TRAIN YOUR EYES TO LOOK AWAY FROM EVIL

Title: TRAIN YOUR EYES TO LOOK AWAY FROM EVIL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-17
Supporting Texts: Job 31:1, Matthew 5:28-29, Psalm 101:3, Proverbs 4:25-27

INTRODUCTION:
The eyes are a powerful gateway to the soul, and what we allow them to focus on can either draw us closer to God or lead us into sin. David's failure to avert his eyes from Bathsheba resulted in devastating consequences, including sin, betrayal, and death. This message challenges us to train our eyes to stay fixed on righteousness, avoiding the traps set by the enemy.

1. THE POWER OF THE EYES

a) A gateway to the heart (Matthew 6:22-23):
What we focus on influences our thoughts, actions, and spiritual health.

b) Instruments of temptation (Genesis 3:6):
Eve's fall began when she saw the forbidden fruit and desired it.

c) Tools for discernment (Psalm 119:18):
When dedicated to God, our eyes can perceive divine revelations.

d) Need for vigilance (1 Peter 5:8):
The enemy uses visuals to trap us; we must stay alert.

e) Biblical Example: David’s gaze on Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2-4).

2. CONSEQUENCES OF UNGUARDED EYES

a) Leads to sin (James 1:14-15):
Unchecked desires breed sin and spiritual death.

b) Opens doors to destruction (Proverbs 7:6-27):
Lust leads to moral and spiritual downfall.

c) Affects relationships:
David’s sin damaged his family and his relationship with God.

d) Brings guilt and shame (Psalm 51:3):
Sin resulting from unguarded eyes weighs heavily on the heart.

e) Biblical Example: Achan’s covetous gaze on forbidden spoils (Joshua 7:20-21).

3. TRAINING YOUR EYES FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

a) Make a covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1):
Commit to avoiding lustful and sinful sights.

b) Fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2):
Look to Christ for guidance and strength.

c) Meditate on God’s Word (Psalm 119:37):
Allow Scripture to renew and redirect your focus.

d) Practice self-control (Galatians 5:22-23):
Train your mind and eyes to resist temptation.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife to maintain purity (Genesis 39:7-12).

4. TOOLS FOR OVERCOMING VISUAL TEMPTATIONS

a) Avoid compromising situations (Romans 13:14):
Prevent exposure to things that could stir lust.

b) Guard your environment (Psalm 101:3):
Remove ungodly influences from your surroundings.

c) Build spiritual strength (Ephesians 6:10-18):
Put on the armour of God to resist temptation.

d) Seek accountability (James 5:16):
Share struggles with a trusted believer for support.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8).

5. REWARDS OF DISCIPLINED EYES

a) Closer relationship with God (Psalm 24:3-4):
Purity grants access to God’s presence.

b) Spiritual clarity (Matthew 5:8):
The pure in heart see God’s glory.

c) Freedom from guilt (Romans 8:1):
A disciplined life leads to peace and joy.

d) Strength to overcome temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13):
God provides a way of escape for the disciplined.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations by staying focused on His mission (Matthew 4:1-11).

CONCLUSION:
The eyes are crucial to maintaining a holy and victorious life. By training our eyes to focus on God and His righteousness, we overcome the traps of the enemy. Like David, we may stumble, but God’s grace is sufficient to restore and guide us into purity.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to guard my eyes from evil.

2. Father, renew my focus on Your Word and righteousness.

3. Lord, deliver me from every visual temptation.

4. Grant me the grace to walk in purity and holiness.

5. Father, open my eyes to see Your glory and not distractions.

6. Lord, strengthen my resolve to resist temptation.

7. Father, restore my spiritual clarity and discernment.

8. Lord, help me to remove ungodly influences in my life.

9. Father, empower me to walk in victory over sin.

10. Lord, let my life glorify You in all that I do.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that your eyes will remain focused on God’s glory.

2. Every ungodly influence around you is destroyed in Jesus’ name.

3. You shall overcome every temptation that comes your way.

4. Your eyes will be instruments of discernment and not destruction.

5. The Lord will guide you away from evil and keep you in righteousness.

6. You shall experience spiritual clarity and divine encounters.

7. God’s Word will light your path and redirect your focus.

8. Every trap of the enemy through your eyes is broken now.

9. Your life will glorify God in purity and holiness.

10. You shall walk in victory over every scheme of darkness.