Being Like Christ A Pure Heart

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her. And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. (2 Samuel 13:1-2 ESV) Lust is a result of obsessing the mind

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28 ESV) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:14-15 ESV)

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) Control one’s heart to control one’s hand

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Lust is a result of obsessing the mind Amnon bypassed true love for self-gratification As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. (2 Samuel 13:13-14 ESV)

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Lust is a result of obsessing the mind Amnon bypassed true love for self-gratification Lust causes unrealistic expectations

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44 ESV) And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world… (Revelation 12:9 ESV)

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Lust is a result of obsessing the mind Amnon bypassed true love for self-gratification Lust causes unrealistic expectations Lust ruins opportunity for real intimacy Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” (2 Samuel 13:15 ESV)

According to one psychological model, there are five dimensions to any relationship: knowledge, trust, reliance, commitment, and touch. If the order is changed then character and other important issues are covered up.

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Lust is a result of obsessing the mind Amnon bypassed true love for self-gratification Lust causes unrealistic expectations Lust ruins opportunity for real intimacy Lust degrades what God made good, beautiful

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Lust is a result of obsessing the mind Amnon bypassed true love for self-gratification Lust causes unrealistic expectations Lust ruins opportunity for real intimacy Lust degrades what God made good, beautiful Amnon scarred his thinking toward women

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. (Titus 1:15 ESV)

Amnon and Tamar, Hard Lessons to Learn Lust is a result of obsessing the mind Amnon bypassed true love for self-gratification Lust causes unrealistic expectations Lust ruins opportunity for real intimacy Lust degrades what God made good, beautiful Amnon scarred his thinking toward women Amnon ruined his relationship with God

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, (1 Cor. 6:19, ESV)