WHAT DEFILES A MAN

WHAT DEFILES A MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 15:10-20

Key Verse: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” (Matthew 15:11)

Supporting Texts: Mark 7:14-23, Proverbs 4:23, James 3:6-10, Psalm 51:10, Galatians 5:19-21

Description: This study reveals that true defilement comes from the sinful condition of the heart rather than outward appearances or ceremonial practices, teaching believers the importance of inward purity and spiritual transformation.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus addressed the misunderstanding of the Pharisees concerning ceremonial cleanliness and outward religious traditions. The religious leaders believed that external practices such as ceremonial washing determined spiritual purity. However, Jesus shifted the focus from outward rituals to the true condition of the human heart.

Christ explained that defilement does not primarily come from food or outward things entering the body, but from sinful thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions that proceed from within the heart. Evil desires, corrupt speech, hatred, pride, immorality, and wicked intentions are what truly pollute a person spiritually.

This teaching remains highly important today because many people focus heavily on outward appearance while neglecting inward holiness and purity. God is deeply concerned about the condition of the heart because the heart influences speech, behaviour, decisions, and character.

1. TRUE DEFILEMENT BEGINS IN THE HEART

The heart is the source of both righteous and sinful behaviour.

a) Jesus taught that evil proceeds from within the heart (Matthew 15:18-19)
Sinful words and actions are outward manifestations of inward spiritual conditions. The heart shapes a person’s thoughts, attitudes, desires, and conduct.

b) God examines the inner life rather than outward appearance alone (1 Samuel 16:7)
People may appear religious, respectable, or morally upright outwardly while harbouring impurity, bitterness, pride, or wickedness inwardly.

c) The heart influences the direction of a person’s life (Proverbs 4:23)
Whatever fills the heart eventually affects speech, relationships, decisions, and behaviour.

d) Spiritual transformation must begin inwardly (Ezekiel 36:26)
True Christianity involves receiving a new heart and renewed nature through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Example:
Cain’s inward jealousy and anger eventually produced murder because sinful thoughts were allowed to grow within his heart (Genesis 4:5-8).

2. SINFUL WORDS AND ACTIONS REVEAL INNER CORRUPTION

Speech and behaviour expose what is hidden within the heart.

a) Jesus listed sinful attitudes and behaviours that defile a person (Matthew 15:19)
Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, theft, false witness, and blasphemy reveal hearts that are spiritually polluted and separated from God’s holiness.

b) Words possess great power for good or evil (James 3:6-10)
The tongue can build, heal, encourage, or destroy depending on the condition of the heart controlling it.

c) Uncontrolled sinful desires lead to destructive actions (Galatians 5:19-21)
When sinful passions are not surrendered to God, they eventually produce harmful and ungodly behaviour.

d) Believers must guard both speech and conduct carefully (Ephesians 4:29)
Christians are called to speak words that edify, encourage, and glorify God rather than corrupt or harmful communication.

Biblical Example:
The evil speech and jealousy of Joseph’s brothers revealed the corruption in their hearts before they eventually sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:4-28).

3. OUTWARD RELIGION CANNOT PRODUCE TRUE PURITY

External rituals alone cannot cleanse the sinful heart.

a) The Pharisees focused on ceremonial washing while neglecting inward holiness (Matthew 15:1-2)
They emphasised external practices but ignored deeper matters such as righteousness, humility, mercy, and obedience to God.

b) Religious appearance without transformation leads to hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28)
Outwardly respectable behaviour can hide inward corruption, pride, bitterness, and spiritual emptiness.

c) Human effort alone cannot cleanse the heart completely (Jeremiah 17:9)
The sinful nature requires divine transformation through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.

d) God desires truth and sincerity within the inward parts (Psalm 51:6)
Genuine purity comes through repentance, faith, obedience, and continual fellowship with God.

Biblical Example:
Saul maintained outward religious activities while inward rebellion and pride gradually destroyed his relationship with God (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

4. GOD DESIRES A PURE HEART AND HOLY LIFE

Believers must pursue inward purity and godly character continually.

a) Jesus blesses the pure in heart (Matthew 5:8)
Spiritual purity produces deeper fellowship with God, clearer spiritual understanding, and greater sensitivity to His presence.

b) Believers must allow God to cleanse and renew their hearts daily (Psalm 51:10)
Continuous repentance, prayer, and surrender keep the heart soft, humble, and spiritually healthy.

c) The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sinful desires (Galatians 5:16)
Victory over defilement comes through walking in the Spirit rather than yielding to the flesh.

d) A purified heart produces godly speech, actions, and character (Colossians 3:12-14)
Love, kindness, humility, patience, and holiness naturally flow from hearts transformed by God.

Biblical Example:
Joseph maintained purity and integrity before God despite temptation because his heart remained devoted to righteousness (Genesis 39:7-12).

CONCLUSION

Jesus taught clearly that true defilement comes not merely from outward things but from the sinful condition of the heart. Evil thoughts, corrupt speech, sinful desires, and ungodly behaviour reveal inward spiritual corruption.

God is not satisfied with outward religion or appearance alone. He desires hearts that are pure, transformed, humble, and surrendered to Him. Believers must therefore guard their hearts diligently and seek continual cleansing through the Word of God, prayer, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

A pure heart produces a holy life that honours God and blesses others.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, cleanse my heart from every form of impurity and corruption in Jesus name

2. Father, create in me a pure and upright spirit in Jesus name

3. Lord, help me to guard my heart diligently against sin in Jesus name

4. Father, purify my thoughts, words, and actions continually in Jesus name

5. Lord, remove every spirit of hypocrisy and outward religion from my life in Jesus name

6. Father, let the Holy Spirit strengthen me against sinful desires in Jesus name

7. Lord, help my speech to reflect grace, truth, and godliness in Jesus name

8. Father, make my life pleasing and acceptable before You in Jesus name

9. Lord, fill my heart with love, humility, holiness, and righteousness in Jesus name

10. Father, let my inward life continually reflect the character of Christ in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every hidden corruption and impurity shall be removed from your life by the power of God!

2. The Lord shall purify your heart and renew your spirit continually!

3. Your thoughts, words, and actions shall reflect godliness and holiness!

4. Every spirit of hypocrisy and spiritual deception is broken over your life!

5. The Holy Spirit shall strengthen you to overcome sinful desires and temptations!

6. Your heart shall remain sensitive and yielded to the voice of God!

7. Grace to walk in holiness, purity, and sincerity shall rest upon your life!

8. Every defiling influence assigned against your spiritual life shall lose its power!

9. Your life shall continually reflect the beauty and character of Christ!

10. You shall walk in purity, spiritual victory, and deeper fellowship with God in Jesus’ name!