What Is the Biblical Response to Preachers Cussing In The Pulpit and In Sermon Titles?

I.                    Introduction. I was asked by many people to address a video where a minister uses for his title that the devil is a “GD” liar. While I am not a reactionary preacher; I do believe that this is a good learning opportunity for the body of Christ.

II.                 Shock jocks. Many years ago on radio you had what was called shock jocks. These were radio jockeys that amassed vast audiences; due to discussing controversy all subjects in matters. You have the same thing now on social media. The more controversial the matter; The more likes, views and hits you get. This viral sermon I'm referring to is a classic example of that. To me, one of the most affective shock jocks is the president of the United States of America. Most Americans are not attending to politics until it is election time. But, through obnoxious tweets President Donald Trump has ensured that he is at the top of the news every morning. It is really ingenious. He knows that his statements or controversial. But, whether you like him or not; he is going to make sure that he is at the top of your discussion list. The more people talk about his tweets and statements, his mission is accomplished. The worst thing you can do for a shock jock is to ignore them. That is the most effective way to stop this in the church and on social media.

III.             False prophets and false teachers. False prophets and false teachers know that people are drawn to controversy. Many of them would fall into the category of being in shock jocks. I asked God about this. I could not understand that if someone is so false in their practices and in their teachings; why would God allow them to have such an influence over the masses. His answer from the Bible was astounding:

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

2 Timothy 4:3 3For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

IV.              God’S name is not to be taken in vain. The Bible is pretty clear that regardless of the intent or motive; God's name is to always be reverenced and held in high esteem. It is from the Hebrew name El (singular) or Elohim (plural) that we get the English word “God.” So God with a capital G is not just any deity; He is the Lord God.

Exodus 20:7 7"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

V.                 God’S name is to be reverenced. With all of what the name of God means to us; it is to be held in the highest reference.

Psalm 111:9 9He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever- holy and awesome is his name.

Psalm 148:13 13Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Proverbs 18:10 10The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

VI.              Yes, the devil is a liar.

John 8:44 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

VII.          Yes, the devil is damned. With the word damned meaning to be condemned.

Revelation 20:10 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

VIII.       Yes, God is the one that has condemned the devil.

1 John 3:8 8The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

IX.              There is a tasteful way to say AND DO everything. My conclusion is this; while I do not know the minister and thus I cannot be the judge of his motives or intent; I am of the opinion that (while I understand the message he was trying to get across) a much better choice of words could've been used in a public setting. Because with this generation (even though without a doubt he got their attention) you give them an inch and they will take a mile. And this sends a message to this generation that talking like this is okay.

1 Corinthians 10:23 23"I have the right to do anything," you say-but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"-but not everything is constructive.