That Internal War | Words Of Truth
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

That Internal War


I. Introduction:

A. Saints are well aware that the influence of evil people is dangerous towards us (I Corinthians 15:33).

  1. So, we are cautious of the company we keep (Proverbs 1:10-19, Proverbs 4:14-27, and Proverbs 13:20).
  2. This is true not just in areas pertaining to the world, but even with whom we listen to regarding God’s word (Matthew 7:15-20, Matthew 24:4, Ephesians 5:6, and Colossians 2:8).
B. But, what about taking heed to one’s self (Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 4:23, Deuteronomy 11:16, Joshua 23:11, Luke 21:34, and I Timothy 4:16).

  1. We are supposed to examine ourselves (II Corinthians 13:5 and Galatians 6:4).
  2. If our actions are not pleasing to God, we repent and get it right (Psalms 32:5, Proverbs 28:13, Lamentations 3:40, and I John 1:9).

II. Body: Galatians 5:16-17 and I Peter 2:11

A. Thoughts, desires, etc. are not in themselves sinful. That is where the process that leads to sin begins (James 1:12-16).

  1. So, to successfully conquer those desires before we act sinfully; we need to have the right mindset (I Chronicles 28:9, Ezekiel 18:31-32, Jeremiah 4:14, Romans 12:1-3, II Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:1-4, and I Peter 4:1-2).
  2. Think about what was written to the saints in Ephesus (Ephesians 4:22-23).
B. Realize whose pleasures we are to fulfill (Revelation 4:11).

  1. Consider Jesus’ teaching on this matter (Mark 8:31-38).
  2. Then consider His example on this matter (Luke 22:42, John 6:38, and Philippians 2:3-9).
C. To help settle your mind, just think what the payoff is for investing in the world vs. investing in the Lord (Matthew 6:19-21).

  1. Where’s the world and things therein headed (II Peter 3:10-14 and I John 2:15-17)?
  2. Am I really getting pleasure from what is temporary and generally speaking [of sinful things] is destructive (Hebrews 11:24-26)?
  3. What is the end thereof when it comes to pleasing one’s self with what is contrary to the Lord’s will (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)?

III. Conclusion: Don’t feed the fire of sinful desires (Romans 13:13-14).