How do I overcome impure thoughts?

Author: BibleAsk Team


Struggling With Impure Thoughts

Many are tempted with impure thoughts. And the Lord wants to help all bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). But Satan desperately tries to bring “the world” into our thoughts. He can do this only through our five senses–especially sight and hearing. And because we do become like the things we repeatedly see and hear (2 Corinthians 3:18), we need to guard the avenues of the soul and don’t expose our selves to sin (ex. internet, TV, literature, music…etc).

Guarding our thoughts is very important because thoughts dictate behavior. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). If we will live right, we must think right. The development of Christian character needs right thinking. Therefore, Paul gives a healthy program for our minds and thoughts. Instead of thinking about impurities, we should exercise our minds on positive things:

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Claim God’s Promises For Victory

After guarding our thoughts and senses from the world, we should call on God to bestow His “grace” for victory. The Christian must be willing to submit his will to God. Then, God promises complete victory: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The weakest believer who finds refuge in the power of Christ will cause Satan to tremble and to flee.

Because of God’s love for His people, fresh supplies of grace are continually given to enable them to resist worldly temptations. Men who pray and study the scriptures daily will be constantly growing in he Christian character. Jesus promised, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).

God demands undivided allegiance, but He also provides men with sufficient strength to enable them to obey. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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