Overview
This message is part of the "Dream to Destiny" series, focusing on Joseph's life and the "purity test." The sermon emphasizes how sexual impurity affects one's family, faith, and future, offering practical advice and spiritual encouragement for overcoming temptation.
The Purity Test in Joseph’s Life
- Joseph resisted sexual temptation from his master's wife, recognizing it as "great wickedness and sin against God."
- Joseph fled from immorality, reflecting biblical instructions to "flee sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6).
Impurity’s Impact on Family
- Sexual impurity can have generational effects, as seen with David and his descendants.
- Iniquity (inward motivation) and transgression (outward actions) both impact families, with iniquity especially influencing future generations.
- The presence of lust in the heart can lead to negative outcomes for children and family.
Impurity’s Impact on Faith
- Sexual immorality creates a pattern of deception, manipulation, and lying in relationships with others and with God.
- Engaging in premarital sex or sexual impurity damages trust and openness within marriage.
- The appetite for "sneaking around" created before marriage can lead to dissatisfaction and infidelity later.
Impurity’s Impact on Future
- Only personal choices can prevent fulfillment of God’s destiny, not the actions of others.
- Continuing in sexual impurity can derail God’s plan, but repentance and accountability can lead to restoration.
The Origin of Impurity: The Eyes
- Sexual impurity typically begins with what one looks at, not just inward thoughts.
- Jesus taught that looking with lust is equivalent to adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
- Avoiding situations and media that provoke lust is vital for purity.
Accountability and Overcoming Temptation
- Emphasize open, honest accountability, especially between spouses.
- Confession and mutual support (struggling together) help break cycles of secrecy and deception.
- Avoid situations that trigger temptation and establish protective boundaries (e.g., never traveling alone).
Practical Scriptural Advice
- Set nothing wicked before your eyes (Psalm 101:3).
- The eyes are never satisfied; guarding what you see is critical (Proverbs 27:20, Matthew 6:22-23).
- Make a covenant with your eyes not to look lustfully (Job 31:1).
Recommendations / Advice
- Confess and repent of sexual sin to God and, if married, to your spouse; seek accountability.
- Attend church ministries that focus on inner healing and freedom.
- "Don't look": proactively guard your eyes and avoid triggers.
- Struggle together with your spouse rather than alone; seek spiritual and community support.
Decisions
- Adopt a policy of not traveling alone for ministry staff to avoid temptation.
- Encourage congregation members to seek prayer and accountability for areas of struggle.
- Promote participation in church ministries aimed at deliverance and freedom (e.g., chyros, Freedom Ministry).
Action Items
- TBD – All attendees: Attend Freedom Ministry or chyros for deliverance and healing.
- TBD – Married couples: Confess and discuss past and present struggles regarding purity with each other.
- TBD – All attendees: Seek prayer and accountability where needed; approach church leaders as appropriate.