The Point of Purity Podcast

Putting the ACT back in ACTion

August 15, 2024 • Steve Etner • Season 4 • Episode 187

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We are to daily choose to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. This requires a constant conscious decision on our part to actually do what God says you ought to do. What does that look like and how do we put the ACT back in Action?
 
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As Christians, we are to no longer live as the unsaved do. We are to not only know God’s truth but daily choose to live out God’s truth, being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22) which makes you a wise builder (Matthew 7:24-27). This requires a constant conscious decision on your part to actually do what God says you ought to do. This includes daily choosing to put on the new self.

Welcome to the Point of Purity Podcast! I’m your host Steve Etner – author, National Speaker, Certified Professional Mentor TM and Purity Coach for The Pure Man Ministry and this is Episode #187. This week’s Episode is entitled “Putting the ACT back in Action.”

 

Our mind plays a crucial role in living a life that glorifies God. If you’ve followed this podcast for any length of time, then you are familiar with my closing statement in every episode. “In order to glorify God in my everyday living, I must first glorify Him in my every-moment thinking.” We are given the Divine promise that when we choose to walk in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit as He reveals God’s truth to us (John 14:26), we will not give in to the sinful temptations of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). In fact, Scripture is clear that you are to not “let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (Romans 13:14 NLT) This is because what we think strongly determines what we do.

As a born-again believer who has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), your old nature is dead and gone (2 Corinthians 5:17). You now have a new and holy nature within you that cannot continue in sin (Ephesians 4:24 and 1 John 3:9). Even so, Paul reminds us that “nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (Romans 7:18 ESV) and that “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Galatians 5:17 NASB’95)

Throughout this podcast I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of continuously undergoing a spiritual metamorphosis in your life, letting the Holy Spirit take that which is on the “inside” of you – your new, holy nature – and daily living it out so that others can see it. This is accomplished only as you renovate your thinking. Only as you choose daily to gut out the old way of thinking (how can I make King Me happy, happy, happy?) and replace it with a new way of thinking (how can I live in a way that bring glory, praise, and honor to God?).

You see, when your mind is focused on how to please self, everything you say and do will be self-centered, resulting in a life that does not fulfill the goal of 2 Corinthians 5:9 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 – the primary goal of living a life that is constantly pleasing God. This is why, throughout the entirety of this podcast I have emphasized and re-emphasized the point that if God is to be glorified in your daily life, He must first be glorified in your thought life. This can only happen as you choose daily to fill your mind with God’s absolute truth (John 17:17).

As Christians, we are to no longer live as the unsaved do (Ephesians 4:17-24). We are to not only know God’s truth but daily choose to live out God’s truth, being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22) which makes you a wise builder (Matthew 7:24-27). This requires a constant conscious decision on your part to actually DO what God says you ought to do. This includes daily choosing to put on the new self (Ephesians 4:24 and Romans 13:14). In other words, “Put the ACT back into Action!”

Don’t lose sight of the fact that Satan and the forces of Hell are waging an all-out war against the Christian, and the greatest weapon in his arsenal is deception. Satan’s target is your mind. His weapon of choice is a series of deviously subtle lies. His goal is pull you away from a growing and vibrant relationship with your Heavenly Father by drawing your attention and focus away from God’s will as it is revealed in God’s Word. He wants you to focus on what King Me wants, needs, desires, and deserves. He wants you to make your daily choices and decisions on your own – apart from God and His good, perfect, and pleasing will for your life (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is why it’s so vital that we consider everything in life through the lens and light of God’s Word. Scripture must be our guide and standard of conduct in every aspect of life.

As you daily choose to be in the Word of God, you will know and understand God’s truth. When you know and understand God’s truth, you will then be able to recognize the lies of the enemy “because no lie comes from the truth.” (1 John 2:21 NIV’84) We saw in Genesis 3 that Eve was faced with a choice – God’s absolute truth or Satan’s bald-faced lie. Because she allowed herself to doubt God, she chose to water down and dilute God’s truth. This in turn made it easy for her to reject that truth and believe Satan’s lie accepting that as truth. In choosing to allow her mind to turn away from the Truth (God) and focus instead on that which was not true (Satan’s lie), her actions followed her thoughts, and she sinned.

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that you are to “stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” (Ephesians 6:14 NLT) Never lose sight of the fact that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Standing firm in the faith includes letting “the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16 NASB’95), choosing to store up and treasure God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). As you do, as you daily choose to submit yourself fully to the Lordship and leadership of God in every part of your life, then and only then will you be able to successfully resist the Devil. And God promises that the enemy must flee from you (James 4:7).

Submitting yourself to God is a daily choice you must make. There needs to be a conscious decision daily (even moment-by-moment) to submit to – to arrange yourself under the full authority of – God’s truth. The fact is, “the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.” (Romans 8:7 NASB’95) 

I’ve said this before: Satan is not your friend. Like a hungry lion, he is on the hunt. He wants to devour you (1 Peter 5:8-9). This is why God commands us to be self-controlled, sober minded, in our right mind, always thinking properly – Biblically, guarding against the attack of Satan on our mind with his deceitful lies.

