If the Christian statisticians are correct about the extent of sexual sin among evangelicals, then the scandals that have rocked the Church represent only the tip of an enormous iceberg lying just beneath the surface. Clearly, there are multitudes of professing Christians addicted to various forms of immorality, and they desperately need spiritual help.

Paul described those who were qualified to undertake such a challenge: “Brethren, if any person is overtaken in [sin], you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should… restore him…” (Gal. 6:1 AMP) In his commentary on this passage, A.T. Robertson described these candidates as, “The spiritually led, the spiritual experts in mending souls.” (1)

Yes, that’s the answer! We need “spiritual experts in mending souls.” We badly need persons who possess a thorough understanding of the problem and the solution.

The problem is clear: people are indulging themselves in sin. Perhaps less obvious, however, is that certain notions about sin have arisen in the Church that have minimized its evil nature.

For instance, there are those who over-emphasize grace to the point that God is represented as little more than a benign Old Man who veritably chuckles over the cute misdeeds of His children. Then there is the burgeoning psychological community that advocates soothing guilty consciences with intricate and plausible explanations which simply excuse sinful behavior. The result of all of this is a casual, flippant attitude toward defying God’s commandments—hardly the mindset that leads people to victory!

A spiritual expert, on the other hand, understands that sin is “altogether evil.” He comprehends its deceitful nature, its fearful grip and dreadful consequences. He knows that sin separates a person from God’s presence and causes a terrible hardness of heart—not to mention the myriad of emotional problems that accompany it.

Yes, the evil nature of sin is clear to him, but a spiritual expert also knows the way out of such bondage. Jesus, the consummate spiritual expert, told the backslidden Laodiceans to be zealous about repentance. (Rev. 3:19) The root of this word zealous (Gk. zelos) means to be boiling hot. The noun form is zealot, which alludes to what is needed in the Church today: violent men, red-hot in their hatred of sin; men who understand how to lead people out of its malignant clutches. Zealots of repentance! We need saints who understand what it means to walk in repentance as a lifestyle.

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Yes, sexual sin is running rampant in our midst, but the greater crisis is the overall spiritual stagnation of the Church at large. Unless some particular sin is wreaking havoc in their everyday lives, most people feel no compelling need to change. They are content to hear sermons and read books, accepting the false notion that acquiring spiritual information automatically produces spiritual maturity.

Spiritual novices do not understand God’s power to transform a repentant heart because they have not allowed themselves to be broken by God. Thus, their own hardened hearts establish the basis for what they teach others. Out of that stony ground come the kinds of teachings that ignore or minimize the need for ongoing repentance.

My dear brothers and sisters! We need a Revolution of Repentance, led by fervent saints who have learned how to live the secrets of Calvary. Yes, we desperately need “spiritual experts in mending souls.”

How many professing believers today standing in the pulpit, singing on the worship team, or sitting out in the pews lug around a host of unconfessed sins? Week after week they assemble together to exalt God, but they are weighed down, their spiritual backpacks crammed with all sorts of idols and other hidden sins. Pride. Rebellion. Unbelief. Bitterness. Anger. Unforgiveness. Laziness. Lying. Greed. Envy. Gluttony. Gossip. Lust. Adultery. Fornication. Homosexuality. Pornography. Masturbation. Drunkenness. Substance abuse.

In Galatians 5:19-21, we’re told that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” That is a very serious consequence. So why aren’t many who profess the name of Christ quick to confess their sins and turn away from them? Does that describe you? Are you weighed down by secret or unconfessed sin?

Have You Become Accustomed to Carrying Around Your Pet Sins?

Are you ok with the “little foxes” which have nearly devastated your vineyards (Song of Solomon 2:15)? Sadly, these religious actors have become so smug and content with their walk with the Lord and their lives in this world that their extreme complacency shields them from the gentle, convicting voice of the Holy Spirit warning them to get their sin out. Obviously quite satisfied with their current spiritual progress, they don’t see their need to repent, nor do they even detect the weight of sin which has stagnated their walk with the Lord. They comprise a congregation of backslidden and lukewarm professors.

Do You Compare Yourself to Others to Justify and Minimize Your Sin?

Another group simply insists that they are not as bad as their neighbor. When they come under conviction, they are quick to say to themselves, “I don’t get drunk. I don’t do drugs. I’m not out sleeping around. I’m a good person. I love God, and He understands that no one is perfect.” Just like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, outwardly they are close to being squeaky clean. But the truth of the matter is that they are still very much given over to sinful attitudes in their hearts—the secret place where only God sees. Because of this heavy load, their spiritual growth is retarded, and their hunger and passion for God is practically on Empty. As long as the bar is raised no higher than their present level of mediocrity, they won’t ever achieve the spiritual momentum to soar like eagles (Isa. 40:31). Nor will they ever produce any substantial fruit for God’s Kingdom or experience the peace and abundant life in Jesus that God has for them.

Are You Hiding Behind a Mask of Hypocrisy?

Then there are those who, like King David after his adulterous affair and murderous plot (Ps. 32:3-4), are unwilling to bring their sin into the light. Needless to say, they are most miserable! While God’s hand presses down upon them, somehow they manage to erect thick self-protective walls to keep others from knowing who they really are. To further avoid exposure, they strive to keep up a good “Christian image” outwardly—while carrying their hidden sin around with them. They are so loaded down that they aren’t able to run the race to which they were called.

Despite their differences, each of the three groups described above are stuck spiritually under the weight of their unconfessed sin. But there is hope! Proverbs 28:13 describes accurately what you are likely experiencing - an inability to “prosper”. Your sins are handicapping you from the abundant life Jesus desires for us. But continuing reading the Proverb, and you are given the opportunity to break free from the burden of sin you’ve been carrying.

