What practical steps can we take to ensure "not even a hint" of impurity? Our Call to Purity “But among you, as is proper among saints, there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.” (Ephesians 5:3) Paul sets the bar at “not even a hint.” This is a zero-tolerance approach that calls for deliberate, practical safeguards. Guarding the Mind Philippians 4:8 urges us to dwell on what is true, honorable, and pure. Impurity always begins in the thought-life. • Filter every mental input through Philippians 4:8. • Reject fantasies, daydreams, or mental reruns that stir sinful desire (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Memorize and recite Scripture to crowd out unclean thoughts (Psalm 119:11). Watching What We Consume “I will set no vile thing before my eyes.” (Psalm 101:3) • Screen movies, shows, music, and social feeds for sexual content or innuendo. • Use filtering software and accountability reports on devices. • Replace unwholesome entertainment with Christ-honoring alternatives. Setting Up Accountability “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Invite a mature believer to ask direct questions about purity. • Meet or message regularly; confess struggles promptly (James 5:16). • In marriage, practice full transparency with phones, computers, and schedules. Cultivating Godly Desires “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Schedule daily, unrushed time in the Word and prayer. • Serve in ministry—godly activity displaces idle temptation. • Fast occasionally to train appetites to submit to the Spirit. Redeeming the Time “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) • Plan each day; boredom is fertile ground for impurity. • Keep a to-do list that balances work, rest, and recreation. • End the night on purpose: set a consistent bedtime and shut down screens early. Honoring Relationships “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) • Date in public settings, establish physical boundaries, and stick to them. • Treat everyone as a sibling in Christ, not a potential conquest. • Married couples nurture intimacy regularly to avoid temptation elsewhere (1 Corinthians 7:5). Practicing Immediate Obedience “Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) • Leave the room, shut the laptop, change the channel—don’t negotiate. • Train quick reflexes: the longer we linger, the weaker we become (2 Timothy 2:22). Living in Constant Confession and Renewal “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Keep short accounts with God; repentance restores fellowship and prevents calloused hearts. • Celebrate progress, but never assume immunity; vigilance is lifelong. Walking in the Spirit “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13-14) • Ask the Holy Spirit daily to rule thoughts, words, and actions. • Expect His conviction; welcome it as protection. • Rejoice that His power, not our willpower, secures lasting purity. |
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