Urge

1/. <<strong desire or impulse>>

Both our own human ungodly flesh nature and ungodly people can exert strong pressures, tempting us to sin. Such negative forces need to be challenged – will this action reflect His character of love and justice? Is it a loving action towards my fellow man? If I do this will I later regret it? Conversely, persistent persuading can also be a positive impetus.

God doesn’t expect us to act on spur-of-the-moment whims. He prepares us over a period of time, through Scripture, circumstance and impressions. When the time for action comes, we will recognise that God has led us. He

Is this desire or urge from God or not?

will never guide is in ways contrary to the Bible’s teachings. As we assimilate His commands and principles they will govern our conduct, aiding us to make wise choices rather than ungodly reactions.

God who made our sex drive instructs this is only to be expressed within the confines of marriage. Thus for the unmarried the normal sexual tension must be handled in ways that honour God (1 Thes 4:3-5). Endeavour to redirect these sexual energies into useful

A fire starved of fuel goes out

service for the Lord by cultivating a mindset of pleasing God with your imagination and self-discipline. This involves focusing our minds on wholesome pure thoughts, controlling our eyes and pursuing what is good (Job 31:1; Mt 5:28; Rom 12:21, 13:12-14; Phil 4:8). Thus we need to ruthlessly monitor what we watch, read, and think. Take note of what triggers your sexual urges and avoid those tempting situations; instead listen to uplifting Christian music, channel your attention into strenuous exercise or challenging projects that fully occupy your mind (1 Cor 6:18-20; 2 Tim 2:22). Keep your attention on the long-term benefits of sexual purity.

The Bible commands self-control and we must “strive for the mastery” remembering that the Holy Spirit lives in us and will help us direct our desires as we invite Him to do so for we are a servant to what we allow to master us (Rom 6:16,19,22; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Cor 6:16; Gal 5:22,23; 2 Pet 1:5,6). While cravings for sexual pleasure can be one of the hardest battles we face by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, sexual fulfilment can be postponed until marriage. With God’s strength treasure up these feelings until He leads you in His time to your lifelong mate. Do not rush into marriage so you can alleviate the inner tension. Even inside marriage the intimate focus of each partner should be directed toward their spouse to satisfy them, not for personal gratification.

As believers, it is our responsibility to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus as new creations (Rom 6:10-14; 2 Cor 5:17). We must regard this as fact and forcefully apply this truth to our lives by not letting our bodies be used for sin. Jesus the ultimate example for how we should live was “tempted in every way, just as we are – yet He did not sin” (Heb 4:15). However if you do sin, immediately confess it to Christ and receive His forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9).

2/. <<encourage>>

When facing shipwreck Paul urged his companions to keep up their courage and eat (Acts 27:22,33,34). Another time, he urged prayers and intercession be made for all people (1 Tim 2:1). The heart of his ministry was to encourage people to ‘continue in the

Who can I ‘urge on’ in their faith?

grace of God’ (Rom 12:1). He could even say, “I urge you to imitate me, as I follow Christ” (1 Cor 4:16,17, 11:1).