Post published by Tao Jones
This was the sermon text for a message I heard last night. The message was all right. The text on which it was based blew me away. I spent more time reading this over and over than I did listening to the speaker. I'm pretty sure I got more out of it that way. Be encouraged, my friends! (Emphases below are mine.)
Ephesians 4:
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Barnabas_, Soulherb, journey_man and 10 others like this.
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Tao Jones
v23 also points to the fact that this battle begins in our minds and that out thoughts are where we need the Spirit's renewal. This echoes Romans 12:2.
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Mystery Man
Thanks Tao. Awesome to wake up and come online to read this. Very inspiring. Bless you
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thedog01
Thanks for sharing, especially the bold bits. So encouraging as I’m new to this forum and have been free from porn and masturbation for 12 days now. A verse that has been encouraging to me is 1 Corinthians 10:13 “no temptation has seized you except what is common to man, and God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it”
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