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Begin with Repentance

In each case there is only one way of escape: Repentance. Sinners can bring their heavy burdens to the One who bore their sins on the old rugged cross. Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior, took upon Himself the sin of the whole world. Imagine the tremendous weight He joyfully bore for wretched sinners like us so that sin would no longer have dominion over us (Rom. 6:14)!

True repentance involves more than admitting one’s guilt. It involves brokenness and godly sorrow leading to a willful turning away from sin to obey and please the Lord (2 Cor. 7:10). Because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary, every weight can be lifted off of a repentant sinner once such a genuine confession before God has been made.

To avoid becoming weighed down by sin, our daily prayer should be, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139: 23-24).

Stay in God’s Word

Secondly, spending time in the Word of God each day, studying and meditating on Truth, will make us available to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and keep us in the light (Psalm 119:105). It will direct us to lay “aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save [our] souls” and will help us to be doers of the Word, rather than mere hearers who only go into spiritual delusion (James 1:21-22).

Always Respond to Conviction

Lastly, whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin either through the Word, through a sermon, or directly through a person, we must be quick to repent. That is, we agree with God that the sin He’s exposed in our heart is sin, and then we immediately turn away from it back to our Redeemer.

No Christian need go one day longer bearing the guilt and shame of unconfessed sin. You don’t have to. You need only bring your sin out into the light, nail it on the Cross, and get back on the Straight and Narrow. Then you will soon discover the joyous liberty that Christ purchased on Calvary.

You were doing well. Your life in God was growing. It had been months since you had fallen into sin. For the first time in years you were feeling as though it was behind you. It seemed as though you were emerging from a long, dark tunnel. Your prospects looked bright. God’s hand was blessing. Hope filled your heart. All of this pointed to the fact that you had crossed a line: you had finally surrendered your life to God.

Then suddenly, when you least expected it, you were bushwhacked by the enemy. Perhaps you were innocently writing emails when a pornographic email showed up in your inbox. You were temporarily bewitched by it and found yourself opening it before you could even gather your defenses against the assault. The pull was tremendous. After it was over you felt devastated.

Or maybe an old boyfriend suddenly showed up when you were in a particularly weak state of mind. You had just been thinking how much you wish there was someone to love you, to hold you… Then your phone rang and you heard that familiar voice. The bad memories and the reasons you had cut off the relationship seemed to evaporate. “Someone to hold you…” The words seemed to echo in your mind. Before you knew what had happened, you were leaving a hotel room, so disgusted with yourself that you were physically sick.

Whatever the case may be, you need to be reminded of a couple of things.

You Need to Know that Jesus Christ Broke the Power of the Enemy on the Cross.

This means that as a born again believer, sin will not and cannot hold you. You may have your struggles for a time, but your victory is assured. You have the Spirit of the living God indwelling you. You will find that as your relationship with Christ grows so too will your determination and strength to resist temptation.

Once a person truly repents of his sin and submits to the lordship of Jesus Christ, Satan can no longer hold him in sin. The power of sin is broken. The best the devil can hope to do now is to try to lure him back through temptation.

When the enemy determines to plot the downfall of a believer, he can only work within the boundaries set forth by God. As Paul pointed out, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." (I Corinthians 10:13) The veteran apostle does not promise a life free of temptations, but rather that God will keep them within His limits and always provide a way of escape in order that the believer may continue to stand.

You Need to be Reminded that Failure is Not Final.

Someone once said, “Failure is not falling down; it is remaining there when you have fallen.” That is so true! Every single believer I have ever known who has gained the victory over sexual sin did so after many defeats.

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The way it typically happens is like this: The person begins to feel a growing sense of being fed up with the consequences of his sin. He is tired of being a hypocrite. At some point, in utter exacerbation with his condition, a surrender to God occurs in his heart. An emotional experience may or may not accompany this pivotal spiritual decision. From that day forth, he begins to grow in strength. His failures become more seldom. Before long, victories outnumber defeats. It is not unusual for him to walk in freedom for a time, only to fall once again to some temptation. For the true believer, this final spiritual fall is usually the last. Failure is not final; it is often only the door into a life of victory. Nevertheless, you can be assured that some lying devil will do its utmost to remind you of your past string of failures so that you won’t look with hope to the certain victory that is yours.

Yes, we are in a war on this planet earth. The devil rages all around us. And although the city of Satan may open its gates and vomit every vile spirit of hell against us, in the end, their failure is assured. And the next time you are feeling wearied by the battle or discouraged by some failure, remember the words spoken by the Captain of the host: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 KJV)

Recently, an old friend of mine named William confided to me over the phone that he was becoming discouraged about his thought-life. Although he pastors a thriving congregation in a big city, he has had to battle with sexual lust for his entire Christian life. Over the years William has gradually gained the victory over lust, but recently it seemed as though all the ground he had gained had been lost. Every time he went out into public, his hormones seemed to rage within him. The body of every pretty girl he happened across came under his intense scrutiny. “It seems like I can’t even control myself anymore,” he lamented to me.

I have learned from experience that men who are maturing in the Lord concurrently grow in their strength to deny the temptation to lust. I knew William sincerely loved the Lord and was faithful in his daily devotions. Something had to be amiss for him to have such a pronounced lapse in his thought-life. A person doesn’t simply start failing for no reason. Just as there are cause-and-effect laws that govern the physical realm, likewise there are laws that operate in the spiritual realm.

As we talked, I began asking probing questions, looking for clues that would solve “the case.” It wasn’t long before I could see the problem. The growing power of lust had really come about through a series of seemingly unrelated events.  

