Overcoming Sensuality
Overcoming Sensuality
Winning the War Against the Flesh Adapted and edited from Evangelist Harold Vaughn By Evangelist Keven E. Brownfield
I. Recognize your potential for moral failure (I Cor. 10:12) all of us are prime targets for the lust of the flesh and the eyes. The scripture gives key examples of believers who fell prey to moral temptations (e.g. David, Sampson, Noah's son, Ham, Lot's daughters, ect). Even the committed believer is susceptible if they relax their guard against the flesh.
2. Realize that you don't have to give in to moral sin (I Cor. 10:13; Rom. 6:1-13). You already have the grace to meet all temptations if you are converted. God always provides a way of escape. Even if you have failed in the past you can overcome now- you can decide not to give m.
3. Resolve once and for all to be pure (I Peter I: 13-15). Decide to be holy as God has commanded. Holy in mind and body. Make the commitment that regardless of what it takes you will live pure. Start fighting the battle you intend to win, not merely do better. Refuse to give in even for a moment to sin.
4. Remove all bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness is a root problem that breeds moral impurity. Its ability to defile fosters corruption of inward morals. Deal with any unresolved hurt ttom your past.
5. Restrain your flesh in every area (Romans 13:14; I Cor. 9:27). You cannot indulge your flesh in any area and expect to control it. Do not allow even one area of compromise slide. Maintain discipline especially as it relates to laziness, over-eating, or lack of exercise. Learning to say "no" to your body is one of your greatest weapons in the battle.
6. Reject anything in your life that would lead you back into bondage to the flesh (Proverbs 4:14,15,23). Cleanse your home or room of-any reminder of sensual living:- Get rid of all magazines, books, immodest clothing, who are not serious about being pure. Avoid temptation places, situations, and people. Learn to develop new habits, especially at times when you would be tempted to indulge in old ones.
7. Run from every form of evil (I Timothy 2:22). If you find yourself in any compromising situation - flee! Don't stick around to battle it - run! Do not begin reason. Obey the very first prompting of the Holy Spirit. You will fall if you stay there long enough to think about it.
8. Renew your mind with the Word of God (Psalm 119: 9,133; Phil. 4:8). Let God reformat your thinking with eternal truth. Wrong thinking must be replaced. Respond to all wrong thoughts with the word of God. Just like Christ did (Matt. 4:1-11), don't let temptation go unchecked and un-rebuked.
9. Recruit the help of a godly believer or authority (James 5:16). It is doubtful that you will come to total victory without shamming yourself to another. This attacks pride- the root of the sin- and it provides daily accountability to maintain consistent victory.
10. Remind yourself when tempted of the true consequences of your sin- and what it really does to your children and or family, testimony, and yourself (James 1: 14,15). Minimize the temporary pleasures of sin.
11. Refuse to stay defeated and depressed if you fall (Prov. 24:16). Forgiveness is available from God.
12. Rely on the Holy Spirit to keep you pure (Galatians 5:16). Submit your member to God
daily and ask God to empower you to be all that he has commanded you to be. Call on Him
by faith for strength to obey.