In what ways can we protect ourselves from being "greatly perplexed" by sin? Setting the Scene Mark 6:20 records that “when Herod heard John, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.” Herod’s troubled conscience shows how sin can confuse, unsettle, and trap a heart that refuses to repent. Scripture offers clear safeguards so we need not be “greatly perplexed” by sin. Keep the Word in Your Heart • Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Practical steps: – Daily reading plans that cover both Testaments. – Memorize key verses for areas of personal weakness. – Meditate (repeat, ponder, pray) on passages during the day. Walk in Step with the Spirit • Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Romans 8:13 – “If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Practical steps: – Begin the day asking the Spirit to rule thoughts, words, and actions. – Quickly obey promptings to do what is right or avoid temptation. – Cultivate the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) through worship and service. Wear the Full Armor • Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Key pieces: – Belt of truth: reject lies the moment they surface. – Breastplate of righteousness: practice holiness to protect the heart. – Shield of faith: raise biblical promises when doubts appear. – Sword of the Spirit: use specific verses to cut down tempting thoughts. Guard Your Mind and Affections • Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Practical steps: – Filter media, conversations, and internet use. – Replace anxious or lustful thoughts with praise and gratitude. – Schedule regular mental “check-ups” to spot drifting attitudes. Lean on the Body of Christ • Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… if either of them falls, the one can lift up his companion.” Practical steps: – Join a small group that studies Scripture and shares openly. – Seek accountability with a mature believer; report victories and struggles. – Serve with others; shared ministry strengthens resolve against sin. Practice Immediate Confession and Repentance • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Proverbs 28:13 – “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Practical steps: – Keep short accounts with God—confess as soon as conviction strikes. – Make restitution or seek forgiveness from people harmed. – Celebrate grace; forgiven people stand up faster after a fall. Remember God’s Faithfulness in Temptation • 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear…” • 2 Peter 2:9 – “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.” Practical steps: – Recount past deliverances to strengthen present confidence. – Use temptation as a signal to run to God, not hide from Him. – Trust that every trial comes with a God-provided escape route. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus • Hebrews 12:2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” • John 15:4 – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you…” Practical steps: – Begin and end each day contemplating Christ’s cross and resurrection. – Let His example of holiness set the standard for every decision. – Anticipate His return; living with eternity in view shrinks sin’s appeal. Holding fast to these God-given safeguards keeps us clear-minded, spiritually steady, and far from the crippling confusion that sin brings. |
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