### 1\. The Plank in Our Eye: Correcting Others While Ignoring Our Own Sin
### Matthew 7:1–5
> “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” — Matthew 7:3, KJV
Jesus warns against examining another person's sins while refusing to examine our own.
The plank represents a serious failure of self-examination. The person sees the wrongdoing of others but overlooks their own condition.
### What happens when we do this?
We become hypocritical in our judgment.
Romans 2:21–23 warns against teaching others while failing to practice what we teach.
A person might condemn:
* Sexual immorality while secretly participating in it.
* Drugs while being controlled by another destructive habit.
* Greed while pursuing material possessions.
* Anger while constantly condemning others for their behavior.
The danger is that we begin to believe our outward appearance of righteousness is sufficient.
### Matthew 23:27–28
Jesus compares hypocritical religious leaders to whitewashed tombs, appearing beautiful outwardly while inwardly being full of uncleanness.
This is a warning against focusing on outward righteousness while neglecting the condition of the heart.
### Does Jesus prohibit correcting others?
No.
Matthew 7:5 says that after removing the plank, we can see clearly to remove the mote from our brother's eye.
Galatians 6:1 instructs believers to restore someone overtaken in a fault with meekness.
Biblical principle: Examine yourself first, repent of your own sins, and then help others with humility and truth.
### 2\. Drugs, Sobriety, and Spiritual Bondage
### Important biblical foundation
The Bible does not explicitly discuss every modern substance called a drug. However, it directly teaches about sobriety, drunkenness, self-control, bondage, and honoring God with our bodies.
### A. God commands spiritual sobriety
### 1 Peter 5:8
> “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Sobriety and vigilance are connected.
The Christian is called to remain spiritually watchful rather than careless.
### 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8
> “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
Paul connects sobriety with living as children of light.
The biblical concern is that believers remain spiritually prepared and alert.
### B. Do not allow anything to bring you under its power
### 1 Corinthians 6:12
> “All things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
This is an important principle when examining drugs and any other habit.
The question becomes:
Has this become something that controls my conduct and decisions?
Romans 6:16 warns that whoever we yield ourselves to obey can become our master.
The Bible repeatedly warns against slavery to sin.
### C. Our bodies belong to God
### 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
> “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
Paul concludes:
> “Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
The body is not something we should treat as though it belongs exclusively to ourselves.
We are accountable to God for how we live.
### D. The danger of continuing in sin
### Hebrews 3:13
> “Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Sin can deceive us into believing that something harmful to our spiritual walk is harmless.
A person might begin by believing a habit is under control, but eventually begin defending it, excusing it, or refusing to surrender it.
The Bible warns against allowing sin to harden the heart.
### Galatians 5:19–21
Paul identifies the works of the flesh and warns that those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This passage includes drunkenness and other works of the flesh.
We must take such warnings seriously.
Central lesson: A Christian should not willingly surrender spiritual alertness, self-control, or obedience to anything that brings them under bondage.
### 3\. Materialism, Covetousness, and the Desire for Expensive Possessions
### Matthew 6:19–21
> “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt…”
Jesus teaches that earthly treasures are temporary.
He then says:
> “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
This reveals that our priorities are connected to the condition of our hearts.
### A. The danger of covetousness
### Luke 12:15
> “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Covetousness is a desire for what belongs to another or an excessive desire to possess things.
It can become a form of idolatry.
### Colossians 3:5
Paul specifically identifies covetousness as:
> “Idolatry.”
Why?
Because something earthly can become more important to us than God.
A person may begin worshiping possessions through their priorities, desires, and sacrifices without realizing how much those possessions dominate their life.
### B. The rich young ruler
### Matthew 19:16–24
The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but was unwilling to surrender his possessions when Jesus instructed him to do so.
His possessions had become an obstacle to following Christ.
The lesson is not that owning a nice car is sinful.
The lesson is that anything we refuse to surrender to God can become an obstacle to obedience.
### C. Wanting nice things for ourselves or our significant other
Scripture does not forbid purchasing nice possessions or giving gifts.
However, we must examine our motives.
Are we:
* Seeking to impress people?
* Competing with others?
* Placing possessions above God?
