What Defiles Us?

[Wrangler]

@ Mark 8:20 Jesus says, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you." Within a person's heart comes evil thoughts. Then he lists these:

1. sexual immorality
2. theft
3. murder
4. adultery
5. greed
6. wickedness
7. deceit
8. lustful desires
9. envy
10. slander
11. pride
12. foolishness

I color coded them to show the overlap of evil thoughts. Of course, pride leads to the rest. However, I've long observed there are 2 major pathways to sin. On the personal level, it is sexual immorality and this is listed 3 different ways in red. I feel that this list makes for a difficult to accept reflection of the human condition from a divine perspective. Thoughts?

On the public level, I've noticed "free" (healthcare, etc) seduces many, i.e., coveting, listed 4 different ways in blue.

 

[Behold]

@ Mark 8:20 Jesus says, . Thoughts?

Sure.

Jesus in your verse, is talking to Old Testament Jews, before The Cross was raised, so, they can be defiled, but the Born again who are "in Christ", under the NT Blood Covenant, who are "one with God", and exist in the KOG.... can never be defiled....

 

[Bob]

Thanks for the post and your take on sources of defilement.

Here is another perspective, which is consistent with yours.

Our fallen nature is basically expressed through exclusive focus on self, selfish desires, and rationalizing the means to obtain those desires.

Selfish Desires can be for material things, or power, prestige, wealth, and/or sensuous pleasures.

What can we do about these traps (thorns in our flesh)? Listen to Jesus. Obey God joyfully.

God tells us there is a better way to live, one that leads to abundant life and hope for the future. Example: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Or, as Jesus emphasized: Love God and Love Neighbor.

Although this perspective works for me, other Christians will have their own paths away from their fallen nature.

Blessings.

 

[Stewardofthemystery]

@ Mark 8:20 Jesus says, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you." Within a person's heart comes evil thoughts. Then he lists these:

1. sexual immorality
2. theft
3. murder
4. adultery
5. greed
6. wickedness
7. deceit
8. lustful desires
9. envy
10. slander
11. pride
12. foolishness

I color coded them to show the overlap of evil thoughts. Of course, pride leads to the rest. However, I've long observed there are 2 major pathways to sin. On the personal level, it is sexual immorality and this is listed 3 different ways in red. I feel that this list makes for a difficult to accept reflection of the human condition from a divine perspective. Thoughts?

On the public level, I've noticed "free" (healthcare, etc) seduces many, i.e., coveting, listed 4 different ways in blue.

That is why we must bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

King James Version

​

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

[MatthewG]

@ Mark 8:20 Jesus says, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you." Within a person's heart comes evil thoughts. Then he lists these:

1. sexual immorality
2. theft
3. murder
4. adultery
5. greed
6. wickedness
7. deceit
8. lustful desires
9. envy
10. slander
11. pride
12. foolishness

I color coded them to show the overlap of evil thoughts. Of course, pride leads to the rest. However, I've long observed there are 2 major pathways to sin. On the personal level, it is sexual immorality and this is listed 3 different ways in red. I feel that this list makes for a difficult to accept reflection of the human condition from a divine perspective. Thoughts?

On the public level, I've noticed "free" (healthcare, etc) seduces many, i.e., coveting, listed 4 different ways in blue.

Jesus has paid and taken care of all of those sins. I can say all of these are inherently within me, however as Steward, said we should captivate the thoughts we have, and give them to Yahavah, in prayers when those types of things come up within us. One way to deal with lust, is to call the one you are lusting after your brother or sister, which instantly cuts off all attraction. Either way, no one is perfect, but these are the truths that seem to inherently within us all, whether they lie dormant or not. It reminds me of the parable or story Jesus told his disciples about the spirit that brings in more evil spirits in a house that has been clean and swept. Im not saying my house is perfect, but in Christ, he helps me stay mature and makes me very aware of what I am doing; and Yahavah also knows the things I do so there is no shame in not going to Yahavah and tell him the things I am doing, and ask for help in those areas... some things may never been taken away simply as it was not taken away for Paul. He prayed three times for something to be taken away from him, but Yahavah's grace was sufficient enough for him.