“CPR for a Healthy Walk Part Ten – “Resolutely restore Righteousness and resist evil – Purify our heart”
I. Continually cultivate a dynamic relationship with Him.
II. Persistently Pursue, develop and maintain meaningful community within the body of Christ.
Our final section has to do with resisting evil. In order to consistently keep our spiritual focus vital and fresh we must not only address our relationship with Christ and each other but also address our relationship with evil. The main response toward evil is to resist it. How we win the battle in resisting evil from every source involves five areas.
III. Resolutely Restore Righteousness and Resist the world the flesh and the devil
A. Renew and purify Your heart
Renounce the flesh
Refuse conformity with and love for the world
Resist the Devil
Request accountability
I want to make an observation concerning the 5 elements of a healthy focus. These are not intended necessarily to be chronological. A better approach might be to view them as simultaneous or continuous as a life style.
1. The Need for cleansing
Scripture addresses the issue of cleansing, purification, holiness, and sanctification throughout. The Old Testament pictures an elaborate and extensive process of continual purification and washing. Physical, spiritual, moral cleansing was practiced as well as geographic and material. The children of Israel engaged in a nation wide cleansing before entering the promised land.
Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you." Joshua 3:5
Vulnerably to disease increases by neglecting good hygiene and health, so vulnerability to spiritual disease increases when we neglect good spiritual hygiene. The call for initial and periodic cleansing assumes the reality of defilement or evil. We live in a fallen, evil world where we face the possibility of defilement every hour of every day. King David said, “In sin my mother conceived me.” We were born sinners into a world of sin. Whether physical, spiritual, moral, mental, emotion, willful or unintentional encounter evil and practice evil which defiles the man.
God has made provision for cleansing which is the subject I wish to explore this morning.
God instructs us to renounce and resist evil from all spheres of life wherever it is found. Several possible sources for defilement incite exploration. The ultimate source of evil is the Devil. The devil designed and directs a world system that continually perpetuates his evil ways. Every human enrolled into this defiled world with a defiled flesh. Every Christian struggles with a soul torn between a divine spirit and a defiled flesh.
What does this defilement look like?
All defilement comes under the various descriptions of sin and trespass in the Bible. Any violation of the heart, character, word and ways of God defiles the soul. Whether big or small, any sin, any violation of God’s revealed instruction for living and relating to Him defiles the soul and requires purification.
Steal a quarter or a quarter of a million, the soul defilement and damage are the same. A little lie or a big lie, the soul defilement and damage are the same. A small act of disobedience (failure to pray) or outright willful defiance (breaking one of the Ten Commandments) both bring about the same defilement.
Left unaddressed, these pockets of “dirt” effect our entire being and others as well.
"The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? " Jer17:9-10
In a discussion about clean and unclean food, and such, Jesus moved to the core of the issue of defilement.
And He(Jesus) said to them, "Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him; because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications (pornea), thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. "All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." Mark 7:18-23
Jesus calls our attention to areas in the heart that needs purification, as does Paul in Galatians and Romans.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32
This evil, which seeks to imbed itself in the soul deals with unrighteous thoughts, attitudes, and emotions as well as willful acts of disobedience and rebellion against God. God pursues a pure temple through which He can mirror His glorious character. Since all men were born defiled and all men sin and continue to defile these themselves, God designed a purification process illustrated in the Old Testament and fully realized through the work of Christ in the New Testament.
I want to take some time to examine this purification process this morning. I want to identify the authorized cleaning crew, the levels of cleaning, the cleaning materials designated by God to clean up these defiled temples and then touch on the personal motivation associated with maintaining a pure heart. The focus today is dealing with the defilement in the soul. We will later address issues regarding the flesh, the world and the devil.
How do we deal with a defiled heart? How can we be a clean vessel before God? As children of God, we shall be holy because holiness, purity lies at core of our Holy Father. God determines the ultimate destiny of every genuine believer to be conformity to the pure image of His Son.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Rom 8:29-30
That includes spirit, soul and body purification and holiness.
2. The Levels of cleansing
God begins the purification process by establishing a pure core; a Holy of Place suitable for His habitation. God then continually strives for the purification of the soul. Ultimately our very bodies will experience glorious transformation into the likeness of Christ. As we examine the various passages related to cleansing in the Bible, we encounter at least two levels of cleansing. Jesus best illustrates this when he taught His disciples through washing their feet.