* Neglecting responsibilities?
* Becoming consumed with wealth?
* Measuring our worth by what we own?
### 1 Timothy 6:6–8
Paul teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain.
### 1 Timothy 6:17–19
Paul does not command wealthy believers to abandon everything they own.
Instead, he instructs them not to trust in uncertain riches, but in God, and to be rich in good works and generosity.
This distinction is important.
Having possessions is not necessarily sinful. Loving possessions more than God is the danger.
### 4\. Softening Our Hearts and Understanding a Heart That Has Grown Cold
### A. The warning against hardened hearts
### Hebrews 3:7–8
> “To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts…”
A hardened heart is resistant to God's voice and correction.
The warning concerns people who hear God's truth but refuse to respond faithfully.
### Hebrews 3:12–13
The passage warns against unbelief and the deceitfulness of sin.
The biblical pattern is that repeated resistance to God's truth can lead to spiritual hardness.
A person may:
* Hear Scripture but refuse correction.
* Know what God commands but continually disobey.
* Justify sin instead of repenting.
* Become increasingly indifferent to righteousness.
### B. Love can grow cold
### Matthew 24:12–13
> “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Jesus connects increasing lawlessness with diminishing love.
This is a serious spiritual warning.
When sin becomes normal, love can become neglected.
The heart may become:
* Less compassionate.
* Less forgiving.
* Less patient.
* More selfish.
* Less concerned about righteousness.
Jesus emphasizes endurance in faithfulness.
### C. God promises a new heart
### Ezekiel 36:26
> “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…”
God promises to remove the heart of stone and give a heart of flesh.
This passage concerns God's restoration of Israel, but it reveals His power and desire to transform His people.
### Psalm 51:10
> “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
David recognizes that he needs inward cleansing.
He does not merely ask God to remove consequences.
He asks God to renew his heart.
### D. How do we soften our hearts?
Scripture teaches us to:
* Repent sincerely — Acts 3:19.
* Receive God's Word humbly — James 1:21.
* Forgive others — Ephesians 4:31–32.
* Walk in obedience — John 14:15.
* Seek God wholeheartedly — Jeremiah 29:13.
* Pray for inward renewal — Psalm 51:10.
Central lesson: A softened heart is one that remains receptive to God's Word, correction, repentance, and obedience.
### 5\. Sexual Sin: What It Does to an Individual According to Scripture
Sexual purity is a major subject throughout the Bible.
Scripture speaks about sexual sin in terms of holiness, the body, the heart, marriage, covenant faithfulness, temptation, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness.
The Bible does not treat sexual sin as insignificant simply because it may be hidden from other people.
God sees what is done privately, and Scripture teaches that sexual conduct matters to Him.
### A. What does the Bible classify as sexual sin?
The Bible addresses several forms of sexual wrongdoing, including:
* Fornication, or sexual immorality outside marriage.
* Adultery.
* Lustful intent.
* Sexual relations prohibited by God's commandments.
* Sexual uncleanness.
* Prostitution.
* Sexual exploitation and abuse.
### Hebrews 13:4
> “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
This passage establishes two important principles:
* Marriage is honorable.
* Sexual immorality and adultery are subject to God's judgment.
The Bible does not portray sexual purity as an insignificant matter.
### B. Sexual sin begins in the heart
### Matthew 5:27–28
Jesus teaches:
> “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Jesus takes the commandment against adultery beyond the outward physical act.
He addresses the inward condition of the heart.
This is extremely important.
A person might never physically commit adultery but deliberately cultivate lustful thoughts and desires.
Jesus teaches that the heart itself matters.
The issue is not simply noticing another person's appearance.
The issue is deliberately looking with lustful intent.
### What does this teach us?
Sexual purity is not merely avoiding physical sexual acts.
It involves:
* Our intentions.
* Our desires.
* What we deliberately entertain in our hearts.
* Whether we are cultivating lust or rejecting it.
This connects directly with Matthew 7 and the plank in our eye.
Someone might condemn outward sexual immorality while secretly cultivating lust.
Jesus warns us against this kind of hypocrisy.
