- TODAY'S BIBLE TEXT
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
- SUNDAY, 4TH FEBRUARY 2024 DEVOTIONAL
Sunday, 4th February 2024
HANDLING THE SNARE OF EVIL THOUGHTS 3
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 10:5: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Some may say that the prevailing standard of morals in the world around us is so low that it is difficult to be totally free from unclean thoughts. But this situation is not peculiar to the twentieth century. Corinth in the first century was a centre of licentiousness and immorality, yet the Spirit of God urged the Christians there to lead their every thought captive into the obedience of Christ. He tells us to do the same today. The way to life may be narrow and difficult, but the Holy Spirit can strengthen us to walk that way.
To discipline our lives thus, does not mean that we should develop a repugnance for the opposite sex. Far from it! The fact that we find the opposite sex attractive is not sinful. It is quite natural. It is not wrong for us to admire a pretty face as a part of God's beautiful creation. But being fallen creatures, if we are not careful, we shall soon notice the beautiful form and then to lust. Thus, the attractiveness of the opposite sex, though clean, can become for us, an occasion for unclean thinking.
Our safety lies in instantly obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit within us when He checks us and tells us to turn our eyes and our thoughts in another direction. We should also frequently pray, "Lord, do not let me face temptation in this realm that I cannot overcome." Many young men have found victory through sincerely praying such a prayer.
Lustful thinking, once indulged in, will make a person more and more its slave. Deliverance becomes increasingly difficult with the passage of time. The sooner we seek for deliverance the easier it will be. Victory over evil thoughts is victory over all other sins. This victory will only come through an honest confession of failure, a real longing for deliverance, an acceptance of the fact of our death with Christ, and an utter yield of our bodies and minds to the Lord. The Bible also says, in Philippians 4:8 "If you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good".
- TODAY'S HYMNAL
CGDS HYMN 53: SS&S 873:
YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION, FOR YIELDING IS SIN
1. Yield not to temptationFor yielding, yielding is sinEach victory, victoryWill help you, some other to win2. Fight manfully on, onward dark, oh, dark passions subdueMmh, you just look, look ever, ever, ever, everTo Je-, Jesus and I know that HeLord, He will carry you, He'll carry you all through3. Oh, oh, you just are askingWhy don't you try asking Him to help youWhy don't you just ask Him, ask Him to keep youWhy don't you just ask Him, ask Him to comfort4. Get down on your knees and ask Him, oh, to keep youLord, I know Jesus, I know that He's willingOh, I know He's able, He's able to help youAnd I know, I know that JesusOh, Jesus will carry you again, you through - TODAY'S PRAYERS
Prayers:
1. Lord Jesus, help us to get our thoughts on You and from this unclean world.
2. LORD God Almighty, baptize me with a fresh Spirit of self-control, to be discipline against lustful thoughts and desires in Jesus’ name. Amen.
3. Pray for others in this regard.
