October 22
“This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (Ephesians 4:17-24)
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
Continuing our consideration of the passage above from yesterday, if you participate in immoral activities or view pornography, these words do describe you. Do not think that just because you are a Christian or think you are a Christian that these things will not become true of you – becoming darkened in your understanding, callous, given over to the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness, etc. – or that your family members and those around you will not suffer tragic negative consequences of some kind or another for all of eternity if you are determined to persist in your immoral behaviors.
Do not be like them, brethren! Come out of this world with its immoral lusts! Refuse to allow your own flesh to be enticed by pervasive and heinous acts of lewdness celebrated promoted by callous haters of God! Determine not to allow yourself to be carried away in these immoral behaviors or have any part in viewing them! Resist becoming callous to God and darkened in your understanding! Refuse to give up your amazing walk with God for a walk in darkness and hardness of heart, leading to death and destruction and judgment! Cry out to God for a clear conscience and a pure heart! REFUSE to be like them or participate in their evil deeds! Purpose to never grieve the Spirit of God in this way, and ask Him every day for the strength and vision to keep from grieving Him ever again.
Put off the old man, who is easily and readily corrupted by these impure desires, and put on the new man, a person who walks with God and loves righteousness! How can we who have been given the light of Christ turn back to darkness? All this immorality is a sham, a false fantasy and illusion of excitement, but it brings darkness and death. How can we grieve the Spirit and turn our backs to God in exchange for darkness and callousness and impure lusts? Whatever rush of adrenalin and feel good chemicals is totally not worth the cost! Get wise, Christian! Get free! Put off the old man, and put on the new. Ask God daily to remove these evil passions and lusts from your heart and replace them with godly passions for truth, holiness, and true tenderhearted love for others.