### C. Sexual sin is uniquely connected to the body
### 1 Corinthians 6:18–20
> “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
Paul continues:
> “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…”
And:
> “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
This is one of the strongest biblical passages concerning sexual purity.
### What does Paul mean?
Paul is emphasizing that sexual immorality is not merely an outward act.
It involves the body, which belongs to God.
The believer is called to glorify God in both body and spirit.
Paul specifically instructs Christians to flee fornication.
He does not say to entertain it, negotiate with it, or remain as close to it as possible.
He says to flee.
### Why is this significant?
Because sexual sin can involve a person giving their body to something contrary to God's commandments.
The Christian is called to recognize that the body is sacred in the sense that it belongs to God and is to be used in His service.
This does not mean the body itself is evil.
Rather, the body is something we are responsible for honoring God with.
### D. Sexual sin can enslave a person
### Romans 6:12–14
Paul warns believers:
> “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
The word reign is important.
Paul is describing sin exercising dominion.
Sexual sin can become something a person repeatedly obeys rather than resists.
### 1 Corinthians 6:12
> “I will not be brought under the power of any.”
This principle applies to sexual habits as well.
The question is whether a person is exercising self-control or repeatedly surrendering to sinful desires.
### 2 Peter 2:19
> “For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”
Peter warns about being overcome by sin.
The biblical danger is that a person can become increasingly governed by what they continually surrender themselves to.
This is why Scripture emphasizes fleeing temptation rather than repeatedly approaching it.
### E. Sexual sin can damage relationships and violate covenant faithfulness
### Malachi 2:14–16
Malachi addresses the unfaithfulness of husbands toward their wives and describes marriage in terms of covenant.
Marriage is not presented as a casual arrangement.
It involves faithfulness and responsibility before God.
### Proverbs 5:3–5
Proverbs warns about the seductive nature of sexual immorality and describes its consequences as bitter and destructive.
The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to one's spouse.
### Proverbs 6:32–33
> “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”
The passage warns that adultery carries serious consequences.
It can bring shame, dishonor, and lasting damage.
### Proverbs 6:27–29
The passage uses the image of carrying fire against one's chest to illustrate the danger of sexual wrongdoing.
The point is that sexual sin should not be treated as something harmless.
It carries consequences that cannot simply be ignored.
### F. Sexual sin can affect the condition of the heart
Sexual sin is connected to the broader biblical warning about the deceitfulness of sin.
### Hebrews 3:13
> “Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
When someone repeatedly engages in sexual wrongdoing while refusing repentance, the danger is not merely the act itself.
The danger is the heart's increasing resistance to God's commandments.
The person may begin to:
* Justify what God condemns.
* Minimize the seriousness of sin.
* Reject correction.
* Continue knowingly in disobedience.
* Become less willing to repent.
This is a biblical concern about spiritual hardness.
We must be careful not to assume that every person who struggles with sexual temptation has a hardened heart.
The distinction is between struggling against sin and deliberately embracing it without repentance.
### G. Sexual sin and the loss of spiritual fellowship
### Isaiah 59:1–2
> “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you…”
This passage teaches that sin creates separation between humanity and God.
It is not limited to sexual sin.
However, it applies to sexual wrongdoing because sexual sin is still sin.
When a person knowingly continues in disobedience, they cannot treat their relationship with God as though nothing has happened.
### Psalm 66:18
> “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
This is a serious warning about cherishing sin rather than turning away from it.
The biblical issue is not that God is unable to hear someone who has sinned.
The issue is that someone who knowingly holds onto sin while refusing repentance is not approaching God in the proper condition of humility and obedience.
### H. Sexual sin and the danger of deceiving ourselves
### 1 Corinthians 6:9–10
Paul warns that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The passage includes sexual immorality and adultery among the sins he identifies.
Paul then writes:
### 1 Corinthians 6:11
> “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
This is critical.
Paul does not leave the reader without hope.
He acknowledges that some believers previously lived in these sins.
But he emphasizes transformation.
The passage does not teach that someone who has ever committed sexual sin is automatically beyond salvation.
It warns against continuing in unrighteousness while claiming the kingdom of God.
There is a difference between having sinned sexually and refusing to repent of sexual sin.
