A Competing Desire

The six-week men's Bible study on moral purity that we just completed was a tremendous blessing to me. To have the opportunity to tackle a tough subject with approximately 40 other guys who desire to be godly men shows me that our Lord is working in the hearts of the men of Ogletown. I praise God for Pastor Curtis and his willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through him and help men pursue the path of purity.

I believe there are many things from this study that will bear fruit in the lives of men in our church. One thing that jumped out at me during our last week was a quote from John Piper: "The only way you fight sin is with a competing desire". We don't have a chance of gaining victory over sin in our lives unless we have something more important to seek after. No matter how sin manifests itself in our lives, it allows our enemy to achieve his overriding purpose--to keep us separated from God. Proverbs 28:13 is a clear reminder that if we cover up our sins, we will not prosper. Colossians 2:20-23 also tells us that trying to maintain a list of rules and regulations are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (v.23).

Thankfully, there is a competing desire that is available to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that He is a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Like us, he was tempted in every way yet unlike us he never sinned. Our competing desire must be to seek Him; to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you.. (Colossians 3:1-4).