Build Your Strategy for Ongoing Purity, Part 6 Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Build Your Strategy for Ongoing Purity, Part 6------------------- Date: 4/30/2003 Keywords: “corrupt” “holy” “nature” “self” Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. This is the sixth of a twelve-part series designed to help you build a strategy for ongoing sexual purity. The first six parts are being posted this month, and the last six in late May. Passage: Ephesians 4:20-24* 20. But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21. if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22. that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23. and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24. and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Questions 1. Because you are now in Christ, what can you do with the old corrupted self (nature) that was once yours?   2. What is your new self (nature) like?   3. What does that mean for you in practical terms when fighting against temptation?   Practical help Your new identity as one who is now in Christ means you have choices in the battle against temptation to sexual sin. You have a new self, a new nature created in the likeness of God himself. Timing is critical. When you are first aware of being tempted, reaffirm your commitment to Christ and remember the truth of these verses. You can put off the old self and cloth yourself with the new self, created in righteousness and holiness because you are now in Christ! In this battle, even a few seconds of wavering or hesitation can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Action Point 6: When tempted, be quick to lay aside the old self and then put on the new self according to Ephesians 4:22-24. More in late May 2003 (see introduction above). eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2003 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." ---