### I. The biblical response to sexual temptation is to flee
### 2 Timothy 2:22
> “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Paul gives two instructions:
* Flee sinful desires.
* Pursue righteousness.
Christianity is not simply about stopping something sinful.
It is also about pursuing something righteous.
### Genesis 39:7–12 — Joseph
Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife.
He refused her advances and ultimately fled, leaving his garment behind.
Joseph said:
### Genesis 39:9
> “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
Notice Joseph's understanding.
He recognized that sexual wrongdoing would not merely betray another person.
It would be a sin against God.
This is one of the strongest biblical examples of sexual integrity.
Joseph chose obedience even when it cost him.
### The practical biblical application
When sexual temptation arises:
* Do not deliberately entertain it.
* Do not put yourself in situations that encourage it.
* Flee rather than negotiate with temptation.
* Remember that the sin is ultimately against God.
* Pursue righteousness instead.
### J. What about pornography and sexual fantasy?
The Bible does not use the modern word pornography.
However, it does directly address lust.
Matthew 5:28 condemns deliberately looking with lustful intent.
Job 31:1 says:
> “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”
Job describes intentionally guarding his eyes.
This provides a biblical principle for sexual purity.
The issue is not merely what someone physically does.
It is also what they deliberately seek to look at and cultivate in their heart.
The biblical standard includes purity of both conduct and intention.
### K. Sexual purity is not only about avoiding sin—it is about honoring God
### 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5
> “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”
Paul continues by instructing believers to possess their vessels in sanctification and honor.
This passage emphasizes that sexual purity is part of God's will for His people.
The Christian is not simply trying to avoid punishment.
The Christian is pursuing holiness.
### 1 Peter 1:15–16
> “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Sexual purity is part of a broader calling to holiness.
God's people are called to reflect His holiness in their conduct.
### L. Repentance and forgiveness after sexual sin
This part is essential.
The Bible condemns sexual sin, but it also teaches forgiveness and restoration.
### 1 John 1:9
> “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The response to sin is confession and repentance—not hiding, denying, or making excuses.
### Proverbs 28:13
> “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Notice the two elements:
* Confessing sin.
* Forsaking sin.
Repentance involves turning away from wrongdoing.
### Psalm 51
David's prayer after his sexual sin with Bathsheba is one of the clearest biblical examples of repentance.
David acknowledged his wrongdoing and asked God to cleanse him.
Psalm 51:10:
> “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
David did not simply ask for relief from consequences.
He asked for inward cleansing.
### What does this teach us?
Sexual sin is serious.
But repentance is possible.
God's forgiveness is not permission to continue sinning.
It is an opportunity to turn away from sin and walk in righteousness.
### Romans 6:1–2
> “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?God forbid.”
Paul rejects the idea that grace gives someone permission to continue deliberately in sin.
Grace is not an excuse for disobedience.
It is the foundation of forgiveness and a transformed life.
### Sexual sin: The central biblical conclusion
Sexual sin:
* Violates God's commandments.
* Defiles the purity God calls His people to maintain.
* Can bring a person under the dominion of sin.
* Can violate marriage and covenant faithfulness.
* Can bring shame and consequences.
* Can contribute to spiritual hardness when repeatedly defended.
* Is subject to God's judgment when practiced without repentance.
But Scripture also teaches:
* Forgiveness is available.
* Repentance is possible.
* Cleansing is possible.
* Transformation is possible.
* A person who previously lived in sexual sin can become sanctified through Christ.
The biblical goal is not merely avoiding sexual wrongdoing. It is becoming holy and honoring God with the body, heart, eyes, and conduct.
### 6\. What Does Being Sober-Minded Do for Us?
### 1 Peter 5:8
> “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Sobriety is repeatedly connected to spiritual alertness.
The Bible calls believers to be watchful, disciplined, and prepared.
### A. Sober-mindedness helps us resist temptation
### 1 Peter 1:13
> “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end…”
This imagery describes preparing ourselves for action.
The Christian must remain spiritually prepared.
That includes recognizing temptation and responding according to God's Word.
Sober-mindedness helps us:
* Recognize sinful desires.
* Resist temptation.
* Exercise self-control.
* Avoid careless decisions.
* Remain spiritually watchful.
