In this special sermon from Toby Cavanaugh, the Radiant School of Ministry Director, we learn about the dangerous power of gossip and discover ways to identify and remove the enemy’s weapon from our lives.Sermon Highlights1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV)“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Romans 1:29-31 (ESV)“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient TO parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” Matthew 15:19 (ESV)“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” 1 Corinthians 12:20 (ESV)“For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)“There are six things that the Lord hates,seven that are an abomination to him:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent blood,18 a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that make haste to run to evil,19 a false witness who breathes out lies,and one who sows discord among brothers.” What is gossip? Passing on privileged or unconfirmed information, often that would portray someone in a negative light The danger things: 1. Is the person not there?2. Are you uncertain it is true?3. Is it at all private or personal?4. Is it at all negative? Why is it such a big deal? 1. Gossip breaks relationships2. Gossip is the fuel for conflict3. Gossip is addictive yet hurts you – like a drug Gossip destroys unity. And unity is a necessary ingredient for a move of God How do I stop? 1. Repent2. Start using the Ephesians 4:29 filter What do I do if someone starts gossiping to me? Strategy 1: coveringStrategy 2: refuse to listenStrategy 3: quarantine
