Guarding Your Heart from Corrupting Influences

Broadcast 4220

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1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.”

When Jake moved to a new city, he reconnected with Tega, his best friend from their university days. They were thrilled to rekindle their friendship, but Jake was now a happily married man, while Tega lived recklessly as a womanizer whose marriage had fallen apart.

At first, Jake’s love for his wife remained steadfast, but after six months of close fellowship with Tega, he noticed a troubling change in himself. His affection for his wife began to wane, and he found himself increasingly drawn to other women. Despite his vow never to cheat, he struggled to resist temptation.

After a near fall into adultery with a coworker, Jake sought help. He confided in his pastor, who, through prayer and counsel, helped him realize that Tega’s corrupt influence was spiritually contaminating him. His pastor advised him to break close ties with Tega to protect his marriage and spiritual well-being.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Apostle Paul commanded the church to remove a man living in grievous sin from their fellowship for two reasons. First, the man’s separation from the spiritual covering of the church would lead him to repentance. Second, Paul sought to prevent the spread of the man’s sin—symbolized as leaven—within the body of believers.

Sin acts like a contagious disease, spreading through close associations. This is why believers are cautioned against being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) and warned not to maintain close relationships with so-called believers who live like unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:11).

As you reflect on this, consider your relationships. Are there influences in your life that hinder your spiritual growth or draw you away from God’s path? Guard your heart and seek associations that nurture your faith and honor God.

Prayer: Lord, help me identify and separate from relationships that hinder my walk with You. Strengthen me to surround myself with people who encourage and inspire me to grow in righteousness. Amen.

—Abraham Damilola Arigi

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Bible In 1 Year: Psalms 120-121 (in today's audio)

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