How can we guard against the sins listed in Revelation 22:15? Recognizing the sins outside the Holy City Revelation 22:15: “But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” • “Dogs” – a picture of the shameless, hostile, and impure (Philippians 3:2). • “Sorcerers” – those who traffic in occult power (Galatians 5:20, “witchcraft”). • “Sexually immoral” – any sexual practice outside God-ordained marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18). • “Murderers” – the taking of innocent life and its root, hatred (1 John 3:15). • “Idolaters” – anyone who gives worship meant for God to anything else (Colossians 3:5). • “Everyone who loves and practices falsehood” – lying lips, deceptive lifestyles (Proverbs 12:22). Remembering our secure position inside • Revelation 22:14 promises, “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” • We guard against sin by remembering we are already “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5) and that sin does not fit our new clothing (Ephesians 4:22–24). Guarding against occult practices • Renounce all charms, horoscopes, and “harmless” magic (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • Fill the void with Scripture and prayer (Psalm 19:7-11). • Cultivate dependence on the Spirit, not secret power (Acts 13:52). Guarding against sexual immorality • Flee instead of negotiate (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Treat bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Strengthen marriages: date nights, mutual accountability, shared devotion times (Hebrews 13:4). • Filter media and guard eyes (Job 31:1). Guarding against murder and hatred • Deal quickly with anger (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Practice reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). • Choose life in all arenas—unborn, elderly, enemy, stranger (Psalm 139:13-16; Luke 10:33-37). Guarding against idolatry • Identify rivals: money, success, family, politics, hobbies (Matthew 6:24). • Practice regular giving and fasting to loosen attachment (Matthew 6:2, 16). • Fix thoughts on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). Guarding against lies and falsehood • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:25). • Let “yes” be “yes,” “no” be “no” (Matthew 5:37). • Saturate mind with truth of the Word (John 17:17). Everyday habits that keep the gate closed • Daily Bible intake—lamp for the path (Psalm 119:105). • Confession and quick repentance (1 John 1:9). • Fellowship with believers who sharpen iron (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Memorize key verses for each area of temptation. • Serve others; sin thrives in self-focus (Mark 10:45). “Therefore, beloved… be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). |
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