Last Sunday we looked through 1 Corinthians 6:12 where Paul challenges the Church on their purity. We used Peter’s imprisonment in jail as an example of the partnership with God that’s required to walk away from sexual immorality.
Peter’s chains were broken, a divine act, the doors we’re opened, a divine act, and then Peter walked out, Peter’s co-operation with Jesus.
We saw how if Jesus is our Lord, then he’s now our master. “we have been bought with a price”, and “are therefore now not our own”. The debt to the prison guards has been paid and so the chains have come off, and door’s opened – it’s time to partner with the spirit in walking towards freedom.
The most powerful weapon against the devil, who wants to ensnare us again, is to know the truth. Knowing scripture is like being schooled in hand to hand combat by the best SAS trainer. Without this training how will you spot a harmful blow as its being delivered? Yet with the word of God in your heart and mind you can withstand every attempt, and continue to walk in freedom.
Here are a few scriptures that have been vital to me. Sow them in your heart, learn them so that in the moment of temptation you can speak them out – this is what it is to use the word of God like a sword!
- 1 Corinthians 6 18 Flee from sexual immorality
- 1 Corinthians 10 13 No temptation[c]has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
- Romans 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
- Romans 6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin
- Psalm 119 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word. - 2 Timothy 2:22 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Below are a few other strategies to put in place as you pursue purity.
- Accountability – Asking someone to keep you accountable, pray for you and encourage you.
- Small Groups – when in an appropriate setting, i.e. at a guys and girls night, pray and discuss.
- Chuck the smart phone! – Ok so it could be anything that’s used by you to access unhelpful material. Your purity is worth more than having a flash phone, a laptop in your room, or finishing that TV series!
- Covenant eyes – This is an app you can install that will filter the content of sites you visit
- Delight in Jesus – Delighting in your wonderful saviour will make other things seem strangely less appealing. You will have found a more precious treasure.