And so He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I do you do not realize now, but you shall understand hereafter." Peter said to Him, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, "Not all of you are clean." John 13:6-11
There is what I call deep cleaning and daily dusting. Think back to our completely defiled house illustration. It will be necessary to do some significant cleaning before we are ready to move in.
Once we move in, daily cleaning is necessary to keep up with the dirt from living in a fallen world.
There are some things we are able to deal with. There are other things we must rely on help from the outside to deal with.
At one level, God does a significant cleansing work in our life to establish a suitable living chamber at the core of our being. This is a work done once for all
By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Hebrews 10:10-14
And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 6:11
We learned in Colossians that such purity in the inner core is a present reality already accomplished by the finished work of Christ.
yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Col. 1:22NLT
At a second level, God works in partnership with us to continue the cleaning process throughout the rest of our being over our whole life. God promises to finish the cleansing work He started.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philip. 1:6
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thes. 5:23
God continually orchestrates a deep cleansing work that will eventually purify every aspect of our being for all time, Hallelujah.
We will be the spotless bride of Christ.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. Eph 5:25-27
We will be like Christ
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. 1 John 3:2
Our very body will experience purification and transformation
And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philip 3:20-21
3. The cleaning crew
Every member of the Trinity involves themselves in this powerful purification process.
God calls us also to be continually involved in the cleaning process.
a. The Father cleanses
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes (cleanses) it, that it may bear more fruit. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. John 15:1-3
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thes. 5:23
For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 2:11
b. The Holy Spirit cleanses
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16
c. Jesus Cleanses
And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:14
that He (Jesus) might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Ephes. 5:26
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 1 Cor. 1:2
that He (Jesus) might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Eph 5:26
By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
For Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Hebrews 13:12
Therefore by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14
By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Hebrews 10:10-14
d. We cleanse ourselves
We are commanded to cleanse ourselves.
Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1
OUR PART IN THE CLEANSING PROCESS.
REPENT –realize personal defilement and the need for purification
and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47
And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
"Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19
CONFESS –assume personal responsibility for sin
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:1-5
BELIEVE
And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:3
to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' Acts 26:18
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Hebrews 12:1-2
And everyone who has this hope(belief) fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:3
"I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:15-21
OBEY
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 1 Peter 1:22
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:11-13
WALK IN THE LIGHT
but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
"And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. "But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." John 3:19-21
Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephes. 5:7-13
Just as we use several different cleaning agents and rags and brushes and such, so there are many essential elements designed by God for cleansing.
4. THE CLEANSING AGENTS
a. The suffering and death (blood) of Christ
The number one agent of cleansing is the blood of Christ.
And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Hebrews 9:22-23
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Hebrews 13:12
“Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7
b. The Truth
The truth known and practiced plays a role not only in the cleansing but the growing and the warfare and every other aspect of the Christian life. Since so few Christians are devoted to the study and practice of the Word it is not wonder we continue to struggle in our walk.
that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Ephes. 5:26
"Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. John 17:17
"And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Jo 17:19
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim. 4:4-5
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:11-13
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 7:1
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 2 Tim. 3:15-16
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:4
“man shall not live by bread alone but by every word the proceeds from the mouth of God.
c. Prayer of faith
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim. 4:4-5
5. The motivation to maintain a pure heart
a. Remembrance of God’s past purifying work
For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:9
b. A clearer vision of God
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8
c. Fruitful teaching ministry
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Tim. 1:5
d. Unhindered prayer
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Tim. 2:22
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Psalm 66:18-19
e. Blessing of a clear conscience
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Tim. 1:5
but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Tim. 3:9
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
f. The powerful promises of God.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:2-4
g. Eternal perspective
To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. Titus 1:15
h. Useful vessel for God
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness." Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Tim. 2:19-21
i. Visible righteous life
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. Matthew 23:25-28
j. Promise of intimate relationship with God
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
"I will DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1
"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. "I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:15-21
k. Hope of seeing and being like Christ at his coming
See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
CONCLUSION
A warning
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys (defiles,corrupts) the temple of God, God will destroy (defile, corrupt)him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 1 Cor. 3:16-17
Participating in things that defile the residence of the Holy Spirit brings a personal judgment that deepens that defilement and corruption. God allows that to happen so that we cry out to him in our desperation for the cleansing and purification that only he can bring and that we come to understand the devastating nature of sin. Like Israel purifying themselves before crossing over to do battle and reclaim the promised land, we too must continually purify ourselves before trying to do battle with the three enemies of our soul; the devil, the world and the flesh.
