By Dr. Don Dunlap
Pastoral Counselor
By recognizing and obeying the Holy Spirit, we live above the sensual control of our lower natures.
Family Counseling Ministries -
When we reset our affections of Christ, we begin to
deaden evil desires. Memorizing strategic passages of Scripture helps us
overcome the sin habit of impure thoughts. In the 5th article of a seven-part series on conquering
impure thoughts, Dr. Don Dunlap suggests further verses that when committed to
memory, succeed in cleansing our lives. He reminds us that if we walk in the
Spirit of God, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
If a Christian desires to overcome the sin of impure
thoughts, there are certain Scripture passages that he or she should commit to
memory. This is a continuation of a list of those verses.
6.
By recognizing and obeying the Holy Spirit, we live above the
sensual control of our lower natures.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to
the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the
sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds
of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are
sons of God. Romans 8:12-14
7.
If we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the
flesh.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…Those who belong
to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians
5:22-25
8.
When we reset our affections on Christ, we deaden evil
desires.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your
hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life
is now hidden with Christ in God…Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to
your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.
Colossians 3:1-5
9.
We should never give up. It’s always too soon to quit.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us
fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…Consider Him who
endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and
lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
10.
We cleanse our lives by delighting in His Word.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living in
accordance with Your Word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray
from Your commands. I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin
against You. Psalm 119:9-11
The fifth principle for overcoming impure thoughts is to
remove any hidden provisions for defeat. The writer of Romans 13:14 warns, “Do
not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” This command
is far more important that we realize. When we allow ourselves to think about
sinful pleasures, we not only expect to fail, but we invite ourselves to give
in to temptation.
We should ask God to reveal to us the things that we have
brought into our lives which set us up for failure—impure books, magazines and
videos, sensual music, activities, or friendships. As we remove these ungodly
influences from our lives, we demonstrate to God that we sincerely desire to
resist the devil so that he will flee from us.
Dr. Don
Dunlap, a pioneer in the placement of Pastoral Counselors in the offices of
Christian physicians, has conducted over twenty thousand appointments during
his ministerial career. His counseling practice includes adults, children and
families in crisis. Dr. Dunlap is committed to facilitating a network of
telephone counselors. His goal is to provide help for the many people unable to
meet face to face with a competent Bible-based counselor. For a complete
library of Dr. Dunlap’s articles, indexed by topic, go to Family Counseling Ministries. You
may also make an appointment for personal telephone counseling by clicking on Family Counseling Ministries.
Family Counseling Ministries is a Christianity.com
ministry Partner.
