SAFE WORD: GAIN

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Many a time we use and speak word so easily without thinking much of whether such word is correct  to use in our daily conversation. We treat it lightly. Word such as "LUCK" is not found in the Bible and yet we often use it.

b) Why is it so necessary to learn to use and speak the correct word? Matthew 12:36-37 has a lot to say about it.

i) 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV)

c) We will have to give an account of ourselves (Romans 14:12), every idle (careless, empty, thoughtless, worthless) word we speak (Matthew 12:36) and every work (deed) including every secret (hidden) thing whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14) in the day of judgment. For that reason, it compels us to use and speak the correct word or words especially God's Word. It's safe to use and we can learn a lot from its intended meaning.

1. Safe word:

a) Gain(ed) (s) - to win; to derive profit or advantage from; winnings, profits. 

2. Biblical references:

a) Matthew 16:26; 25:20

i) 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 NKJV)

ii) 20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ (Matthew 25:20 NKJV) 

b) Philippians 1:21; 3:8 

i) 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 NKJV)

ii) Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8 NKJV)

c) 1 Timothy 6:3-6

i) If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-6 NKJV)   

d) 1 Peter 5:2 

i) Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. (1 Peter 5:2 NKJV)


The End ...

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