good names, speak truth with love, and practice heavenly speech patterns in anticipation of eternity.

This sermon delivers a sobering, pastorally charged warning against the sin of tailbearing—gossip, slander, and backbiting—rooted in Proverbs and illustrated through biblical examples, modern applications, and spiritual principles. It emphasizes that tailbearing is not merely idle talk but a destructive, deceitful practice rooted in a wicked heart, designed to sow strife, wound the soul, and destroy reputations, often disguised as concern or faithfulness. Pastor Friesen underscores the spiritual danger of such behavior, linking it to the devil's tactics in Eden and highlighting how flattery, exaggeration, and the misuse of truth can manipulate the simple and corrupt the church. With urgency, the sermon calls for discernment, personal accountability, and a commitment to protect secrets, avoid flattery, and confront the sin both privately and publicly when necessary, especially in the age of social media where its reach is amplified. Ultimately, it calls believers to guard their hearts and tongues, recognizing that such sins are not only condemned by God but will be judged, urging the congregation to pursue purity, wisdom, and love over division and malice.

The sermon, drawn from 2 Corinthians 12, centers on the profound danger of spiritual disunity within the church, warning that internal strife—manifested in debates, envy, wrath, factions, gossip, and pride—poses a greater threat than external persecution. The preacher emphasizes that while Paul faced stonings, imprisonments, and hardships without fear, he trembled at the prospect of returning to the Corinthians to find their fellowship fractured by pride, jealousy, and unresolved conflict. Rooted in the biblical call to love, forgive, and pursue unity, the message urges believers to examine their hearts, confront sin with humility, and reject the subtle sins of whispering, backbiting, and self-exaltation that erode the body of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to live in genuine humility, accountability, and love, recognizing that true spiritual health is measured not by external success but by internal harmony and faithfulness to Christ's example.

The sermon draws a powerful parallel between Absalom's insidious rise to power in 2 Samuel 15 and the biblical condemnation of discord in Proverbs 6:16–19, emphasizing that sowing division among believers is an abomination to God. Through a detailed examination of Absalom's manipulative tactics—his feigned concern, strategic positioning at the city gate, personalization of grievances, and use of religious pretense—the preacher exposes how pride, resentment, and self-promotion fuel spiritual rebellion. The message warns that such behaviour, though cloaked in sympathy and charisma, is rooted in a heart that exalts itself above God and undermines His authority, mirroring the Antichrist's counterfeit lordship. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to reject partisan loyalty and instead stand firmly on the Lord's side, guarding against the subtle, destructive work of discord that corrupts unity and destroys testimony.

Slander, blame, and false accusation are sins that are rooted in pride and are driven by an evil spirit—the spirit of the devil, who is the accuser of the brethren. The Scripture shows us clearly that blaming others began in the Garden of Eden and has marked every generation since, especially the last days. Accusation and slander are often used to hide personal guilt, justify sin, and destroy others, and they now dominate the world, politics, media, churches, and personal relationships. God condemns this behavior and promises judgment for those who practice it, while blessing those who walk uprightly, speak truth, refuse to backbite, and do not take up a reproach against their neighbor. The child of God is called to reject this spirit, guard the mind, repent of blaming and slander, and follow Christ's example—showing truth with mercy, taking personal responsibility, and living in charity and righteousness.

An expository study of the ninth commandment from Deuteronomy 5:20, tracing the prohibition from its primary application in courtroom perjury outward to lying, backbiting, slander, gossip, and talebearing. The study draws on Deuteronomy 19, Leviticus 19, and extensive passages from Proverbs to show that the sanctity of truth is axiomatic to the right ordering of family, church, and civil society. Main points: - the prohibition — perjury in the courtroom - the broad act of lying - backbiting, slander, gossip, and talebearing Scripture references: - Exodus 23:1-6 - Leviticus 19:11-18 - Deuteronomy 4:5-8; 5:1-22; 17:6-7; 19:15-21 - Proverbs 6:16-19; 10:18; 11:13; 12:17-19; 12:22; 18:8; 18:13; 18:17; 19:5; 19:9; 20:19; 25:18; 25:23; 26:20; 26:22 - Matthew 7:12; 18:15-17 - Luke 10 - Romans 1:29-30 - Ephesians 4; 5:25-28 - 1 Timothy 5:19 - Hebrews 11 - Revelation 21:8 Free Grace Baptist Church — https://www.freegrace.ca Full transcript & sermon notes: https://sermons.freegrace.ca/sermons/bible-study-the-ninth-commandment Description generated by Tyrannus.ai: https://www.tyrannus.ai

