Topical Bible: Dreams: Impure Imaginations

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In the biblical context, dreams are often seen as a means through which God communicates with individuals, offering guidance, warnings, or revelations. However, not all dreams are divinely inspired. Some dreams may stem from impure imaginations, reflecting the sinful nature of humanity and the influence of worldly desires.

Biblical References to Dreams

The Bible contains numerous accounts of dreams that are divinely inspired, such as those of Joseph (Genesis 37:5-10) and Daniel (Daniel 2:19). These dreams serve a specific purpose in God's plan, providing insight and direction. However, Scripture also acknowledges that not all dreams are from God. Ecclesiastes 5:7 warns, "For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear." This suggests that an abundance of dreams, particularly those not aligned with God's will, can lead to vanity and distraction from true reverence for God.

Impure Imaginations in Dreams

Impure imaginations in dreams can be understood as those that arise from the sinful nature of humanity. Jeremiah 23:25-28 addresses false prophets who claim to have dreams from God but are actually speaking from their own deceitful hearts: "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in My name: 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?" This passage highlights the danger of dreams that originate from impure imaginations, leading individuals away from God's truth.

The Source of Impure Dreams

Impure dreams may arise from various sources, including the influence of the flesh, the world, and spiritual forces opposed to God. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh, which include "sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery," among others. These sinful tendencies can manifest in dreams, reflecting the inner struggles and temptations faced by believers.

Furthermore, Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This spiritual battle can influence the content of dreams, as the enemy seeks to sow seeds of impurity and confusion in the minds of believers.

Guarding Against Impure Dreams

Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds against impure imaginations, both in waking life and in dreams. Philippians 4:8 exhorts, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on what is pure and godly, believers can cultivate a mindset that resists the influence of impure dreams.

Prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential in seeking protection from impure imaginations. Psalm 51:10 offers a prayer for purity: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Through prayer and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, believers can seek to align their thoughts and dreams with God's will.

Discernment and Wisdom

Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between dreams that are divinely inspired and those that stem from impure imaginations. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." By seeking God's wisdom, believers can navigate the complexities of dreams and ensure that their focus remains on God's truth and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:8
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Purifying Hope
... but for our hearts; not for our imaginations, but for ... to Gerontius in the poem, when
he dreams that, after ... into His presence which will not seem impure to Him? ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon iii the purifying hope.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... amazingly bold in the impious and impure sect of ... thy parchments, where in the vain
imaginations of a ... figures, they are either idle fancies or delirious dreams. ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Acts ii. 37
... He declared once and again his dreams unreservedly; and ... to be enabled to conquer
that impure power. ... flinging out, like filth, his noisome imaginations; and do ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii acts ii 37.htm

The Power of the Holy Ghost
... At present the heart is partially impure. At present there are still lusts and evil
imaginations. ... visions and the old men shall dream dreams." Perhaps there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
... impure to one whose mind is not impure, why should ... such is accustomed to occur in
dreams, any one ... the body which sleeps, is not defiled by foul imaginations. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxiv to augustine bishop.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... In sleep, they were instructed by dreams, which among the ... seems to favour the idea,
that impure spirits were ... enters the mind; the lofty imaginations, the proud ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

The Gentle Boy
... this miserable world closed up their impure hearts against ... and their hearts, or their
imaginations, answered them ... at night and probably in his dreams, he was ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 'The Lord, even in my childhood, did scare and affright me with fearful dreams,
and did ... Who was it that scared Job with dreams, and terrified him with visions? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... For the unbelieving are throughout impure, as is manifest ... it is a hearing of dreams,
and the ... and greatened in their fancies, imaginations, and apprehensions ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... but they became vain in their imaginations, and their ... floating carcase; as men defiled
by impure desire, and ... wake up from your unprofitable dreams, you would ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm