Think Ahead Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Think Ahead Keywords: “conviction” “plan” “resolve" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Daniel 1:8* But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Questions 1. What does it mean to make up your mind about something?   2. How did Daniel’s convictions impact his behavior?   3. What are your personal convictions in the area of sexual purity, and do they need to be changed?   Practical help Thinking through and settling your convictions ahead of time makes dealing successfully with sexual temptation much more likely. Of course the converse is also true; not being prepared with solid convictions is an almost sure way to failure and struggle. The example of Daniel is rock solid for us. He made up his mind — he resolved — not to defile himself with the things offered to him. His convictions dictated his behavior to remain pure and faithful to God. He didn’t hesitate to stick to his plan for purity because he had the personal convictions to back it up. Maybe it’s time for you make a plan for purity — to think ahead a little. Here are a few suggestions that might help. 1. With God’s help, write down your actual convictions about sexual purity. Use your behavior to reveal how you really think and believe about the matter. 2. Consider in what ways you need to change your thinking and attitudes toward sexual sin. 3. Talk to someone who will understand and be an encouragement to you. That person may have some helpful ideas for you. 4. Plan out the concrete steps will you take stand strong next time you're tempted. 5. Pray and commit your way to the Lord. What other ideas come to mind as you read this? It’s time to plan ahead and lay down some new convictions — to make up your mind about stepping away from Web porn and other types of sexual sin. Look to the Lord as your source of strength, and make a wise plan for moving forward. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2004 by eXXit *Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.