It began when two separate couples in his congregation—both of whom had been offended with him over trivial matters—had banded together and were now causing division in the church. Their backbiting and divisiveness had been extremely painful to William.

Although he rarely watched secular TV anymore (because of its carnality), he now found himself uncustomarily plopping down in front of the television set when he got home from work every day. He was attempting to escape the painful reality of what was happening in his church through the mind-numbing effects of TV watching.

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“William, I think I know what your problem is,” I told him. “I want you to open your Bible and read Romans 13:14 to me.”

It took him a minute to get his Bible and find the passage. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts,” he finally said.

“Even though the Lord certainly understands what you’ve been going through, the spiritual principle of reaping and sowing to the flesh still applies. The enemy has beaten you down lately—and at a time when you really needed the Lord’s strength—you have turned to the TV set instead. Not only have you missed out on the spiritual refreshment that comes from being in the presence of the Lord, you have exacerbated your problems by feeding your flesh.  You see, making provision for the flesh literally means to provide for its sustenance—to keep it alive and healthy—and that is what you have been doing by watching television.  So here’s what I recommend to you:

• Get on your knees and repent to the Lord for giving yourself over to lust,
• Unplug the TV, at least until you break the habit you have re-established with it
• Spend a couple of hours soaking in the Word of God. It will refresh you.”

And that is exactly what William did. His phone call to me a few days later telling me how much better he felt didn’t surprise me. It certainly is true: “the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption.” But just as true is the rest of the verse: “the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

By its very nature, Christianity requires a life of violence. Jesus told His followers, “Strive (Gk. agonizomai) to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24) This term is where we get the English word “agonize,” but it also reflects the battle involved. For instance, Jesus told Pilate, “If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting (agonizomai)…” (John 18:36) Using the root of this word (agon), Paul later wrote, “Fight the good fight of faith…” (1 Timothy 6:12)

Those who say that Christianity is for wimps (“Christians need a crutch”) are clearly clueless about what is really involved. What could be more difficult than to resist every natural inclination… to learn to replace self-trust with dependency on an invisible Being… to constantly strive to put the needs of others before your own… to resist every temptation to exalt or defend oneself… to take great care to find and live the will of God? The truth is that any wimp or coward can live for their self, but it takes great courage to live for God.

Battlefronts

1. Against Ourselves

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One of the first discoveries of a new believer is the inner turmoil that comes with his newfound faith. Paul summed up “the war within” when he wrote, “For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.” (Galatians 5:17 AMP)

What a fierce battle the Christian must wage against his lower nature! It is a lifelong war that he has entered. He even discovers that his old thinking—which still haunts him—is actually the enemy of God. (Romans 8:7) Nearly everything he so passionately pursued in the past—through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life—must now be renounced and forsaken.

2. Against Satan

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Not only must he battle his old nature, he discovers that the minute he accepted Christ, he pitted himself against a murderous spiritual being. The very name Satan means adversary and he will do everything within his power to resist, overcome, persecute or lure away the saint. The devil and his demonic followers will stop at nothing in their malignant desire to resist the efforts of Christians and drag people to hell.

3. Against the World

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Another early discovery of the new believer is that he now must swim upstream against the current of popular thinking. Oftentimes, even his family and friends rise up against him, thinking he has gone off the “deep end.” He has made himself an outcast of this world system, the subject of my book, Intoxicated with Babylon:

“Supplied with this new evidence, I did a thorough study of the word kosmos (world) in the Scripture, reminding myself that kosmos meant ‘an ordered existence apart from God.’ What became clear to me was that, although sometimes the word refers to everyone living on the planet earth, it is primarily used to describe the corporate consciousness of the people of this world who are in rebellion to God's authority. Kosmos is what binds together the unbelieving world. It is a global mentality that remains an unspoken, yet powerful force in the lives of mankind. It molds vastly different people groups into one entity which lives out its existence on earth under the domain of Satan, unified against God.”

No wonder John wrote, “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. (But) whatever is born of God overcomes the world.” (1 John 3:13; 5:4)

4. For Others

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Unquestionably, the Christian life is one which must be fought through from beginning to end. But there is yet more. Not only must he battle “the world, the flesh and the devil,” he must also enter the life-and-death struggle for lost souls. Unconverted people are heading right into eternal damnation. The terrifying implications of the eternal fate of unbelievers are always on the mind of the true believer. This was undoubtedly what drove the apostle Paul to fight for the lost of his day. He told the Colossians, “And for this purpose also I labor, striving (agonizomai) according to His power, which mightily works within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle (agon) I have on your behalf…” (Colossians 1:29-2:1) His final words to Timothy summed up his life: “I have fought (agonizomai) the good fight (agon), I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Modern Warfare

The First Century person who made the decision to follow Christ clearly understood that his life would henceforth require one, long battle. He did not need to be taught this; it was simply an obvious fact of life. The Redeemer had been tortured to death. Other Christian leaders had already suffered martyrdom. It was clear that the rest of his life would be a journey of “toils, dangers, and snares.

Life is much different for those of us who live in a nation that has been Christianized. The lack of outward persecution has created a much subtler battle: lethargy. The lines have become blurred in our country. The common myth is that good people go to heaven and bad people (i.e. Hitler, Manson, etc.) go to hell. Nearly everyone considers themselves to be Christian.

Nevertheless, Scripture clearly teaches that true Christianity always equates to battle. Yes, it is very true, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.”

There’s usually at least one in every church. You know, the young woman whose clothes are a bit too revealing. You probably surmised correctly that her Sunday dress is conservative compared to what she wears the rest of the week.