Peter warns, “Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13 NASB’95) Focus for a moment on the command to “prepare your mind for action.” The one who is prepared knows something is coming; they know that something is going to be required of them. So, they are getting ready for it. And what is it you are to prepare for? Peter calls it “action.” Something that you are supposed to be doing. A specific activity with a definite purpose.

Note that you are to prepare your mind for action. In the King James Version of the Bible, it is rendered “gird up the loins of your mind.” The word “loins” refers to the place where the power to procreate lies. Stay with me here because this is powerful. By using the phrase “loins of your mind,” Peter is declaring that your mind is the place where your actions begin. You must get your thinking in order, otherwise your actions won’t glorify God. Prepare your mind for action. Be prepared for the attacks of the enemy by guarding your heart (Proverbs 4:23) – “Set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” (1 Chronicles 22:19a ESV)

What are you doing to prepare your mind for the coming attacks of Satan upon your heart? Where does Bible study, Scripture memorization, and meditation on God’s Word fit into your busy daily routine? What are you allowing yourself to watch on television or in the movies? What type of music do you choose to listen to? What are those lyrics promoting? What podcasts do you frequent and what are they teaching you about God? What books, magazines, blogs etc. are you choosing to read. Don’t ever take for granted the powerful influence those things can have to either encourage or circumvent your walk with God.

Not only are we to be self-controlled (always thinking correctly), but we are also to be “alert” (1 Peter 5:8). We are to be spiritually awake and watchful at all times because the enemy of your soul can attack at any place and time. And when he does, you are to resist him. Remember that this resistance happens only when you first choose to “submit yourselves, then, to God” (James 4:7 NIV’84) As you choose to submit to God, this is when you can take a firm stand against the devil and his demon horde.

Throughout multiple episodes of the Point of Purity Podcast we have firmly established that you are alive right now for the purpose of glorifying God in everything you think, say, and do – every moment of every day. I have also unapologetically and repeatedly said that to glorify God in our everyday living, He must first be glorified in our every-moment thinking. To do that we must renovate our minds, which can only be done through the daily reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s truth found in God’s Word.

Psalm 19:7 declares that “the law of the Lord is perfect” (ESV). Question: What is “the law of the Lord”? Specifically, it is God’s commands and instructions which reveal His heart and desire for our good and for His glory. The law of the Lord tells us what to do and what not to do in order to please Him. And where do we find the law of the Lord? Scripture! Note also that David exclaims that God’s law is “perfect”. God’s Word is complete, whole, entire, lacking in nothing. 

Psalm 19:7 goes on to say, “The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy” (NIV’84). God’s “statutes” are those rules and guidelines He has given in Scripture that provide the principle of life. God’s statutes, His rules and guidelines for life are always “trustworthy.” Because they come directly from God, they are always right. They will never lead you astray or take you down a wrong path.

Next, David says, “The precepts of the Lord are right” (Psalm 19:8a ESV) A precept is a code of conduct or ethics. David is saying that God’s code of ethics found in Scripture are right. They are empty of any wrong or error. Don’t miss this. God has a perfect code of conduct for His children which is revealed in His Word. That Biblical code is pure, it is right. Follow it faithfully and you won’t go wrong.

He then goes on to say, “The commands of the Lord are radiant” (Psalm 19:8b NIV’84). The word “commands” literally translates into “words of wisdom.” The Old Testament book of Job asks the question: “Where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12 ESV) The answer: “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.” (Job 12:13 NIV’84) “His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.” (Job 9:4 NIV’84) God’s great wisdom is found in God’s inspired Word. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 ESV) God’s promise to you and me is that “I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:11 NLT)

In Psalm 19:8 David states that God’s words of wisdom are radiant – they enlighten the eyes. God’s wisdom, found in God’s Word, are “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV) This is because in God alone “lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3 NLT) And this vast wealth of wisdom God has chosen to share freely within the pages of Scripture!

Once again looking at Psalm 19 we now note that David also declares that “The fear of the Lord is pure.” (Psalm 19:9a NIV’84) To fear God involves four primary attributes. Focus, Exaltation, Awe, and Reverence (F.E.A.R.). How do we gain this kind of F.E.A.R. of God? It begins by growing in our knowledge and understanding of who He is. God’s Word is the primary instrument of revelation the Holy Spirit uses to teach us the fear of the Lord. 