The Ninth Commandment Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 43 112. What does the ninth Commandment require? That I bear false witness against no one, twist no one's words, be no backbiter or slanderer, join in condemning no one unheard or rashly; but that on pain of God's heavy wrath, I avoid all lying and deceit as the very works of the devil; and that in matters of judgment and justice and in all other affairs, I love, speak honestly, and confess the truth; also, insofar as I can, defend and promote my neighbor's good name. The sermon centers on the Ninth Commandment's call to uphold truth and reject all forms of deceit, emphasizing that lying—whether in speech, judgment, or self-deception—is rooted in the nature of the devil and contrary to God's character as the source of truth. It challenges the congregation to resist the cultural epidemic of gossip, slander, and hasty condemnation, urging careful discernment in media consumption and personal judgment, while highlighting the danger of self-deception and self-worship that distorts our perception of others. Christians are called not only to speak truth in justice and daily affairs but also to actively defend and promote their neighbor's good name, even when silence or discretion is required, reflecting Christ's call to bless rather than retaliate. The message underscores that true faithfulness to God involves a radical commitment to honesty, humility, and love, recognizing that our words should honor God and serve others, not fuel division or pride.

This sermon, rooted in James 4:11 and guided by Richard Baxter's theology of backbiting, confronts the pervasive sin of gossip with pastoral urgency and biblical precision. It defines backbiting not merely as falsehood, but as any harmful speech about another—whether true or not—when done without divine calling or redemptive purpose. The preacher emphasizes that while truth-telling is not inherently wrong, the absence of a just cause, sufficient evidence, and a desire to restore rather than destroy renders even truthful criticism sinful. Key principles include refraining from judgment when not called, avoiding blind trust in even credible sources, and resisting the temptation to spread rumors—even about clearly wicked individuals—because evil must never be done for the sake of good. The sermon calls believers to a higher standard: silence over slander, confrontation over gossip, and humility over pride, all grounded in the character of God, who demands justice and love in equal measure. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to repent of their complicity in destructive speech and to pursue a life of restraint, integrity, and grace.

We conclude our study of: Romans 1. With a description of : SODOM & ALLIES I. Specific Sins cont. (30-31) II. Aware of Judgment (32a) III. Willful Sin (32b) Also Reference: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Hymns: Hymn # 4 C (G) "How Can It Be?" Hymn # 16 G (G) "Why Should He Love Me So?" Hymn # 360 A (G) "There Is A Fountain" Hymn # 363 C (G) "Saved By The Blood" https://bbfohio.com

00:00 Scripture Reading – Romans 1v30 03:23 Sermon Introduction – Sin Spiral Context 04:07 Point 1 – The Definition of Backbiting 11:40 Point 2 – The Damage of Backbiting 17:57 Backbiting Demonstrates a Reprobate Mind 20:52 Fruit of Reprobate Behavior 24:20 Point 3 – The Deeds of Backbiters 36:07 Early Church Faced Slander Too 40:48 Christian Backbiters and Their Danger 46:45 Point 4 – Deliverance from Backbiting 50:52 Gospel Illustration 54:08 Edify, Don't Tear Down 57:36 Christ Can Transform the Tongue 01:01:18 Closing Challenge and Invitation

Reading: Proverbs 26:27ff; Ephesians 4:15, 25, 29; 5:4 Heidelberg Catechism Lords Day 43 1. What God Requires 2. What God Hates 3. What We Learn

Jesus told His disciples that they were to forgive their brother, even if he offended 7 times, and then repented seven times in a day. And the disciples said 'Lord, increase our faith!'

