There are four primary gates which are entry points for strongholds of evil in our lives. Fear subverts God’s will and work in our lives. The second is anger. If we can be given over to anger we can become consumed by it. There is also the gate of idolatry and/or occult practices which open us to the influences of evil spirits. But perhaps the most insidious opening gate within our time is the gate of impurity.
Men and women are assailed from within and without, an onslaught against purity which results in held-to obsessions – both sexual in nature and self-absorption in scope. While it is universal to struggle with fear, anger, and idolatry, it appears that impurity is a sin against our own minds and bodies.
“Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
So how do we disarm this extremely powerful stronghold? Where can we find help in order to be free in purity of body and mind?
√ Bring your propensity for acts of impurity to the Light. Light is the great power over all darkness. Exposure to light weakens darkness, because light is always greater than darkness.
“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his actions made visible as having been worked and overcome in God.” – John 3:20-21
It is spiritually insane to think parts of our lives can be experienced apart from God’s presence. He is everywhere. It is better to include God in our struggles – even our impurity – so that such deep soul-ties can be broken by His power flowing within us. Because the Spirit lives inside of His children, His great power over sin is near to us – if we choose to appropriate it.
√ Design your life to minimize your propensities for being in bondage. Close off avenues of weakness such as internet porn, undisciplined life choices and habits, and vulnerable time devoted to your particular harmful desires. Confession of sin and asking God for help in overcoming weakness is very powerful for experiencing the true freedom you desire. And there is also help which comes from experiencing loving, non-self-righteous community.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” – James 5:16
√ And finally – we were made to overcome even though the imperfect turbulence into which we were born appears designed to cause us to be overcome by evil.
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
Disarming purity. How much do you want to have freedom in this part of your life?
Just a thought,
Dave and Burnadette