The Wrong Way To Walk Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: The Wrong Way To Walk-------------------------- Date: 9/19/2001 Keywords: "futility" "walk" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Ephesians 4:17-20* 17. So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18. being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19. and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20. But you did not learn Christ in this way, Questions 1. What does Paul mean by "futility of [the Gentile’s] mind?"   2. One could reason that God has "excluded" some people on a whim. Is that consistent with verse 18? What is the real reason they don’t come to enjoy the life God has to give them?   3. Is there a difference between a Christian who views pornography and a non-believer engaged in the same act?   Practical help The verses above were written to the Christian. We know this is the case from verse 20, where Paul says in essence that you (Christian) know who Jesus is and what He wants from you. If the distinction is unclear to you, click here. So why do Christians view pornography? Because they are human and can be tempted just like anyone else. But there is a big difference as to what is available to each group to help them overcome this wrong appetite. The non-believer does not have access to the power of Christ to help set Him free, where the Christian does. Paul testified to this power personally in 2 Corinthians 12:9 — And He [God] has said to me [Paul], "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." So you can walk away from pornography, and when you do, your mind will clear and your heart soften. Once you have received life from Christ, the grabbing, greedy life-style that thirsts for lustful images will progressively die away. In its place — as you continually choose to walk with God — will grow a heart of peace and love. If you stumble and fall, get up, dust yourself off and keep moving (1 John 1:9). eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2001 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."