2. Introduction This morning we discussed how preventive maintenance (PM) is very important for the safety & protection of our physical lives concerning our vehicle, health, and school. In comparison it is much more important that we have a PM plan for our souls so that we can avoid the pitfalls that lead to torment and go home to glory one day. Our PM plan must begin by fleeing from temptation by guarding our heart with all diligence with the word of God (Ps. 119:9-11)

3. Introduction We must heed the warnings of the Lord not to lust in our heart for immodestly dressed women because it can lead down the path to destruction of our bodies and souls. We must also control our desires to be greedy which leads to a pursuit of goods instead of godliness. We can’t serve two masters! the disapproved and approved examples of anger in the Bible. This evening we will give divinely approved examples of those who were able to control their desires to lust and be greedy along with the disapproved and approved examples of anger in the Bible.

4. Those Who Overcame Lustful Desires Even though Job had suffered the loss of all of his wealth, children, health, friends being falsely accused by them; he tells us the secret on how he overcame lustful desires. He made a promise to God that he would not gaze upon a woman so that he would desire her (Job 31:1). You can also! Joseph fled from the temptation to sin with Potiphar because he had the conviction that it was wicked and sinful (Gen. 39:7-9). We must flee fornication realizing that we are having fellowship with sin (1 Cor. 6:17ff).

5. Those Who Overcame Greed Moses refused to give in to greedy desires of having all the treasures of Egypt and enjoying the pleasure of sin, but instead suffered affliction with God’s people because he looked to the reward of heaven (Heb. 11:25-26). Solomon understood before it was too late the vanity of riches and that it will never satisfy you (Eccl. 4:8; 5:10-12; Prov. 23:4) The apostles was willing to suffer the loss of all things for Christ (Matt. 19:27; Phil. 3:7). Are you seeking the earthly or heavenly reward?

6. Don’t Let Your Anger Get out of Control God was trying to teach Cain PM for the soul but he didn’t listen & killed his brother (Gen 4:6-9). Sin is crouching at the door of our heart when we are angry and God wants us to control it. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath so that you sin with your tongue (verbal abuse- lying, profanity, slander, gossip) (Eph. 4:25-31). God’s grace should control your actions not sin so that you will be kind (Ro. 6:12-14; Eph. 4:32). Then you can use a gentle answer to help turn away other people’s wrath (Pr. 15:1-2).

7. Those Who Overcame their Wrath When Moses was young man he sought revenge and killed the Egyptian (Ex. 2:11-14) but later on he was willing to be blotted out of God’s book for the sinful Israelites (Ex. 32:32). James & John desired to call down fire from heaven & consume the Samaritans (Lk. 9:61ff). But later on James was called on to be martyred for Christ (Acts 12:1) and John was described as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 21:20). Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19).

8. Hindrances that Can Corrupt Your Soul Our vehicles may still break down even though we follow all the PM guidelines in the owner’s manual. The same thing can happen spiritually. Ungodly examples of those whom you trust (parent, preacher, friend, teacher) (Mt. 18:1-7; Gal. 2:11-14; 1 Sam. 3:13). Hypocrites (practice sin but demand righteousness from you) (Mt. 23:1-3) When people don’t receive swift punishment for their sin, they think they can get away with it the next time. (Ecc. 8:11; 1 Sam. 3:13; 2:12ff)

9. Conclusion If we have a PM plan for our souls we can overcome the temptation to lust, be greedy, and our wrath as we have many divinely approved examples of those who did. But you have to guard your heart with all diligence by loving righteousness and hating sin (Romans 12:9) Yes there are many stumbling blocks in this world but you can overcome through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13; John 16:33).