This girl loves the attention she receives from guys. She has (perhaps subconsciously) learned that the tighter her dress and the lower the neckline, the more men notice her. Whether she doesn’t stop to consider how she is making men stumble, or she simply doesn’t care, the most important thing to her is that heads turn when she walks by.

The truth is that there will be a man who wants to marry her. In fact, he may be a member of your church. Tragically, what she doesn’t realize is that she won’t be attracting a godly young man, but the guy who is secretly addicted to pornography. He is enamored with body parts, not consecration to God.

This provocative compromiser cannot see what is really in store for her. She is marrying this guy because he is feverishly in “love” (interpret: lust) with her. She longs for a man who will worship her—and he will, for awhile. But before long he will grow bored with her body and return to his pornography… or worse.

"She longs for a man who will worship her—and he will, for awhile. But before long he will grow bored with her body and return to his pornography...or worse."

Eventually, she will be looking for counseling. I can quote almost verbatim what she will say because I have heard it so many times: “I’ve been married for ___ years and I just discovered that my husband has been unfaithful,” she will exclaim incredulously. “I can’t believe it! I had no idea! He deceived me!”

“Yes, he deceived you,” I would say to console her. I probably wouldn’t have the heart to share with her the rest of my thoughts: “My dear, the reason you couldn’t discern who you were really marrying was because you have been so far from God yourself. Can’t you see that you wanted a man who would worship your body and that’s exactly what you got? Yes, you can divorce this guy, but if something doesn’t change in your heart, you will simply attract the same type of man again. You have relied on your looks for your value as a person, but what will be left for you when you turn 50 and your body is no longer desirable?”

How different will be the story of that modest and godly young woman who is also in your church. Her beauty is not skin deep, but is found in “the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:4) She too will attract a man, but he won’t be selfish and carnal. His beauty will also be found in his inner life with God. He will have a true love for his wife—you know, the kind of devotion that lasts a lifetime.

Yes, it is certainly true, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

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“Let no man despise your youth, but set an example for the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12) “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word.” (Ps. 119:9)

We live in a culture that has effeminized young men. Young men are rarely encouraged to be leaders in their homes, churches and society. As parents seek to raise their sons in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, it may be helpful to make a checklist to see how these future leaders are measuring up to the Biblical standard.

1. He must be blameless and have a good testimony

To be “above reproach” means the young man must have a Teflonª reputation. Though people may seek to make accusations about his moral character, he must live in such a way that nothing sticks. We are to live such lives among the pagans that even though they would seek to malign us, they would see our good deeds and glorify God. (1 Pet. 2:12) We must have “Sound speech which cannot be condemned, so that he who would accuse you may be ashamed, because he can find nothing bad to say about you.” (Titus 2:8)

2. He must be a “One-Woman Man”

Even prior to marriage, he should be demonstrating his willingness to save his heart for the one woman that he will marry. If, as a teenager, he has a desire to give his affections to as many females as possible, you can be sure these habits won’t break easily later in life! He should be resolute in his desire to be emotionally and physically pure until the day he marries his life partner. Fornication, uncleanness, filthy talk, ungodly imaginations, have no place in the Christian life. (Eph. 5:3-5, Prov. 6:18) The best way for a son to develop a pure heart is to observe the whole-hearted devotion of his father to his mother. “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” (Prov. 23:26)

3. He must be self-controlled

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8) Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit, or an evidence of God living in his life. He must learn to control his body (Gal. 5:16, 24), his eyes (Ec. 2:14, Job 31:1, Matt. 6:22-23), his mouth (James 3, Prov. 10:11-32, Prov. 29:20) and his mind (Is. 26:3). A lack of self-control will result in sweeping poverty and broken relationships for as long as he lives. One of the best remedies for a lack of self-control is Biblical fasting. It gives the spirit a marked edge over the flesh.

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4. He must be respectable and well behaved

Every young lady wants to marry a gentleman. She desires a husband who has good manners, and handles himself in a principled and honorable way. Young men should not be rude or unseemly in any way. They should respect others, treating older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters. (1 Tim. 5:1-2) The best test to know if a young man has victory in this area is to watch him with his siblings. Everyone can learn to treat guests well, but most men let down their guard with their family. He will not likely treat his wife better than he treats his sisters.

5. He must be hospitable

How does a young man act when company comes over? Does he slink off to his room and ignore them? Does he refuse to talk with them while he mumbles to himself and looks at his shoes? Does he enjoy serving and helping people? A sign of a good leader is someone who will look you in the eye, speak clearly, and converse intelligently. As opportunities arise he must meet each occasion with a desire to wash the feet of the saints. The root of hospitality is loving your neighbor and esteeming him better than yourself. In the context of your family there will be many chances to demonstrate this character trait.

6. He must be able to teach

He must be able to express truth through written and verbal communication. This is essential for any leader. “Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and convince the skeptics.” (Titus 1:9) A young man may be able to teach younger siblings, or smaller children. The primary ingredient, though, in being a good teacher, is being a good learner. If he doesn’t receive instruction in the right spirit, he won’t give it well either. For now he must be willing to learn, later he will teach.

7. He must be patient

A young man who is hasty will come to ruin. “The thoughts of the diligent lead to abundance, but everyone who is hasty will lack.” (Prov. 21:5) Patience is needed in waiting for a wife, in running a business (realizing you need to build slowly), in relating to people (especially a wife and children), and many other disciplines of life. 1 Tim. 6:11 reminds us that we must “pursue” or “follow after” patience. It doesn’t just happen. We must press into it. This will be one of the first and longest lasting struggles a young man will encounter. Only by prayer and diligence will he obtain this fruit.

