Strong Language Found in the Bible I. Introduction. A. Discuss the concept many have of God. 1. "A gentle, kind, loving being"(correct!). 2. "Who would never send one to eternal torment"(incorrect!). B. The mistaken concepts of God often manifested in speech. 1. "God would not speak harshly to anyone." 2. "God would not speak in anger." C. While the Bible reveals the tenderness of God, it also reveal the strength and power of God. 1. He used it in the Old Testament period. 2. He will use it at the end of time. D. God's strength may be seen in the language of the Bible, both OT and NT. E. We will cover 3 periods: OT, Jesus on Earth and apostles. II. Body. A. Consider what Jehovah said(and how) in the OT examples. 1. When speaking to Adam and Eve: a. Genesis 2:16-17. (1 Note the graciousness of the Almighty: "Of every tree.." (2 The exception(strong words). b. The lie: Genesis 3:4-5.(lies are not strong words) (1 Knew the will of God. (2 Reasoned away the plain language. c. You know the rest of the story. 2. When describing the destruction of the ancient world: Genesis 6:7. a. Consider the extent of the destruction. b. Yet there was mercy--Genesis 6:8. c. The result: Genesis 7:23. 3. In speaking of the erring Hebrews. a. The warning: Jeremiah 19:3. b. Why? Jeremiah 19:15. c. Fulfillment: Jeremiah 52:12-13(& following). B. Be aware of what Jesus said while he walked among men. 1. "Except ye repent": Luke 13:3, 5. a. People thought others were worse: Luke 13:2, 3. b. It is difficult to change(repent). c. Under Christ, one must change. d. No repentance--then perish. 2. "Get thee behind me, Satan": Matthew 16:23. a. To Peter, an apostle: Jesus knew his heart. b. Just before, Peter had said: Matthew 16:16. c. Disputed that Christ would die: Lord reacted. d. "Satan" means adversary. 3. Matthew 23. a. Summarize verses 3-7. b. Note; v. 13, 15, 16, 33. c. Called Pharisees "hypocrites" at least 6 times. d. Is it possible we are not as strong and plain in speech as should be? C. The apostles used strong language. 1. Peter: a. On Pentecost: Acts 2:23, 36. b. Led to: Acts 2:37. c. To erring: II Peter 2:20-22. 2. Paul: a. When smitten: Acts 23:3. b. The wrath of God: Romans 1:18, 28f. c. Fellowship: I Corinthians 5:11, 13. 3. John:(the apostle of love) a. Spoke of a liar: I John 2:4. b. Of false teachers: II John 9-11. c. Note: I John 1:6. III. Conclusion. A. The strength of the language of the Bible is in the simple truths expressed. B. It takes help to misunderstand the word of God. C. Perhaps it is just a rejection of the strong words of truth-- because people do not want the truth.-James L. Yopp