Chapter 172
Social Purity
How much is included in the seventh commandment?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt
not commit adultery; but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a
woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in
his heart." Matt. 5:27, 28.
What are the people of God exhorted to omit?
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let
it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither
filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient; but rather giving of thanks." Eph. 5:3, 4.
What does the apostle class this inclination?
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which
are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness." Gal.
5:19.
Of what will those who are guilty in this direction be deprived?
"I have also told you in time past, that they which do such
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Gal. 5:21.
If one professing godliness is known to be impure, what is our duty regarding Him?
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if
any man that is called a brother be a fornicator." 1 Cor. 5:11.
If one received evil communications, how will they affect him?
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Cor. 15:33.
When a person allows corrupt thoughts to be sown in his heart, what may he expect to
reap?
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal. 6:7, 8.
What is even the thought of foolishness said to be?
"The thought of foolishness is sin." Prov. 24:9.
On what condition does God accept the sinner?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy
upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.
Where should one's thoughts be held?
"And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5.
Does God know the thoughts?
"Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou
understandest my thought afar off." Ps. 139:2.
Then how should one treat him who indulges in low, impure conversation?
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those
things which are done of them in secret." Eph. 5:11, 12.
In conversation, against what should one be strenuously guarded?
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that
which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers." Eph. 4:29.
What are the proper things to engage one's mind?
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things." Phil. 4:8.
NOTE. - To male and female alike this rule applies. All should avoid associating with
those who indulge in low, impure thoughts, as their presence and influence
are alike contagious. One soon receives the mold of a frequent
companionship, whether the companion be good or bad. All should strive
against the reception of groveling, vulgar thoughts; for, as has been
truthfully said, "no one can succeed long in keeping himself from
vicious acts whose thoughts dwell, without restraint, upon unchaste
subjects. Purity of life depends upon purity of mind; and the only way to
secure the first is by the cultivation of the second. Incessant mental
occupation is the only safeguard against sin.
What is promised to the pure in heart?
"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God."
Matt. 5:8.
From what source come our words?
"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good
things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
Matt. 12:34.
Of what will all give account in the day of judgment?
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matt. 12:36, 37.
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