8. He must be sincere and honest

Does he tell the truth, even to his own hurt? (Psalm 15) Does he walk before you with an open face, concealing nothing? What a testimony to be like Nathaniel, “in whom is no guile.” (John 1:47) Popular speaker Ken Davis often encourages young men to live with “Nothing to hide, nothing to prove, nothing to fear and nothing to lose.” This is not an encouragement to live recklessly, but righteously, realizing that when we live abandoned to God we have everything to gain and nothing to lose. You will have sweet sleep at night knowing your conscience is clear before God and men. (Prov. 3:24) On the negative side, Psalm 55:23 says a deceitful man will not live out half their days. Hit this one hard if you want your son to live past 40!

9. He must be tested (held accountable)

People love to shirk accountability. We don’t like others meddling in our lives. Very rarely do you meet a young man who is properly submitted to Godly authority. Discipleship requires being mentored and instructed by those older in the faith. Every Timothy needs a Paul. The maturity desired in the young man’s life doesn’t occur over night. It takes many years of instruction. A young man who is still immature in the faith should not be released into a position of leadership. “But continue thou in the things thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:14-15)

10. He must be just and upright

A proper sense of Godly justice is essential.  He must make decisions based on Biblical absolutes, not merely on personal preference or human emotion. He must abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. (Rom. 12:9) Anyone who is in the position of a shepherd, whether to his family or to other believers, must be a servant leader. He must not take advantage of people or “lord it over others.” (Luke 22:25-27) Dishonest weights and measures are an abomination to the Lord. (Prov. 20:10) He must desire truth in his inmost parts. (Ps. 51:6)

11. He must be disciplined

Being self-governed is vital for Godly men. They must have a clear vision, and direction for the path they choose. They need to know how to take responsibility for their actions. When a young man shifts the blame, tries to get out of his duties, or shirks work and commitment, he is too immature to be trusted. “The glory of young men is their strength.” (Prov. 20:29) “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.” (Lam. 3:27) Young men must be willing to labor and to follow through with their commitments. If they can’t muster the ability to discipline themselves, parents must do it for them until the instruction becomes internalized. “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Prov. 19:18)

12. He must be clothed with humility

“God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pet. 5:5) The young man must be willing to admit that he still has much to learn. “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.” (1 Cor. 8:2) He must realize that the pattern is for him to hold his tongue in the presence of age and experience. “I am young, and you are very old, therefore I was afraid, and did not speak my opinion. I said, ‘Days should speak and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’” He must know that any wisdom residing in him is from the Spirit of the Almighty. (Job 32:6-8)

13. He must be holy

This is the highest calling of all. Holiness is not something you do, it is something you are. From this state of “being” holy, come holy actions. Holiness is the condition of the heart from which everything else flows. It isn’t optional. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14) Being holy is possible only as we abide in God. Only His Spirit can make us holy. “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written “Be ye holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

14. He must not be over-indulgent

Whether in food, recreation, material things, or any other area of life, he must show proper restraint. “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” (Prov. 23:21) In Deut. 21:20, when a teenage son was found guilty of being a glutton and a drunkard, he was taken out and stoned by the men of that city. Surely we must take seriously the Biblical admonition to be restrained. It may seem a small thing that a son can’t hold to his diet or to the patterns of eating established by his family, but if he can’t control himself in one area, he is in danger in all areas. A son who sneaks chocolate between meals may become a husband who stops at the bar or pornography store on the way home. The root problem must be solved.

15. He must not be violent or easily angry

Titus 3:2 commands men not to be violent, but to be “gentle, showing meekness to all men.” Our culture has a skewed view of masculinity. Where is the balance between being “macho” and being effeminate? It comes in bridled and restrained strength. Instead of glorying in his strength (Jer. 9:23) he is to use his might to worship God (Mark 12:30), not to harm others. (Ps. 11:5) “A mighty man is not delivered by much strength.: Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.” (Ps. 33:16, 18)

16. He must not be quarrelsome

Some people love to argue! They enjoy disagreement, and love debating with others. There is a time and place for discussing ideas, but to constantly batter others with a verbal barrage is totally inappropriate for the Godly man. In 1 Tim. 6:20 & Tim. 2:16, we are told to avoid “vain and profane babblings” which lead to more ungodliness. Ask any wife and she will tell you that nit-picking and quarreling were not virtues she looked for in her husband.

17. He must not be a lover of money or material possessions

1 Tim. 6:6-11 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”

18. He must not be selfish

Servant-leadership is hard to come by these days. Everyone wants to be “top dog,” but no one wants to scrub toilets. Jesus said, “The kings of the gentiles exercise lordship over them and they exercise authority upon them that are called benefactors. But it should not be so among you. Instead, let him who is the greatest among you be as the younger, and he that is chief as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:25-26) Christ, as our example, taught perfect selflessness. Only as we empty ourselves are we filled with His Spirit. We must esteem others as better than ourselves. (Phil. 2:3)

God, give us men! Obviously, we could expand this study to include every character trait known to the human race, but the few listed above are foundational. In order to have a functional society, we must, by necessity, have men who aren’t afraid to lead. They must be willing to reclaim their proper God-given roles, and stop delegating it to the women of our nation. Women should only be called to fill the place of women, they shouldn’t be expected to take up the slack for men as well.

As J.C. Ryle said in his book, Thoughts for Young Men: “What young men will be, in all probability depends upon what they are now, and yet they seem so easily to forget this. Youth is the seed time of full age, the molding season in the little space of human life, the turning-point in the history of man’s mind.”

The time is now to begin training for the future. You can’t wait until you are married to begin. No matter what age, a young man must begin to walk out the traits that will direct him for years to come. Following our Lord’s example, we must grow in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (2 Cor 5:9-15 NKJV)

In a nutshell, that is the Christian walk. Not the experience of salvation, but the fruit of it. That is the direction of every true convert to Christianity, and is essential to maintaining victory over the sin that once held you captive.

