What steps can we take to avoid the sins listed in Mark 7:21? Centering on Jesus’ Words “ ‘For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,’ ” (Mark 7:21) Understand the Battlefield •The arena is the heart: the inner person where motives and desires form (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23). •Sins are not external accidents; they spring from what we cherish inside (James 1:14-15). Daily Heart-Guarding Practices •Start with Scripture intake—read, memorize, and meditate (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). •Invite the Holy Spirit’s searchlight: “Examine me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). •Confess promptly; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). •Replace sinful desires with godly ones by focusing on Philippians 4:8. •Choose companions who stir you to holiness (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20). Specific Strategies for Each Sin Listed 1.Evil thoughts •Renew the mind daily (Romans 12:2). •Filter input: limit media that glamorizes sin (Psalm 101:3). •Speak truth aloud when tempted, following Jesus’ model in Matthew 4:4-10. 2.Sexual immorality •Flee rather than flirt (1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22). •Establish clear boundaries in relationships and media consumption (Job 31:1). •Remain accountable—share struggles with a mature believer (Galatians 6:1-2). 3.Theft •Cultivate contentment (Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:11-13). •Work diligently and give generously: “He who steals must steal no longer, but must work…so that he may have something to share” (Ephesians 4:28). •Acknowledge God as provider (Matthew 6:31-33). 4.Murder •Deal with anger early (Ephesians 4:26-27). •Value every person as God’s image-bearer (Genesis 9:6; 1 John 3:15). •Practice reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). 5.Adultery •Guard the covenant of marriage—nurture affection and communication (Proverbs 5:18-19). •Control the eyes and imagination (Matthew 5:27-28). •Stay transparent with your spouse and trusted believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Living by the Spirit •Walk step-by-step with the Spirit so you “will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16-17). •Feed the new nature—worship, fellowship, service, and thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15-17). •Expect growth: God completes what He begins (Philippians 1:6). As we guard the heart, saturate it with truth, and depend on the Spirit, the sins Jesus names lose their grip, and His purity becomes increasingly visible in our lives. |
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