October 2
“And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light; for everything that becomes visible is light.” (Ephesians 5:11-13)
The second part of the recommended assignment from August 20-22 was to think through Why Not? and answer the question, “Why Do I Not Want to Sin?” or “Why Should I Not Do This Thing?” Did you do this? I think it is an essential part of developing effective strategies for overcoming temptations of immorality, or any other temptation for that matter.
On your list of reasons why you should not commit immorality could be some or all of the reasons we just looked at over the last few weeks regarding the consequences of sin. Thinking through these consequences and make a detailed list of the reasons why you do not want to commit immorality or view pornography or habitually entertain lustful fantasies, etc., a list that is specific to your situation and the trials that you face. I have found this type of list to be very helpful in combating the flesh. When I review it, I am immediately reminded of all the awful things that can and probably will happen if I give in to temptation. Reviewing that list I find gives an immediate boost to the New Man and an immediate blow to the Old Man that wants to have his way in me.
Ultimately what we are going to do is create a master list and a type-written table of “reasons to overcome temptation” and “helpful things to keep in mind.” This table will include many brief reminders to you as to what is at stake. Tomorrow we will see an example of what I am talking about, but for now please focus on making your list. Ask yourself these questions to stimulate your thinking:
- What negative things have I experienced in the past when I have disobeyed God?
- What important things do I have going (e.g. family relationships, work projects, people I am helping, prayers needing answered, health issues needing resolution, etc.) that I could put at risk if I chose sin over obedience to God?
- How would I feel afterward if I stumbled in this area?
- What is the best possible benefit I could receive from pursuing this immoral relationship or behavior? What is the maximum reward?
- What is the worst possible consequence I might suffer for pursing this immoral relationship or behavior? What is the maximum risk?
- When God disciplines me for disobedience, what consequences am I okay receiving? What consequences from God would not be worth it to me?
- What would be my response if God saw fit to give me far more consequences than I think are just for this sin?
- Why do I think that God will only punish me to the extent I am willing to accept and not punish me more severely than this?
- How might God surprise me with consequences I am not expecting?
- What consequences have others experienced that I think I am immune to?
- What are all the positive things that I can experience if I say ‘no’ to this temptation of immorality? What are the benefits of self-control?
- What big pleasant surprise might God give me if I resist this temptation? How might God bless me beyond my wildest hopes for resisting?
Questions like these and many others that you can think of yourself will help you develop a detailed list of all the reasons why you don’t want to commit acts of immorality. Please give a lot of time and effort to thinking about these things; I think it will help you greatly.
ASSIGNMENT: If you haven’t finished analyzing your “Why’s,” please do so. Brainstorm at least 12 reasons – reasons that are compelling and motivating to you – for not debasing yourself with immorality, pornography, and lust. Prioritize these in order of those you think will be most helpful to you. Begin asking the Lord to make these reasons tangible and very real to you, so that you know these things are truly at risk if you succumb or truly to be achieved if you succeed. Type up your list in table format in a way that is helpful to you.