Ask yourself this question: Does that passage describe the effect that Jesus has had on you?

Before I came into the Pure Life Ministries Residential Program, I professed to be a Christian. But if I were to describe my Christianity, it wouldn’t be anywhere near what that passage describes.

Pornography was not simply an addiction in my life. It was the premiere thing that I went after. It was an obsession. I was its slave.

A profession of faith is not enough to save us. It’s not enough to be convinced that Jesus was a historical figure. Something must happen inside us so that we become a confession of Christ to a world that is already condemned.

How does that happen? How are we to live our lives as a confession of Christ?

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From our main text, I believe that there were two main factors that guided and motivated Paul along his race. One is found in verse 11; “knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord…” You will not find that kind of motivation preached about in most churches. That word for “terror” is the Greek word phobos. It’s where we get our word phobia.

Hell is real. And it is meant for the sinner. The problem for mankind is that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” God’s glory is perfection. His justice demands that He can only associate Himself with that which is holy.

But praise God that mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy doesn’t dissolve judgment or take it away, in the sense of eradicating it entirely from the core of who God is. God is still just. But mercy is the way by which we can become holy, because it’s through Christ’s holiness that we are brought near to God. Jesus’ sacrifice was a holy sacrifice. Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

There is a balance found in true Christianity that includes both His justice and His mercy. But the grace message of today will tell you that the sacrifice of Jesus neutralized the justice side of God and now all He is happy, happy, happy. Well, He is happy. But because God is so in control of His emotions, He can be perfectly happy and perfectly angry at the same time.

So, the terror of the Lord was one key component to Paul’s confessional Christianity.

The next thing he mentions is equally as important.

It’s found in verse 14 of our chapter, and it is “For the love of Christ constraineth us.” The core of this word is to hedge or hem in. To be so overtaken by something that you have choice but to move with it and its current. You are at its mercy.

The Greek word that is translated here as “constraineth” is used only 12 times in the bible, but it is used in a variety of situations. It is often used when talking about people being overcome with diverse diseases. Their bodies had no choice but to respond in certain ways to the infection controlling their body. They were constrained by disease.

A good illustration of this is toothpaste. As pressure is applied to the tube, it constrains the toothpaste to exit the only way it can. There is absolutely no choice for the toothpaste. It has to come out through that hole at the top.

Paul tells us here in verse 14 what it was that gave him no choice, what forced him to act the way he did on the Narrow Road. And notice how it is stated. It is the love of Christ, not his love for Christ that has the constraining power over his life.

Oswald Chambers wrote, ““(Paul) was overpowered, subdued, and held as in a vise by ‘the love of Christ.’ Very few of us really know what it means to be held in the grip of the love of Christ. We tend so often to be controlled simply by our own experience. The one thing that gripped and held Paul, to the exclusion of everything else, was the love of God.”

This is what will combat the extremely dangerous false grace teaching that is pervasive in our day. We need to be reminded that the grace of God is not a license to sin. If anything, the grace of God has given us license to perform righteous works for Him! It gives us license to say no to sin! To live soberly and godly in this present age! We are able now to be slaves to righteousness instead of slaves to sin! Hallelujah!

This is extremely important in our day and age. It’s not enough to have a profession, as we already mentioned. And it’s not enough to do things in the name of Jesus. Jesus Himself said that there would be many in the last day who had done many mighty miracles in His name, and yet, He never knew them. There was no intimacy with Him. They had no love relationship with Him. They were claiming to do things in His name as if they were married to Him. But Jesus tells them that their actions weren’t founded on love. There was no, “we love Him, because He first loved us.” That element of their Christian walk was not there. The love of Christ did not constrain them.

How did sexual sin grow in our lives? Because we nourished the hunger. We scratched that itch, over and over again. We loved our sin with all our heart.

But it works the other way as well. If we would begin to give our hearts over to God, we would see the love of God begin to grow in our hearts.

It is my prayer that His amazing love would so captivate us and so compel us that it doesn’t get glossed over as if you’ve heard of it before. His love is something that shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it.

If the Lord has saved you, and you desire to please Him in all that you do, the way to maintain a pure life is to let the love of Christ constrain you that you should live no longer for yourselves, but for Him who died for you and rose again.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul...” (Psalm 19:7)

In a period of man’s history when the often-conflicting teachings of psychology are held in almost reverential awe, it takes a real step of faith to believe David’s statement that a sin-ravaged soul can be restored through the Word of God. When I read this verse, my mind immediately went to the words of Paul: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently...” (Galatians 6:1 NIV) Another translation says, “...you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” (NLT)

The word “restore” is the same term used for a doctor who sets (or restores) a broken bone. What an apt picture of the man who has been involved in pornography and/or fornication! His soul has been crushed to pieces by the destructive nature of sin. Proper perspectives of sexuality have been warped and distorted. Evil has penetrated his heart with spiritual darkness. Spiritually speaking, he has fallen off a three story building: he’s still alive, but he’s all busted up inside. What will you do to help him?

Paul said, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17) His claim—like that of David a thousand years earlier—was that the Word of God was sufficient—adequate—to provide the answers to life’s many problems.

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The Four-Fold Use of Scripture

1. For Teaching
Unquestionably, there is an important place for teaching. Believers must be educated in all that the Bible has to say about life. The pulpit is the perfect vehicle for this greatly needed gift. It gives the pastor the opportunity to bring out important truths needed for living the victorious Christian life—and he can do it all at once to his entire congregation! However, in my opinion, too many pastors short-change their people by limiting their usage of the Bible to Sunday services. This is tragic, because it means that their ministry is only operating at one-fourth its power! It’s like a four-cylinder engine firing on a single cylinder. You might make it down the road, but it sure won’t be very effective.

