Purity of Thought

 “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10

 Avoiding sexual immorality begins in the mind. Matt. 15:18-20  We are not fleeing if we allow our minds to be poisoned.  Let’s… ◦ Better understand the importance of guarding the mind. ◦ Consider some things that can poison the mind. ◦ Understand the sinfulness of these things.

 Not the hands, but the heart. Matt. 15:18, 19  With all diligence/vigilance. Prov. 4:23  The body won’t become a holy sacrifice unless the mind is renewed. Rom. 12:1, 2  Every thought. 2 Cor. 10:3-5  Know what is right and be committed to it.  Keep the filth out. Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3-5

 Pictures, images, etc. of nudity (or semi-nudity) and depictions of sexual acts designed to create or heighten sexual excitement.  Explicit romance novels may not be classified as porn, but have same purpose/effect.

 Internet porn is a $3-billion-a-year industry.  60% of websites visited were sexual in nature. (2000)  3 of 4 adults see it as not “morally acceptable” and not “harmless.”  Areas with regular religious attendance were no different.

 55% of teens had visited an explicit website. (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2009)  11 million teens view porn regularly. (Washington Post)

 Journal of Adolescent Health ◦ Diminished trust between intimate couples ◦ Belief that promiscuity is the natural state ◦ Belief that abstinence and sexual inactivity are unhealthy ◦ Cynicism about love or the need for affection between sexual partners ◦ Belief that marriage is sexually confining

 Sociologist Jill Manning ◦ Decreased marital intimacy and sexual satisfaction ◦ Infidelity ◦ Increased appetite for more graphic types of pornography and sexual activity associated with abusive, illegal or unsafe practices

 42% felt insecure because of partner’s use of porn.  41% felt less attractive.

 When children or adolescent are exposed… ◦ Earlier onset of first sexual intercourse…. ◦ The belief that superior sexual satisfaction is attainable without having affection for one’s partner…. ◦ Increased risk for developing sexual compulsions and addictive behavior.

 Increases support for same sex marriage.

 Likelihood of fornication and/or adultery increased. Heb. 13:4  Marital love is destroyed. 1 Pet. 3; Eph. 5  Marriage is not satisfying and blissful. Proverbs 5:15-20  Lessens one’s abhorrence to sin. 1 Cor. 6:9, 10

 Consider its intent. Matt. 5:27, 28  Being transformed into His image? 2 Cor. 3:18  Fleshly members put to death? Col. 3:5, 6  Filthiness of the lowest degree. Eph. 5:3-5  No provision for the flesh. Rom. 13:13, 14

 Don’t view it.  Repent if you have.  If “addicted”… ◦ Pray. Matt. 26:41 ◦ Seek the prayers of others. James 5:16 ◦ Think about the consequences. Cf. Prov. 6. ◦ Focus on better things. Phil. 4:8 ◦ Avoid the “triggers.” Prov. 7:6-9 ◦ Don’t give the devil an opportunity. Matt. 6:13

 Sin is often depicted as normal, common-place, and harmless.  Be honest about the shows you watch.  What about the movies, books, etc.?  Does it impact us? 1 Cor. 15:33; Prov. 4:23  Could our resistance be weakening?  Is it appropriate? Eph. 5:11; Phil. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1

 The call to purity of behavior is a call to purity of thought.  We could have included more, including coarse jesting (Eph. 5:4), but commit to guarding the heart. Renew the mind.  Perfect holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 7:1  God will cleanse you. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Acts 2:38

 The call to purity of behavior is a call to purity of thought.  God will cleanse you. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Acts 2:38  Christians can be clean again. 1 John 1:7—2:2  Won’t you do whatever needs to be done.