Guard Against Corrupting Influences

Satan’s looking to deceive and snatch anybody that he can from the hands of God in the little time he has.

Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12

Nuko rero wa juru we, namwe abaribamo nimwishime. Naho wowe wa si we, nawe wa nyanja we, mugushije ishyano kuko Satani yabamanukiye afite umujinya mwinshi, azi yuko afite igihe gito. IBYAHISHUWE 12:12

Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.. 1peter 5:8

Steps to Christ, p. 68 Satan’s relentless efforts
"Satan is constantly at work, and if we are not constantly on guard, we will be deceived by him."

The Desire of Ages, p. 113 Satan’s opposition to Christ’s mission;
*"Satan has been seeking to destroy Christ, and he has been equally eager to destroy those who follow Him. The end of the conflict is not yet, and Satan is determined to drag down as many as he can with him."*

First point: The Mind Determines Character

The way our minds are determines the way we act, speak and think.
So when it contains good you think, speak and do such things like wise when it is the other way around.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

“The mind must be disciplined to dwell upon pure, elevated, and ennobling themes. Whatever we allow into our hearts will shape our character and influence our life.”

(Messages to Young People, p. 61)

“The mind controls the whole man. All our actions, good or bad, have their source in the mind.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 1, p. 72

“Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
2** Corinthians 10:5**

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

“When the Spirit of God takes possession of the mind, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced.”
The Desire of Ages, p. 173

“The thoughts are to be guarded, for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul.”
Messages to Young People, p. 144

Satan is always looking to try and lure everyone through the thing that they have not let go our surrendered to God however small or big satan is always trying to find a way to develop it to the point it becomes the very thing that pulls you away from God beyond non recovery like demos;

The story of Demas

Demas was once a close friend and helper of the Apostle Paul. He worked in ministry and was considered a faithful worker for God (Philemon 1:24). But later,
Paul wrote that Demas had left him because he "loved this present world" (2 Timothy 4:10).
This means Demas chose the things of the world like comfort, safety, or money over staying faithful to God, especially when times got hard.

Demas is an example of someone who started out following Jesus but didn’t fully give up sin and kept his heart open for satan’s luring influences from the outside.

Slowly the love for worldly things pulled him away completely.
His story teaches us that being active in church or ministry is not enough we need to stay close to Jesus every day, avoid temptation, and keep our hearts focused on heaven fully.

Demas’s life is a warning that anyone can fall away if they don’t stay fully committed to God.

Second point:

Association Influences Morality

“Satan’s power is often exercised through the influence of association. The young especially should be guarded against evil companionship.”
Child Guidance, p. 305

“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

“He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

“Those who associate with the ungodly are in danger of absorbing their spirit and being led into the same practices. Guard your companions and your society.”
Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 90

Proverbs 22:24-25 “Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,** **Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.”

• Your own mind is the mold of your character.
• Your thoughts today are forming your eternity.

***When Christ controls the mind, He transforms the character. ***

Ungodly (bad) associations can weaken faith and lead to sin, while godly friendships encourage holiness and perseverance

Stay away/Avoid Tempting Situations

“Abstain from every form of evil” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

“** Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22

“Avoid all that which would excite the passions or tempt the soul to sin. Guard the senses and the heart; it is easier to avoid sin than to seek forgiveness after falling.”
Messages to Young People, p. 63

“It is the first approach to danger that the soul should resist. The strongest temptations may be harmless if not cherished.”
Ministry of Healing, p. 451

“We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention… Satan will seek to divert the mind with what brings no spiritual strength.”
Ministry of Healing, p. 458

Matthew 5:29-30. 

Root Yourself in God’s Word as much as you can (Force yourself into God’s word and Godly associations)

Just like almost every other thing in the world that produces success it required pushing yourself to it always. even when you do not feel like it. The word of God is not fun to the flesh of man as satan has put everything to pull you from putting your attention to God.
so it is something we have to force ourselves to do until it becomes a habit.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” 
Psalm 119:11

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“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

“The Word of God is the shield against the fiery darts of the enemy. Those who dwell upon it, meditate upon it, and obey it will be kept from corruption and guided in righteousness.”
Steps to Christ, p. 94

“Those who carefully guard their thoughts, associations, and habits, and who place themselves under the guidance of God, will be kept from the corrupting influences of the world.”
Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 603.