2. For Reproof
Paul also told this earnest young minister named Timothy that he should use the Word of God to reprove people. This is an exceedingly important tool in the hands of the minister who is helping someone who is in habitual sin. The picture here is of a man attempting to walk the narrow path of Christianity. Occasionally strong temptations show up along the way. Solomon paints a vivid picture of the young man who runs into a beautiful prostitute in the street. “With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter...” (Proverbs 7:21-22) This is also a picture of a man being tempted into pornography. He has drifted off “the highway of holiness” and has gone astray. When the man of God (who is responsible for this man’s spiritual well-being) sees this happening, he steps between him and the source of his temptation and in passionate, godly love says, “No! You can’t do that!” He is stopping this man from going over a cliff. This is biblical reproof. “...if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path...”

3. For Correction
Biblical correction is slightly different. This occurs when the believer is in some type of unrepentant sin and the minister confronts him about it. This man desperately needs someone to step into his life and point out what he cannot see for himself because of the deceptiveness of his sin. He needs to be shown in Scripture how his actions are falling short of godly standards. Biblical confrontation—done in love and meekness—is perhaps the most powerful tool the minister has in dealing with sin. It is correcting the “broken bones” of his soul.

4. For Training in Righteousness
Lastly, Paul said that the Word of God is to be used to train people in righteousness. Training is different from teaching in that it is personal. Rather than picking and choosing from a pulpit sermon what he may or may not want to adopt into his life, the man receives face-to-face discipling from his pastor. His spiritual mentor teaches him how to live a life pleasing to God and then holds him accountable to follow through in his daily life. This one-on-one discipleship is greatly needed by the struggling saint. Without accountability, it is simply too easy to disregard the teaching that comes from the pulpit.

Getting Personally Involved

It will be noticed that the first usage of the Sword of the Spirit is done corporately, while the other three are practiced through interpersonal relationships. Teaching from the pulpit is important, but people change when the minister gets involved in their lives. Unfortunately, many pastors have adopted a worldly concept of ministerial success. The world only sees numbers: the size of the congregation, the amount of money flowing into the till, and the extent of the pastor’s influence.

God does not see any of this when He looks down from heaven. Success in His kingdom does not revolve around numbers but around faithfulness. Christians will not be judged by mathematical formulas (number crunching), but by their love for others. There is nothing inherently wrong in pastoring a large church, if that is what the Lord has called the man to do. However, there are many pastors of small congregations who will be counted faithful because they have lived sacrificially to meet the needs of others. Perhaps worldly Christians don’t respect them but heaven does. They will be counted faithful because they have put the lives of others above their own ambitions.

If people are to be effectively helped through their struggles, someone will have to get their hands dirty! Somebody must be willing to get involved in their personal lives. There must be a man or woman of God who will teach, reprove, correct and train in righteousness. Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he said, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) The pastor who does this will find that David’s statement is true: “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul.”

If every believer in my church will one day enjoy the same blanket pardon of sin, trod the same streets of gold and worship before the same Throne, why should I be concerned about spiritual growth? If all the benefits of heaven await every believer, why does my congregation need to fight for a holier life, pursue a deeper life in God, or desire to be conformed into His image? Why shouldn’t they just live for themselves and enjoy the pleasures and amusements of this world while they have them? And why should I address their struggles, failures, and shortcomings? Are they really that big of a deal? Do they make a difference?

Consider the following benefits to pushing for growth among the people of your flock.

1. Maturing Believers Are Much Easier to Lead

When people allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in their lives, strife, gossip, criticism and sexual sin all begin to diminish. A stagnant congregation is a breeding ground for problems. On the other hand, healthy, growing Christians are motivated to serve, pray and love.

2. Thriving Spiritual Life is Contagious

In a church of vibrant believers, people want to participate in church activities. Family members sense the excitement and want to be a part of it. People start getting truly converted. There is a law of increase that comes into play once the Holy Spirit begins to move among a body of believers. Those who attempt to attract people to their churches by dumbing-down holiness and using worldly techniques are cutting themselves off from the greatest source of multiplication available to the pastor. “Set yourself on fire,” quipped John Wesley, “and the world will come watch you burn.”

3. Eternal Consequences Are Real

An even more compelling reason to stress the need for your people to truly become doers of the Word, is the eternal consequence that comes as a result of the way a person has lived his life. One day, each of us will give an accounting for our lives. All the things that seemed so important on earth will vanish and the only thing that will remain will be the virtues of grace that have been worked into a person’s life. Who can comprehend the eternal loss or gain that will be realized on that terrible Day?

4. Spiritual Growth Is the Way God Is Glorified

It is through what He is able to accomplish in us and through us that His holy nature is revealed to the world and (as Ephesians 3:10 reveals) to the “rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote: “God is going to open His last great exhibition and all these heavenly powers and principalities will be invited to attend. The curtain will be drawn back and God will say, ‘Look at them!’”

Yes, it is true, that all believers will share some of the benefits of heaven equally. But there is so much more at stake than implied by this superficial and shortsighted perspective. Believers will carry on into eternity the level of love and commitment that was theirs on earth. As a pastor, resist complacency in your church, equip and empower your congregation to fight sin, and watch as the Lord does more than you can ask or imagine.

I have been free from sexual sin for some time but I keep getting pictures from the past in my mind. Is God trying to convict me of something?

