Henderson Hills Baptist Church

How shall we conclude our week of tearing down the idols of immorality in our lives? Just look around, temptations abound. From music to movies, from TV to games, from work to even church, we are surrounded by temptations to put our own desires for love and affection ahead of our desire for intimacy with the Lord. He has clearly stated in His Word that apart from marriage, any intimacy with the opposite sex is undeniably sin. So, how do we live in the world without succumbing to the temptations we face each and every day?

David faced the same temptations years ago. We can learn from his mistakes what not to do. We can remember the consequences he lived with and choose not to go down that path. We can see the red flags he missed and watch for red flags in our own lives. We can stay in the Word and surrender hour by hour to His direction and leadership in our lives.

2 Timothy 2:22(ESV)
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

If we are to stand strong against the idol of immorality we must flee youthful passions. We are to turn and run when we face temptation. Are you thinking about a co worker of the opposite sex more than your spouse? Quit your job. Is there a neighbor who attracts your attention when he/she drives by? Move. Do you struggle with pornography on the internet? Install a block, move the computer to the family room, join a support group, tell a respected wiser friend, if you have to, get rid of the computer.

This verse tells us what to run from but it doesn’t leave us there. It also tells us what to pursue. We are told to run after righteousness, faith, love, and peace not alone, but with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Seek after, make it your goal, and strive for righteousness, faith, love and peace. How can we do those things? Spend time in the Word each morning. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to be your peace, comfort, and wisdom today. Memorize key passages related to purity. But, don’t do it alone. Join a small group, a Bible study, a mentoring relationship. The Christian life is meant to be shared.

Apply yourself to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:1-10(ESV)
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.  It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.  Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Next time you face a moral decision, consider the consequences David faced. His life is a record for us to keep in mind not to make the same mistakes. And if you have failed, remember also, that David was a man after God’s own heart. Repent, turn to the Lord, and you will be forgiven. David was. You can be also. Let’s tear down the idol of immorality together.

Humbly,

Dennis