What steps can Christians take to avoid "adultery and living a lie"? Scripture Foundation “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry… Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:5, 9-10) Cultivate a Heart of Truth and Purity • Recognize the battlefield is the heart (Proverbs 4:23). • Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily through Scripture. • Replace impure fantasies or half-truths with God’s thoughts (Philippians 4:8). Steps to Guard Against Adultery • Treasure your marriage covenant—honor it as sacred (Hebrews 13:4). • Draw clear boundaries with the opposite sex: avoid private, emotional intimacy outside marriage. • Starve lust at its source: bounce the eyes, change the channel, close the browser (Matthew 5:28). • Flee compromising settings—Joseph ran; we can, too (Genesis 39:11-12). • Invite accountability: give a trusted believer permission to ask hard questions. • Nourish marital intimacy—communicate, pray, pursue your spouse intentionally. Steps to Guard Against Living a Lie • Commit to absolute truthfulness: “Put off falsehood” (Ephesians 4:25). • Confess quickly when you stumble; secrecy multiplies sin. • Beware of selective honesty—half-truths are whole lies. • Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no (Matthew 5:37). • Ground your identity in Christ, not in impressions you craft for others (Colossians 3:10). Daily Practices to Keep on Course • Word Saturation: read, memorize, and meditate (Psalm 119:9,11). • Prayerful Transparency: invite God to search hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Spirit-led Self-control: rely on His power, not willpower (Galatians 5:16,22-23). • Community Rhythms: worship, Lord’s Table, small-group fellowship (Acts 2:42). • Guarded Media Intake: filter what shapes desires and values. Covenant Community Support • Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20). • Share struggles before they spiral—light breaks sin’s power (James 5:16). • Celebrate victories together; encourage perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living in the Light • Temptation is common, but God provides escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Truth liberates: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) • Keep choosing the new self—step by step, day by day—until Christ is fully formed in you. |
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