If you have repented of your past sins—renounced and forsaken them—there is nothing for the Lord to convict you of. He only convicts of sin so that the person will confess his transgression and repent of it. Even if He were still dealing with you about some underlying attitude, He wouldn’t bring ungodly thoughts into your mind to accomplish it.

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You are simply suffering the long term consequences of sin. Jeremiah spoke of this spiritual phenomenon when he wrote: “The sin of Judah is written down with an iron stylus; with a diamond point it is engraved upon the tablet of their heart and on the horns of their altars, as they remember their children, so they remember their altars and their Asherim by green trees on the high hills.” (Jeremiah 17:1-2)

In regard to these verses, the Pulpit Commentary says the following: “Sin leaves a record of itself. It is not an isolated act. It begets consequences — plants memories, creates guilt. The record remains even if we do not read it… It is written on the memory. Men who have forsaken the scenes of their evil deeds cannot shake off the clinging burden of the memory of them. The criminal is haunted by his crimes. They people his dreams with horrors; they overshadow his waking hours with gloom. Even when sin is put out of mind it is probably buried in the secret chamber of memory, to be ultimately brought to the light of consciousness.”

The author who wrote these words was referring primarily to unrepentant sinners. Yet, there is still a truth involved that should be noted. Just like a girl can repent of her sexual sin and still face an unwanted pregnancy or a thief can forsake his criminal life but still be sentenced to prison, the effects of our sins can haunt our lives years after the act has been committed.

Sexual sin is a pervasive issue among the two and a half million convicts in the U.S. prison system. That puts the American inmate population at the very center of the “target market” that God has called Pure Life Ministries to reach. And although I have spoken in many penitentiaries around the country over the years, nowhere have the doors opened to me more readily than in the Lone Star State.

Texas Prison Tour 2016

Early in 2015, the chaplain of a Texas prison contacted us about the possibility of having me speak there sometime. I felt the Lord was in this, so I asked our prison ministry coordinator to contact other chaplains in the area about a possible tour of facilities in February 2016. There are over 100 state prisons in Texas, so we focused our attention on a concentrated cluster of facilities just northeast of Houston. With rental car, flights, hotels and food costs, we calculated the trip to cost Pure Life Ministries about $3000.

In one of our appeal letters we asked people to give to “Pastor Steve’s Prison Tour,” but by November we had only received $500 toward this need. It looked as though we would have to cancel the trip. I began praying about it. Within a week, we received a call from a church in Nacogdoches — smack dab in the middle of all those prisons — inviting us to conduct a Call to Purity weekend. This meant that the host church would cover the cost of my airfare and even give an honorarium to Pure Life Ministries. And the only available space on their calendar to schedule the event was in the first two weeks of February — the very time we had already scheduled the prison trip!

This was all the assurance I needed of God’s involvement, so on January 29th I boarded a plane for Houston. But no sooner had I arrived than I received this disappointing message: the first two facilities where I was slated to speak — both maximum-security penitentiaries — were on “lock down,” and my visits were cancelled.

The Huntsville Walls Unit

Meanwhile, even as we were receiving this discouraging news, God was doing something totally unexpected. The chaplain of the Huntsville “Walls Unit” — the flagship prison of the Texas system—had called Pure Life and asked if there was any chance of getting Steve Gallagher to speak there sometime. He was told, “Well, as a matter of fact, he is in Texas right now speaking in prisons, and it just so happens he will be in Huntsville speaking at another facility next week!” Arrangements were quickly made for me to speak there as well that week.

During my time in Texas we were able to conduct the Call to Purity event at the church in Nacogdoches, as well as speaking in three maximum-security penitentiaries, a geriatric facility housing mostly “lifers,” and a transfer unit. Hundreds of men — many of them sex offenders — were called to repentance and given a clear-cut path to freedom from the bondage to sin during these services.

And, as is always the case when I speak in prisons, a number of men came up to me to express their gratitude for what At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry has meant to them. We have sent thousands of complimentary copies into the U.S. prison system over the years. One man showed me the tattered copy that he has clung to through innumerable transfers during his years of incarceration, exclaiming, “this book changed my life!”

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The most exciting part of the trip, however, was my unexpected visit to the “Walls Unit” in Huntsville. The chaplain told me that he is starting a program called “Men of Purity,” which will take his inmates through At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry over the course of 12 weeks. He is confident that because this class is being conducted at the principal penitentiary in Texas it will soon be offered in all 109 Texas prisons!

The Texas Death House

During my time at the “Walls Unit” I was given a personal tour of the facility by the assistant warden. We first visited the now decrepit and unused East Wing, constructed in 1865, which served as the backdrop to such movies as the Clint Eastwood thriller, “A Perfect World.”

But the majority of my time with the warden was spent in America’s most active death chamber—the scene of over 500 executions since 1982. The warden took me step-by-step through the process of what a condemned man experiences during his final hours on earth. After his last meal, he is escorted by a special team of officers into the 9 by 12 foot room, where he is quickly strapped down to the gurney stationed in the center of the room. The medical team inserts an IV needle into each arm and then moves into an adjoining room. Now only the warden and the chaplain remain with the condemned. Once the warden gives the signal, a lethal dose of phenobarbital is released, and the man simply falls asleep and within minutes expires.

On the morning of February 16th—the day after I returned to Kentucky—our staff lifted up their voices in prayer for double-murderer Gustavo Garcia, who would be executed in that chamber later in the day. His final words (“God bless you. Stay strong. I’m done.”) revealed the gravity of his situation, and perhaps that he had gotten his life right with God at some point.

The reason I was sent to prisons by the Lord was for men like him — men who need the eternal hope that only comes from the Word of the Cross. No matter how heinous their crimes, God is still extending the call to repent and to come into His kingdom with a clean slate. What a joy to play a part in that transition!