We will face hardship in this life. Can we face the people of hardship with patience? -Notes: https://pastormarksbury.blogspot.com/2025/04/sermon-patience-amid-suffering-james.html -Livestream: https://lwbcfruita.org/live -Donations: https://www.lwbcfruita.org/give

Lord's Day 43 Q. 112. What is required in the ninth commandment? A. That I bear false witness against no man,1 nor falsify any man's words;2 that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer;3 that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly or unheard;4 but that I avoid all sorts of lies and deceit5 as the proper works of the devil, unless I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God;6 likewise, that in judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly, and confess it;7 also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the honor and good character of my neighbor.8 Prov. 19:5, 9. Prov. 21:28 - Psa. 15:3 - Rom. 1:29, 30 - Mat. 7:1ff. Luke 6:37. - Lev. 19:11 - Prov. 12:22. Prov. 13:5 - 1 Cor. 13:6 - Eph. 4:25 - 1 Pet. 4:8

The believer's life is to be marked by an unfeigned love for the brethren. This love is void of hypocrisy, hate, envying, and backbiting. Rather, this love causes the believer to desire the very best for other believers.

The Incarnation was the realization of the forgiveness of sins and the complete overhaul of civilization that had been promised by the Prophets. But that forgiveness was more than a concept. It was to be a reality shown first by God through Christ, and then within the congregation of His people.

Morning Worship|Worldliness - The Cure|James 4:7-12

0:00 - "Opening Prayer and Purpose" Introduction to the church covenant and the importance of studying our roles as Christians. 0:06 - "Understanding the Covenant" Overview of our dealings, engagements, and deportment as covenant commitments. 1:15 - "Justice in Our Dealings" Emphasis on fairness and integrity, supported by scriptures on just weights and measures. 3:16 - "Biblical Foundations of Justice" In-depth exploration of Proverbs and Leviticus on honest practices in business and personal dealings. 8:00 - "Applying Fairness in Daily Life" Practical examples of just behavior in everyday interactions. 9:57 - "Faithful to Commitments" The importance of timeliness, keeping promises, and honoring commitments. 12:04 - "Exemplary Conduct in Christ" Encouragement to maintain Christlike behavior, appearance, and interactions. 16:02 - "Avoiding Gossip and Slander" Biblical warnings against tattling and the dangers of spreading secrets or rumors. 19:01 - "Speaking Well of Others" Addressing backbiting and fostering a positive, edifying speech. 20:13 - "Managing Anger Righteously" Guidance on controlling anger, with biblical advice on patience and self-control. 26:05 - "Righteous Dealings in Worship" Lessons from Jesus' actions in the temple and the biblical call for integrity. 34:48 - "Living the Covenant in Unity" Review of covenant principles, emphasizing unity, edification, and love among brethren. 47:00 - "Preview of Next Week" Introduction to upcoming topics: abstaining from intoxicating drinks and advancing God's kingdom. 48:33 - "Closing Prayer and Reflection" Prayerful conclusion and encouragement to apply the teachings.

Dr. Schmidt examines the apostle Paul's heartfelt, yet rejected love for the Corinthians, and his admonition for them to put off their ungodly behavior, and to embrace Paul's love, and godly, biblical teaching.

In this sermon, Pastor Linehan considers the seriousness of sins of the tongue, by noting another example of corrupt speech.

Pare muchos es una gran sorpresa cuando se descubran que hablando mal del hermano o de la hermana es una fuerte forma de blasfemia.

What shall the men of the Church be like in the last days?

A call to avoid spiritual back problems, including backsliding, backbiting, backlogging, background, and back pressure.

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B.I.—No believer should or has a right to badmouth others. INTRODUCTION... I. THE CESSATION OF BADMOUTHING. 11a a. The Command to Cease. 11a(1) b. The Essence of Badmouthing. 11a(2) II. THE ARROGANCE OF BADMOUTHING. 11b-12 a. Its Transgression. 11b b. One Divine Lawgiver. 12a c. The Insignificance of the One Badmouthing. 12b CONCLUSION…

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Psalm 64 June 30th, 2024 Matt Bowen

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Most people think their first impression is always the correct one. Have you ever heard something of someone and been prejudiced against them? Then have you later found out that you were mislead, or not told the whole story, or outright lied to? If we were swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, we would avoid these kinds of traps. C. We can make all kinds of blunders in our lives by not taking heed to these instructions from God. We hurt those we love, we lose friends and hurt others, and we miss out on friendships and blessings from people we cull because of something we have heard about them.

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None of our lives, my brethren, should be characterized by speaking evil of others…… gossip, and backbiting are terrible sins and terrible habits to fall into…. if you have a problem with these sins, repent of them before the Lord, cry out for grace from your Lord to help you overcome this sin! And then purpose that you will NOT sin with your lips!

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WSC, Q78

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