Perversion

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Perversion is deviating from righteousness to wickedness; it is a change from the intended, good purpose to an inferior, bad one. God created what is good – Satan works to pervert it, twisting it for a wrong end use. God acknowledged, “Every inclination of

Know and cling tightly to the truth

man’s thoughts and heart is only evil all the time” (Gen 6:5). All perversion is a departure from truth and originates in the heart, the inner ‘control centre’ that is full of deceit and consequently can be influenced by Satan’s temptations (Jer 17:9; Mt 15:18,19). This is why the Bible’s instruction is to “Guard your heart more than any treasure for it is the source of life” and “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Prov 4:23; Rom 12:2).

Perversion or deviation from the God-intended standard is evidenced in the areas of:

Sexual behaviour (Lev 18:6-24, 20:10-21; Rom 1:27; Eph 4:19; Col 3:5). Any sexual activity outside the marriage union of one man and one woman is a perversion and is condemned by God; those who practice such sins will not inherit eternal life (1 Cor 6:9,10,18; Gal 5:19-21; 1 Thes 4:3; 1 Thes 4:3; Rev 21:8, 22:15).

Thoughts (Ps 10:4; Mt 5:27,28; Rom 1:28; Eph 2:3). As our thoughts are so different to God’s, we should give careful attention to our ways, taking captive wrong thoughts and thinking about the good and pure (Isa 55:7-9; Hag 1:5,7; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 4:7,8).

Speech (Prov 10:31). Our speech should be used to praise God, speak the truth and encourage others (Ps 19:14, 120:2, 141:3; Prov 12:22; Eph 4:29). Examples of perverted speech are cursing, gossiping, lying, coarse joking and using foul language (Prov 6:19, 10:18, 12:22, 16:27; Eph 5:4).

Justice (Lev 19:15; Deut 27:19). Justice is perverted by showing partiality and accepting bribes, seeking our own interests at the expense of others’ rights (Ex 22:22, 23:1; Deut 27:19; Prov 11:1, 17:23; Isa 1:23; Jas 2:1-9). As God’s children we are to exhibit His nature (Isa 1:17; Mic 6:8; Jas 1:27).

The true gospel (Gal 1:6,7; Jud 1:4). There is only one way to eternal life and that is through salvation in Jesus Christ, and the Bible is to be our guide book – coupled with obedience to the Holy Spirit so we are not deceived into false teaching (Jn 14:6; Act 4:12; Eph 2:8,9). It is our responsibility to ensure we receive and walk in the truth (Act 17:11; 1 Jn 3:7; 2 Jn 1:4).

Church doctrine. There are many ideas and beliefs that are not supported by, and in fact are contrary to the teaching of the Bible so are false and misleading. Jesus said, "See that no one leads you astray" as many will come with strange teachings (Mt 24:4,5; Heb 13:9). We should follow the example of the early believers who before they accepted any new teaching examined the Scriptures to ensure that it could be confirmed as true (Act 17:11). The Bible is to be the foundation of our faith.

In these and other areas Satan aims to alter what God has created, and thus pervert or mar the image of God we as humans are designed to carry (Gen 1:26,27; Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 11:7). Those who indulge in perverted, so-called broad-minded, lifestyles consider they are free of restraints, yet this seeming freedom leads to increasing bondage and spiritual death (Rom 2:5-8; 2 Pet 2:19). We are to know

Perversion does not lead to freedom

God’s standards and not step outside them or violate our conscience. Live in a God-honouring way to find true freedom and enjoy a healthy relationship with Him (Ps 24:3,4; Mt 5:8; Gal 5:1).