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Mark 7:21-23 - The Things That Defile A Person.

Mark 7:21-23 (NLT) For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you."

INTRODUCTION

An evil action begins with a single thought. Allowing our minds to dwell on lust, envy, hatred, or revenge will lead to sinful actions. Don't make yourself unfit for God's work by dwelling on sinful activities. Nothing good can come from thinking about something bad. Instead, follow Paul's advice in Philippians 4:8 and think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY

   Since "the law of the Lord is perfect," every variation from it must be evil. Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour's life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is "holy, and just, and good." Romans 7:12. On the other hand, all who break God's commandments are sustaining Satan's claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God's law. To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven....
   The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life....
   The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. DA308-309 [Remnant SB] re vss. 6-9 same topic

AI COMMENTARY

Question: How does one avoid the evil thoughts that defile a man noted in Mark 7:21-23?

   Avoiding the evil thoughts described in Mark 7:21-23 requires internal transformation rather than just external behavioral changes. Because Jesus taught that these sins originate within the human heart, victory comes by renewing the mind, relying on divine strength for cleansing, and actively replacing wicked thoughts with, pure, noble, and godly thoughts.
   Key Biblical and Spiritual Methods:
      o Guard the Heart: Recognize that the heart (the center of thoughts, emotions, and will) is the source of inner corruption, requiring vigilant monitoring and protection.
      o Replace with Truth: Rather than merely trying to stop evil thoughts, replace them by focusing on things that are true, noble, pure, and admirable, as instructed in Philippians 4:8.
      o Immediate Dismissal: While you cannot stop an evil thought from flashing into your mind, you can refuse to dwell on it, dismissing it immediately rather than entertaining it.
      o Daily Transformation & Prayer: Seek daily renewal and cleansing through prayer, asking God to transform your heart and remove what separates you from Him.
      o Confront Lies with Scripture: Counteract sinful thoughts by confronting them with the truth of God's Word.
      o Focus on Internal Holiness: Shift focus from external religious rituals or legalism to the inner state of the heart.

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:2 - Transformation: Glimpses into How It Is Done.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250320-1424.html

Philippians 4:8 - What Are You Feeding Your Mind?
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250707-1458.html

For More:
https://www.abible.com/