(Photo by Daniel Mirlea on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)
Job 31:1 I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a young woman?
In context, Job had lost much of what mattered to him. He lost his wealth, his children and his health. Yet, despite his suffering, he refused to curse God. In this verse, Job is declaring his integrity in response to accusations against him. He is describing his commitment to living a life of purity.
Job says that he made a covenant with his eyes. A covenant is more than a resolution. It is a solemn commitment. Job had deliberately committed himself to guarding his eyes and not looking at a young woman with lustful desire.
Our eyes can be a gateway for temptation. What we choose to look at can influence our thoughts and desires. This is why we need to be intentional about what we allow our eyes to dwell on.
To gaze with desire means to look at someone with lustful intent. Job was committed to guarding his eyes rather than allowing his gaze to feed sinful desires.
Job’s commitment to purity was not limited to avoiding adultery with another man’s wife. He was determined not to look at a young woman with lustful desire.
Jesus taught the same principle in Matthew 5:28, saying that anyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Jesus shows us that purity is not just about our outward actions. It also involves the desires and intentions of our hearts.
According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, it is God’s will for us to be sanctified and to avoid sexual immorality. We are called to exercise self-control and live in holiness and honor rather than give ourselves over to lustful desires.
Just like Job, make a deliberate commitment to guard your eyes. Decide in advance how you are going to respond when you face temptation. Be careful about what you allow yourself to watch, and establish boundaries that help you pursue purity.
Remember that you will not live without sin or temptation in this life. When you struggle, do not give up. Turn to God, confess your sin and ask Him for the strength to resist temptation. Continue to pursue purity and live with integrity in what you choose to look at. Honor God with your eyes, your thoughts and your heart. ~ Jeff M Newman
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Observe Jesus’ Commands
Take and eat the bread which symbolizes the body of Jesus. Drink from the cup which symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Celebrate the Lord’s supper and remember His sacrifice.
Matthew 26:26-29 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, John 6:53-54)
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Lesson 66 - 1 John 2:27...But just as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him.
Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
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