The Power of Perversion- the Archenemy of Purity

The subtleties behind the perversion invasion on the church resembles lymphatic cancer, it starts with only one small choice or cell but it soon spreads through the entire body and is highly incurable. The sad news is the church has been hiding this disease under its pews for decades and it is now habilitating destruction. “We don’t like to talk about such things or bring it out in the open”, I have been told by some church going leaders. I’m afraid ignoring cancer just doesn’t make it disappear. The growing nihilistic movement within the church also suggests that we live with it because, aren’t we just human? The Church is under an onslaught from the enemy, yet we have befriended the notorious foe and now the church’s very existence has become threatened.

Can you imagine the Apostle Paul hearing these arguments from today’s church? He would be outraged! I imagine hearing his heart break as he would preach, “Everything Christ died and lived for, which was to restore us in Him, is being marred by perversion. You choose in flesh and therefore live according to the destructive powers of this world, which is in direct opposition to Christ!”

Perverted jokes are no big deal, right? No, perversion destroys all “romantic” bonds we have with the Lord. We categorize perversion as a small problem but perversion breaks true love and settles for the lusts of the flesh. When we decide to crack a funny perverted joke we decide to step out of union with God in Spirit and align ourselves with the forces of darkness. Sadly, I have aided in the disfiguration of what purity seeks to restore, which is relationship and intimacy with God. Every time we do this though, especially as leaders within the church, we lose the presence of God.

Eph 5:3-5:
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (NIV)

Jesus reveals where perversion takes place in Matt 5:27-28:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (NIV)

The battle for purity takes place in the mind because it’s all about what you are looking for. Jesus condemns the man who LOOKS lustfully at a woman. What are you looking for? Matt. 5:8 promises us that, “The pure in heart will see God.” I believe the pure in heart see the Lord because purity is directly proportional to what you are looking for. What I mean by this is that which is pure will only seek for what is pure and God is the highest form of purity. God lives and breathes purity. When our heart desires God it ultimately desires purity and vice-versa. Therefore, the flipside means that if your heart desires perversion, you don’t desire God.

We know also that where your treasure is there your heart will be also. (Matt 6:21) We have many men and women in our society committing adultery in their heart because their treasure is wrapped up in idolized romance and sex worship.Twilight asks: when you live for forever, what do you live for? The entire series is about hooking up with a vampire.

If I were the enemy I would use perversion to attack the church as well, I mean think about it: One, perversion replaces identity. They would no longer see human beings made in the image of God but rather objects of pleasure to use for their own good, both emotional and physical. Two, perversion separates their walk in love. They would no longer walk in love, which is what life is all about. They would constantly be looking for self-fulfillment instead of self-service. Three, perversion blinds and distracts. There is nothing more powerful to shut down dreams, visions, and prophecy then the perverted spirit. If you are addicted to pornography, your prophetic gift is impaired. If you have a visionary gift, your visions will be stripped from you because light and darkness cannot stay in the same mind. This is why we are commanded to take captive every thought (2 Cor 10:5) and to think on things above.
(Col 3:1-4):
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (NIV)

Phil 4:8
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things

Humans were created to be worshipers and whatever we think on or praise it then becomes exalted in our mist. The reason perversion is such an epidemic is because it operates by a spirit and stronghold of the enemy. Every time we think or worship with perversion in our hearts we create an atmosphere in our life that quenches the Spirit of God. An illustration of this is when we worship God because there are times when you can actually feel the manifested presence of God, this is a very normal experience but likewise, as we are getting closer to the day of the Lord; you will be able to feel darkness the same way. The lesson behind it is: the space you create will be occupied. If you create space for perversion, it will take over, and influence every aspect of your life. You will feel the dark presence from the kingdom of the air (Eph. 2:2). If you create space for the presence of God to dwell in your life, you will walk in Him.

I think we all have operated one time or another, in the spirit of perversion but the Lord wants to set us free now. Every day we should decide to start anew in Christ. He wants to restore your dreams and visions. He wants to give you his love in exchange for the counterfeit lusts of this world. I pray that you see the importance of this message and begin to walk with a purpose to destroy the works of the enemy within your own heart. It’s not easy but that’s because there is a price to be paid for purity because good things are never cheap.
Matt 7:7-8:
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)