A. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he spoke of his intention to "com-mend himself to every man's conscience." One of the ways he wanted to do this was by "renouncing the hidden things of shame." 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
1. Paul was "not ashamed of the Gospel." (Romans 1:16)
2. He does say that when we were "servants of sin," we practiced things of which we are "now ashamed." Romans 6:20-21
3. One of the things of which we should be ashamed sometimes carries over in our Christian life, and invites rebuke. It is "shameful speaking out of our mouth." (Colossians 3:5-8)

B. In "renouncing the hidden things of shame" (2 Corinthians 4:2), Paul wanted to set an example fitting for others to follow. If, in that verse, he did mean "shameful speaking," we know from Colossians 3:8 that he was set against it.
1. Is there a double standard in the church on the use of the tongue?
2. Would it be fitting for the Christian in the pew to have words in his vocabulary, but deny their use to the preacher?
3. Are some jokes fit for the ears of members, that should not be told by preachers, or to preachers (or to women, with their delicate senses)?

II.LESSON-- I feel compelled at times to speak of these things, because occasionally I hear words from those who profess to be Christians that are really not fitting to be found in their mouths.

A. As a preacher who exhorted brethren to practice righteousness, the Apostle Paul was compelled by the Spirit to speak in specific terms of sordid and filthy sins, but was "ashamed" to have to do so. Ephesians 5:1-12
1. Where is that sense of shame today?
a. We allow our ears to be filled with filth in movies, TV, and modern popular music (8 out of 10 songs on the radio, or in the new "videos", tell openly of things which would have scandalized the average Christian 30 to 50 years ago).
(1)One diminutive curse in "Gone With the Wind" scandalized the audiences of 1939.
(2) 25 years ago, my wife and I went to see the movie "Paint Your Wagon," rated PG. We were subjected to filthy language, even to using God's name in curses. The picture depicted the corruption of a young man through alcohol and prostitution, and the pretention that two men were married to the same woman. We left the movie before it ended, and were ashamed that we had stayed so long.
2. The ear has a pressure valve which almost automatically releases what it hears in such abundance--it is called the MOUTH. (Sometimes steamboat engineers would tie down the pressure valve when trying to get more speed. The mouth may need to be controlled in the same way.)

B.What the mouth utters reveals what is in the HEART. Luke 6:43-45
1. Jesus knew the hearts of men, and revealed the truth that "NO GOOD TREE brings forth corrupt fruit."
2. "NO GOOD TREE" means "NO GOOD MAN (or WOMAN)."
3. "TREASURE of the heart" means "THOUGHTS of the heart."

C. What are some sinful uses of the tongue?
1. Filthiness--(Gk. Aiskrologia (AISKROLOGIA), meaning words that are vile, odious, indecent, in-decorous). Colossians 3:8
a. The preaching of Martin Luther, the great reformer of the 16th Century, was often disregarded by his contemporaries because of his coarse, vulgar peasant speech, and because the monastic life he lived in that time did not instill a real piety (in modern times, when filthy speech is so common, Luther is seen as "human!").
b. Many of us have the same problem. Our "upbringing," or our former manner of life, still influences our thinking and our speech. This problem is addressed in 1 Peter 1:17-19
2. Cursing--The Lord says to bless those who curse us, Luke 6:27-28, not returning curse for curse. Romans 12:14.
a. The use of cursing by the Christian is inconsistent. James 3:7-12
b. Paul follows his admonition with a general principle of returning good for evil. Romans 12:17, 21
3. Blasphemy--This can be speaking against God, or against men.
a. The blasphemy of God and sacred things is serious. Mark 3:28-30
b. The blasphemy of fellow men is rebuked. Titus 3:1-2, James 4:11
c.Paul apologized for speaking in an unrespectful way in Acts 23:1-5
4. Profaning God's name--This was forbidden by the Law of Moses. Exodus 20:7 (Peter may have done this, when "swearing" that he did not know Jesus. Matthew 26:73-75. Luke says "the Lord turned and looked at him," very possibly in rebuke.) We are warned against "profanity" (the treatment of sacred things as though they were common) in Hebrews 12:14-16.

III. APPLICATION--

A. Bridling the tongue is a part of controlling self. James 3:1-6

B. Peter says, "putting away all...evil speakings." 1 Peter 2:1-2

C. This, and all other subjects involving righteous living are covered in the exhortation of Paul, "Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good." (Romans 12:9)