Two pictures come to mind here. Remember our hot air balloon illustration?
The “C” and the “P” portions of our CPR deal with the elements that inflate and keep our balloon inflated that we may soar in the heavenlies. The “R” section has to do with addressing the weights that keep the balloon on, or close to the ground.
The other picture we presented here today involves a pure house or dwelling place from which God may powerfully project His holy character.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. Philip. 4:8-9
We have an opportunity to cooperate with God in dealing with the defilement and trash in our house that hinders such a wondrous work.
I urge you to take a walk with Jesus through the various rooms of your house.
We can get used to seeing dirt and walk over it without dealing with it.
Living Room
This room represents the place where we find life through communion with Jesus.
What does the living room look like?
What obstacles stand in the way of good communication and fellowship?
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Study
This room represents our thought life.
What kind of things do we entertain in our thoughts?
Have we allowed things in there that might defile the room?
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Music Room
This room represents our emotional capacity.
Have we allowed ungodly emotions to reside and defile that room?
Pride, jealousy, unrighteous anger, bitterness, self-hate, fear, worries, anxiety.
These things defile the soul.
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Bedroom
This room represents your sexuality.
There are some specific Biblical fence lines established by God for our protection.
Any time we color or even think about coloring outside the lines, we bring defilement to the soul.
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Recreation Room
This room represents our leisure time.
What kinds of things do we do for leisure that have defiled this room?
Perhaps the room is in disrepair for lack of rest time.
Have we defiled this room by the things we have allowed to go on there?
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Dining room
This room represents the activities that feed the body and soul.
Are we nourishing the soul on the live giving food of the Word of God?
Are we trying to find nourishment from the things of the world?
Are our physical appetites under control?
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Family room
This room represents our relationship with family. Spouse, children, extended family.
When we act inappropriately toward family, we defile the soul. Damage comes not only to the one acting, but also to the one being acted upon.
We can steal the time and energy rightfully belonging to them.
We can hurt by your action or words or lack of actions and words.
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Guest Room
This room represents the relationship with other people.
How are your relationships?
Dissension, bitterness, hardness of heart all defile the soul, stain the carpet.
Are you entertaining people who drag you down and defile other rooms?
What does Jesus show you that need attention here?
The Workshop
This room represents your ministry and work relationships.
Does what goes on here please God.
Are you working as if you are serving Him?
Are you stealing from your employer either time or materials?
Are you giving a good effort to make those over you successful and look good?
These are Biblical guidelines that build the soul. Anything else defiles the soul and breed selfishness, which in turn bring more dirt.
Are you giving appropriate time to ministry?
What about your attitudes?
Jealousies, greed, ambition, envy strife, bitterness, self-promotion, and self-protection.
All of these stand in the way and hinder the glory of God from its brilliant display in a dark world.
What does Jesus point out in this room that needs cleansing.
The Storage shed
This room represents where you store you God given resources.
Failure to give to God is the same as stealing from God. Stealing defiles the soul.
Selfishness, hoarding resources, misspending on things of temporal value.
It is severely difficult for a rich person to maintain a vital relationship with God. The only way to combat that difficulty is to channel more and more of our resources to eternal things.
What does Jesus show you that need cleaning here?
Actions which bring cleansing
• Remember the sacrifice that Christ made for your cleansing through his blood, the truth and prayer.
• Remember that there is a core clean place set aside by God.
• Repent. Realize that there is a pile of dirt and call out for the cleaners.
• Confess your responsibility for the dirt.
• Believe God to bring about the desired cleansing.
• Obey what God asks you to do
• Continue to walk in the light that brings about genuine fellowship and continual cleansing from sin.
Repentance is a deep felt realization that there is a need for change and cleansing.
Confession admits personal responsibility for the problem.
Belief cries out to God for cleansing based on his promises and the work of Christ.
Obedience follows closely behind belief.
Walking the light is a life style of illuminating and dealing with the exposed dirt.
House Cleaning Checklist
? Living Room – place of regular communion with Christ
? Study – place my personal thoughts
? Music room – place of my emotional life
? Bedroom – place which houses my sexuality
? Recreation room – place that controls my leisure
? Dining room – place where I am nourished
? Family room – place of my family relationships
? Guest room – place of my people relationship
? Worship –place of my ministry and career issues
? Storage shed – place where I store my resources.