### B. Sober-mindedness and self-control
### Titus 2:11–12
God's grace teaches us:
> “That denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Grace teaches us to reject ungodliness.
This directly connects with drugs, sexual sin, materialism, and other temptations.
The Christian life is not simply about receiving forgiveness.
It is about learning to live righteously.
### C. Sober-mindedness and the Holy Spirit
### Galatians 5:22–23
The fruit of the Spirit includes:
* Love.
* Joy.
* Peace.
* Longsuffering.
* Gentleness.
* Goodness.
* Faith.
* Meekness.
* Temperance.
Temperance means self-control.
The Holy Spirit produces qualities that help believers resist sinful desires and live according to God's will.
### Central lesson
Sober-mindedness means remaining spiritually alert, exercising self-control, and making decisions according to God's truth rather than sinful desires.
### 7\. How Can Our Message Be More Impactful to Listeners?
### 2 Timothy 4:2
> “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Paul gives clear instructions to anyone teaching God's Word.
### A. Scripture must be the foundation
### 2 Timothy 3:16–17
> “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
A biblical message should be built upon Scripture.
Personal opinions, stories, and experiences should never replace God's Word.
### B. Speak truth in love
### Ephesians 4:15
> “But speaking the truth in love…”
Truth without love can become harshness.
Love without truth can become compromise.
A faithful teacher must communicate both.
### C. Teach with humility
### 1 Peter 3:15
Peter instructs believers to explain their hope:
> “With meekness and fear.”
We should never approach Scripture as though we are above correction.
The goal is not to prove ourselves right.
The goal is to faithfully communicate God's truth.
### D. Explain Scripture clearly
### Nehemiah 8:8
The people:
> “Gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
A Bible study should not merely read verses.
It should explain:
* What the passage says.
* What it means in context.
* Why it matters.
* How it applies to our lives.
### E. Encourage people to practice what they hear
### James 1:22
> “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
An impactful Bible study should encourage genuine obedience.
The listener should leave understanding what Scripture teaches and how to apply it.
Central lesson: A powerful biblical message is grounded in Scripture, communicated with humility and love, and directed toward repentance, faith, and obedience.
### Final Conclusion: The Condition of Our Heart Determines the Direction of Our Spiritual Life
These seven subjects connect through one central biblical principle:
God desires inward transformation, not merely outward religious behavior.
| Subject | Biblical warning | Spiritual objective |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| The plank in our eye | Hypocrisy and self-deception | Humility and self-examination |
| Drugs | Bondage and lack of sobriety | Spiritual alertness and self-control |
| Materialism | Covetousness and idolatry | Contentment and seeking God first |
| Hardened hearts | Resistance to God's Word | Repentance and inward renewal |
| Sexual sin | Immorality and disobedience | Holiness and sexual purity |
| Sober-mindedness | Spiritual carelessness | Vigilance and discipline |
| Teaching God's Word | Hypocrisy and false teaching | Truth, love, humility, and sound doctrine |
### A final Scripture that brings everything together
### Romans 12:1–2
> “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Paul emphasizes presenting our bodies to God and allowing Him to transform our lives.
This includes our:
* Bodies.
* Desires.
* Sexual conduct.
* Habits.
* Priorities.
* Thoughts.
* Actions.
* Relationships.
* Service to others.
The Christian life is a continual process of surrendering ourselves to God and allowing His Word to guide our conduct.
### Closing prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You asking You to examine our hearts and reveal anything within us that is contrary to Your Word.
Help us remove the planks from our own eyes before correcting others. Give us the strength to resist temptation, turn away from sin, and refuse to become enslaved to the things of this world.
Protect us from sexual immorality, covetousness, pride, and hardened hearts. Teach us to honor You with our bodies, our thoughts, our desires, and our actions.
Give us sober minds, spiritual discernment, and the wisdom to recognize temptation before we fall into it.
Create clean hearts within us, renew our spirits, and help us remain faithful to Your commandments.
Let our words be truthful, our conduct righteous, and our teaching grounded in Your Holy Scriptures.
Help us speak the truth in love, remain humble before You, and encourage others toward repentance and righteousness.
May everything we do bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.