Fearing God is not cowering in a corner in sheer terror that He will strike you down for sinning. No. David says that “the fear of the Lord is pure.” When you begin to Focus your heart on God, you begin to see Him for who He really is. As you grow in your knowledge and understanding of who God is, you find yourself Exalting Him, worshiping Him, dedicating your life to Him. This in turn brings a sense of Awe at the majesty, holiness, grace and mercy of your Creator. And this awe drives you to your knees in Reverence to the One who is not only The God of the Universe, but your Heavenly Father. When you live in that kind of “F.E.A.R.” you then begin to live in a life that is morally and spiritually clean – all for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Then David says, “The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9b ESV) The word David uses for “rules” refers to the legal judgments and decisions made by the Righteous Judge – God Himself (see Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:11; 50:6). As our righteous judge, He will judge everyone both righteously and with equity (see Jeremiah 11:20; Psalm 96:10; and Isaiah 33:11) and all of His judgments “are true, and righteous altogether.” In other words, they are firm, reliable, and completely just and right.

Think about what you’ve been learning here. God’s Word gives you instructions on how to live; rules and guidelines on the principles of life; a code of conduct and ethics; words of wisdom, and an understanding of the fear of the Lord. All of Scripture is complete, whole, entire, lacing nothing. It is trustworthy, always right, and it will never lead you down a wrong path because it always provides God’s perfect light on your path. It enables you to stay morally and spiritually pure. It is firm, reliable, completely just and right, and it is the final authority in your life!

So, I ask: Do you truly want God to be glorified in your daily life? For that to happen consistently and continuously, God must first be glorified in your thought life. To glorify God in your thoughts you must daily fill your mind with His absolute truth found only in His inspired Word – The Bible.

In Conclusion

I know I’ve brought this verse up often in this podcast but let me remind you again of what Paul says in Romans 13:14. “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”  Do not allow even one single, stray thought on how to please the sinful desires of your flesh to take root in your mind.  It is essential that everything that goes on in your mind be disciplined to the duty and delight of bringing honor and glory to God.

Jesus put it this way, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27).  All your mind is to be dedicated to loving God.  If you are going to love God with all your life, you must first love Him with your entire mind.  When you change your thinking to Biblical thinking, the way you live will change to godly living.  To live the way God wants you to live, you must think the way God wants you to think

If you allow yourself to think wrong thoughts, those thoughts will eventually produce wrong actions.  It has been my prayer that through this book you will truly begin to understand that you cannot change your life simply by changing your behavior.  Dealing with wrong behavior will not change the way you live.  You must change your way of thinking if you are going to change your way of living.  When your thinking is lined up with God’s Word, the enemy will find no entrance into your life.  He will come at you, bombarding you with his lies and deceit, trying to penetrate your mind, because that is how he gets leverage and power in a person’s life.  But when your mind is anchored in God’s Word, allowing God’s truth to permeate your thinking, you are safe and secure.  Listen to God’s promise:  “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isa. 26:3).  That peace is a peace “which transcends all understanding, (it) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

It is important to remember that unless you change your way of thinking, Satan will continue to have access into your life.  Before becoming a Christian, Satan owned you and he infiltrated your mind and thinking, filling your mind with landmines meant to produce destruction in your life.  Upon receiving Christ as your savior, that old nature was crucified and is now dead and gone, but those landmines may still be there.  That old way of thinking still needs to be broken down and replaced with a transformed mind, a new way of thinking, so that you no longer allow access to the devil in your life.

It isn’t the first thought that gets you, rather it’s continuing to think on it.  The first thought isn’t where sin is.  The subsequent thoughts are those that can get you into trouble and lead you to making sinful choices.  When the enemy throws a sinful thought at you and you give in to that thought, continuing to dwell on it, it will lead you into sin.  However, if at the very moment the impure thought enters your mind, you submit yourself to God, taking that thought captive and resisting the devil, he will flee from you (Jas. 4:7).  That landmine, diffused.  

When you take responsibility for your thoughts, submitting to the work of the Spirit in you, and filling your mind with the truth of God’s Word—you will be able to recognize if a thought is wrong and with the power of the sword of the Spirit, wielded by the Spirit, you can tell it to leave.  Take every thought captive, my friend, and make it obedient to Christ, bringing glory to God in your thoughts, motives, words, and actions.  May your everyday living and your every moment thinking be pleasing and glorifying to God.

 

OK. Let’s hit the pause button until next week’s episode 

If you would like to learn more about today’s study, or if you’re interested in learning more about The Pure Man Ministry, be sure to visit our website to see the multitude of resources we’ve made available to you – you can find our website at ThePurityCoach.com

The Point of Purity Podcast is only one aspect of our ministry. The main focus of what we do here at The Pure Man Ministry is meeting weekly, 1-on-1, with men literally all over the globe helping them find freedom and victory over sexual sin. We do that through personalized coaching and mentoring men in and through the Word of God, showing them from Scripture how to dethrone King Me and truly worship God in everything you think, say, and do.

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So, until next time this is Author, Speaker, Certified Professional Mentor TM and Purity Coach Steve Etner reminding you that if you are going to glorify God in your everyday living, He must first be glorified in your every moment thinking.