Navigating Temptation and Pursuing Purity: A Biblical Perspective on Controlling Actions

Question:
Hey guys, I received a question from a student: "How do you control your actions and stop the temptation of finding sexual pleasure?" This is a really good question because it's something we all have to wrestle with and learn how to put away the flesh, especially as believers.

Answer: 
As believers, the Lord has called us to walk in holiness and purity. Looking at this question, it's good to have a little context. Why does the Lord say sexual sin is wrong, and why do we hold to the biblical standard of saving sexual activity until marriage?

Thinking of Genesis chapter 2:4-3:24 NIV, where God brings together Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, His instruction and blessing to them emphasize oneness and unity. 

This idea, as we think about sexual activity and temptation, involves a lot of power, emotion, and passion. God designed us to enjoy that with our spouses only.

Because of that, there's a boundary. That oneness in Genesis chapter 2:4-3:24 NIV brings together a man and a woman. It's crucial. When we go outside of marriage, whether through pornography or messing around with a boyfriend or girlfriend, we're compromising that unity and power. We're interfering with the blessing intended for our future marriages and relationships. 

God's design is a clear no.

Assuming you ask this question because you're wrestling with it, there's a feeling of condemnation and guilt when we fall into sexual temptation. A great way to resist temptation is found in Romans chapter 13:14 ESV, where it says we should give no provision or opportunity for the flesh.
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Put yourself in a place that won't strongly bring those temptations; consider where they hit the strongest. Is it when you're alone in your bedroom or through images on your phone and the internet? Evaluate how you're setting your life up to eliminate any provision for the flesh.
Another thing to think through is knowing God's word. Jesus, when tempted by Satan in the wilderness, responded with the word of God, saying, "It is written." Matthew 4:10 NIV

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
The more we know God's word, the better equipped we are to withstand temptation.

Final Thoughts:
As you walk through temptation and perhaps fall into sin, think about the love God has for you. The Bible tells us there's no condemnation in Christ. When temptation comes, don't run away from the Lord; press into the things of the Lord, grow closer to Him, and lean on Him for help and sustenance.

A verse from James chapter 1:14 NLT talks about temptation: 
"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death."

Temptation is common to everyone; even Jesus dealt with it. Don't feel guilty or ashamed about temptation, but consider what you do with it. Indulging in sexual temptation grows and brings forth death.

Remembering this promise is crucial. You want to head towards life, and falling into temptation brings death.

Navigating Temptation and Pursuing Purity: A Biblical Perspective on Controlling Actions

Dating Non-Believers: A Wise Choice for Christians?

Question:

Can I date a non-Christian or non-believer? 

Answer: 

It seems like this question is coming from a believer, a disciple of Jesus, who wants to follow Him. The question is, "Can I date someone who is not a believer, who is not a Christian?" My answer would be no, as it's not a wise decision and goes against what God's Word teaches us.

There are a couple of things I want you guys to look at. 

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 NLT says: 

"Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil, and how can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" 

It's evident here, as Paul writes this inspired by the Holy Spirit, that he's emphasizing the challenge of being in a partnership or relationship with a non-believer. Considering this in your own life, why would you want to date someone who is not a believer?

You might have feelings and attraction towards that person, and there may be great qualities about them. However, if Jesus is truly the Lord of your life and the center of your life, and if you desire to follow Him and center your life around Him, why would you want to enter into a close and intimate relationship with someone who doesn't share those same values or prioritize the things of the Lord?

And so, as Paul would say, he just asks these questions. "What harmony can there be between a Christ and the devil, and how can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" 

Even in a dating relationship, the principle of being unequally yoked applies. Just as it's unwise to enter into a marriage with a non-believer, the same applies to dating. A dating relationship is special and involves a closer connection than other types of relationships. You want to be heading in the same direction as your partner. If they are headed toward worldly pursuits rather than toward Christ, their life will likely follow that direction, too. It's not wise, doesn't honor the Lord, and sets you up for potential failure, heartache, and pain.

Another verse I'd like to share is from Amos 3 NLT in the Old Testament. Amos, a prophet, poses a simple yet profound question that's worth pondering as you consider who you want to date and the relationships you want to pursue.

 "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" 

So, think about the direction of your life. Is your life headed in the direction of growing in the Lord, serving the Lord, living for the Lord, laying your life down for the Lord? If your life is directed towards Christ, the person you're dating or pursuing a relationship with must also be headed in the same direction. Otherwise, how can you really walk together? How can you really have a relationship? 

I hope that answers your question. How can you walk together without agreeing on a direction? And if you don't agree on who Jesus Christ is in your life, how can there be a relationship?

To Listen to more or ask your own questions, click here: https://youtu.be/CFwnzM-AEvw

Navigating Temptation and Pursuing Purity: A Biblical Perspective on Controlling Actions

Calvary Youth

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