The Dynamics of Sexual Temptation — A Sudden Fall?
Today's Three-minute Bible Study
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Title: The Dynamics of Sexual Temptation — A Sudden Fall? ------------------- Date: 3/28/2002
Keywords:
“fall” “slide”
Welcome
to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual
temptation.
Passage: Matthew 5:27-28*
27. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery';
28. but I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Questions
1. Where does sexual sin first take place?
2. What can lustful thoughts lead to if they are not checked?
Practical help
Many Christians do not understand the powerful dynamics of sexual temptation. As we understand these dynamics, we’re able to recognize forces and processes within us and take action to resist them. Here is one of several principles to keep in mind:
We don’t “fall” into sin; we slide into it. When someone commits sexual sin, we tend to think of them as suddenly falling off the cliff into an abyss. This is rarely, if ever the case. An act of sexual sin is the ultimate and logical result of long-term habit patterns of giving in to temptations to less obvious sins. According to our Lord, sexual sin originates in the heart (Matthew 15:19). The embers of adultery may smolder in the heart for months or even years before they burst into the flame of action.
Are you on a slide at this time in your life? Take serious measures today to reverse it. God’s grace abounds for you to help you get off the slide before it’s too late.
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*"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."
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