1. Christianity is definitely not a religion for wimps.

2. It takes a great deal of courage, conviction and faith to be able to walk the walk and talk the talk, to dare to be different.

3. The word holy means set apart.

4. Christians are the true non conformists. They are the ones who are strong enough to be different.

5. People stapling their ears and piecing their belly buttons and noses aren't really brave nonconformist.

6. They are just conforming to the rebellious attitude of their peers.

7. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

8. Nowhere is the Christian's faith presented with a greater challenge than in the work place.

9. The Christian who has learned to worship God in spirit and truth and has become a good parent, mate and citizen is often shocked to realize that the moment he clocks in The Devil Goes To Work.

10. This morning we want to discuss some of the challenges that are peculiar to the work place for the Christian who is trying to live a holy life.

11. What sin would you say presents the greatest challenge to the Christian in the work place?

12. The Tongue

A. It shouldn't surprise us that the Devil would work so hard on our tongues.

B. James 3:8 (NKJV) But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

C. Profanity and filthy stories often fill the air at work and in the cafeterias.

D. Christians telling dirty stories at wor.

E. Certain occupations seems to lend themselves to this kind of talk.

F. Carpenters and people in difficult manual labor.

G. Recently it has began to become more prevalent in the corporate world.

H. Often the women talk worse than the men.

I. Then there is he problem of viscous gossip, and talebearing about fellow workers bosses or a family member.

J. Reputations have been tarnished careers destroyed by vicious talk repeated throughout the plant or the office.

K. Often the talk is motivated by:

1. Jealousy,

2. Rivalry,

3. A heart so corrupted that it can only believe the worst about he people around it.

L. What does the Bible say about the sins of the tongue and how to cure them.

Proverbs 6:16-18 (NIV) There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,

Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Proverbs 26:20-22 (NKJV) Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV) He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 17:4 (NIV) A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

Proverbs 25:23 (NKJV) The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

James 1:26 (NKJV) If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.

1 Peter 3:10 (NKJV) For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

Job 32:21 (NKJV) Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man.

Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV) He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

Proverbs 29:5 (NKJV) A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

Jude 1:16 (NIV) These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

A. It's one thing to offer honest compliments to encourage those around us it is yet another to flatter with dishonest words for personal gain.

A. It is wrong to take the lord's name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 (NKJV) "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

B. Profanity is a sin.

C. explain what profanity is a lack of proper respect.

D. This is what is wrong with much of the talk in the work place about sex.

Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV) Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

E. Seasoned with salt may know are in the perfect tense we must be prepared before we go into the plant.

Psalms 15:1-2 (NKJV) LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

Proverbs 15:1-2 (NKJV) A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

A. Recognize that you are responsible for your own tongue and your eternal destiny may be in jeopardy.

Proverbs 21:23 (NKJV) Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

B. Pray for help with your tongue.

Psalms 51:15 (NKJV) O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

C. Think before you speak.

James 1:19 (NKJV) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

Colossians 1:10 (NKJV) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

D. perhaps you need to choose better friends (1 Cor. 15:33).

Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV) He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

E. Think about the good Change your mindset (Phil 4:3 ff.).

F. Begin your day with study prayer and thought about what you should be thinking

Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

1. Perhaps you think you're good enough that you don't need Christ. What about your tongue?

David E. Parks