"...the
imagination
of man’s heart is evil from his youth."
Genesis 8:21
"For as he thinks in
his heart, so is he. "
Proverbs 23:7
"... although they knew
God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became
futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Professing to be wise, they became fools.... "
Romans 1:21-22
Concerning sensuality, nudity
and other seductive entertainment
"You have heard that it
was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I
say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has
already committed adultery with her in his heart. ..."
Matthew
5:27-28
Jesus said, “What comes
out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the
heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries,
fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,
lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil
things come from within and defile a man.”
Mark 7:20-23
"Evil thought" inspired by
what we choose to see and hear.
Popular
entertainment -- especially computer games -- are extremely effective
teachers, trainers, tempters and change agents.
“I have made a covenant
with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?
... If my step has turned from the way, or my heart walked after
my eyes...
Then let me sow, and another eat...."
Job 31:8
"For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but
according to their own desires, because they have itching ears,
they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn
their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables
[myths]." 2
Timothy 4:3-4
Jesus, knowing their
thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?"
Matthew 9:4
"...fornication and all
uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you,
as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking,
nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of
thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for
because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of
disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them."
Ephesians 5:3-7
God's way to victory
"Walk as children of
light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness,
and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things
which are done by them in secret....
"See then that you walk circumspectly,
not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days
are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of
the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is
dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...."
Ephesians 5:8-18
"For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
"...the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even
to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And
there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are
naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:11-13
"Abide in Me, and I in
you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the
vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the
branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for
without Me you can do nothing."
John 15:4-5