What actions should we take to guard against spiritual defilement? Setting the Scene—Matthew 15:20 “ ‘These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.’ ” What Spiritual Defilement Is • Not external dirt but inner corruption that flows from the heart (vv. 18-19) • Rooted in thoughts, motives, and desires that oppose God’s holiness • Makes fellowship with God clouded, so guarding against it is essential Guard Your Heart Above All • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Spiritual defilement begins in hidden places; protection must start there. Actions That Keep the Heart Clean • Continual Self-Examination – Psalm 139:23-24: invite the Lord to search and reveal any offensive way – Regularly ask, “Is this attitude or thought pleasing to Christ?” • Ongoing Renewal of the Mind – Romans 12:2: refuse conformity to the world; be transformed through Scripture – Philippians 4:8: deliberately choose pure, noble, praiseworthy thoughts • Quick Confession and Repentance – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” – Keep short accounts with God—don’t let sin linger • Saturation in God’s Word – Psalm 119:9, 11: storing Scripture in the heart prevents sin – Daily reading, memorizing, and meditating give the Spirit clean material to work with • Vigilant Prayer Life – Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation” – Prayer keeps the conscience tender and the will aligned with God • Active Resistance to Temptation – James 4:7-8: submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near – 2 Timothy 2:22: flee youthful lusts; don’t negotiate with sin • Spirit-Led Accountability – Galatians 6:1-2: let trustworthy believers restore and bear burdens – Honest friendships expose hidden defilement before it grows • Healthy Choices for the Eyes and Ears – Psalm 101:3: set no worthless thing before your eyes – Guard entertainment, conversations, and online content Armor God Provides • Ephesians 6:10-18: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, Word, prayer—defensive and offensive tools • Using each piece positions believers for purity and victory Daily Application Steps 1. Begin the day with Scripture and surrender of the heart. 2. Throughout the day, capture every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5). 3. Confess quickly at the first prick of conviction. 4. End the day reviewing actions and motives with the Lord’s light. Promises That Motivate • Matthew 5:8—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1—As we cleanse ourselves, we perfect holiness in reverence for God. Guarding against spiritual defilement is not a momentary act but a lifestyle empowered by the Spirit, fueled by the Word, and sustained through humble dependence on the One who “is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 24). |
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