Build a Strategy for Ongoing Sexual Purity — Early Warning System Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Build a Strategy for Ongoing Sexual Purity — Early Warning System ------Date: 4/30/2002 Keywords: "danger zone” “lust” “passions” “purity” “temptation” “warning" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: James 1:14-15* 14. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Questions 1. What are the stages of the process described in today’s passage?   2. What are the “small” temptations that entice you to follow the course to full blown lust?   Practical help Develop your own “early warning system” to detect the first signs of temptation. Christians often slide into sexual sin as a result of flirting with temptations that seem harmless in the beginning. As our defenses are lowered we become more vulnerable to the strong pull of smut. When temptation is first detected and lustful passions begin to rise in the heart and mind, that’s the time to sound the alarm and take defensive action. Know and avoid your danger zones. The situations we put ourselves in greatly affect our vulnerability to sexual temptation. To do battle effectively in this area, we need to know the situations that are dangerous to us. Then we must avoid them when possible. If that isn’t possible, we need to plan ahead for spiritual warfare and take whatever steps necessary to insure victory. Here are a few examples of possible danger zones: 1. Traveling alone. 2. Late night computer use or TV watching. 3. Working alone with someone of the opposite sex. 4. Spending time in places that offer opportunities for temptation. (This may be different for everyone.) 5. Getting so over-stressed or tired that the ability to fight temptation is diminished. As a part of your strategy for ongoing sexual purity learn to detect the first signs of temptation. When the alarms go off and you sense that you are entering a danger zone, look to Jesus immediately for escape. You will be greatly encouraged today in His strength if you do! eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2002 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. ---