Sermon: Lustration
by Chris Cumming                                                          printer-friendly     MP3

I was recently contacted by a member asking a very serious question.  He wanted to know if there was a specific and biblical procedure for ridding the mind of evil images and negative thoughts.  More to the point, how can I destroy them utterly?  A very logical question seeing the world in which we live.

This world is full of sin, evil images and negative thought.  Today I am going to give you several biblical admonitions and procedures that will result in evil thoughts and images being destroyed.

Destroy the evil thoughts and images.

Any number of elements can invade the life of a firstfruit making him or her temporarily unclean.  These unclean elements come in many forms.  It can be in the form of a sin you are fighting to overcome.  It can be negative thoughts hounding you as you live day-to-day.  It can be a bad habit you are committed to beating.  It can be a negative or evil image that Satan keeps throwing into your mind at the worst possible moments.

To defeat each and every one of these elements you must invoke the title of this sermon; “Lustration.”  The original and primary definition of, “Lustration” is “to purify something by religious means.”  We are going to look at this in both the physical and spiritual application.  If you go to a Thesaurus for the word, “Lustration” you get a rather long list of possibilities.  Let’s take a quick look at this list.  As I went over it, some of the words dealt with the overall concept, while others are very specific to a taken action.  I want to focus on the latter or those of specific action.  Examples of the words denoting the overall concept are: atonement, baptism, rebirth, redemption and grace [the Salvation Process].  The specific words are:
 

Let us look at some of the physical lustrations found throughout the Bible.

Physical Lustration Examples
In Exodus 19:10 we see Moses talking to God and God informing him that He would come in a cloud in three days before Mount Sinai.  And God says to Moses:

Exodus 19:10
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes.

Throughout Exodus 28 and into chapter 29 we see God giving specific instructions to the priesthood.  You see God sanctifying a number of elements.  Notice chapter 29 and verse 4.

Exodus 29:4
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

In Numbers 8 we see God giving instructions for tabernacle service.  Notice verse 5.

Numbers 8:5-7
5 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
6 Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
7 And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

In Deuteronomy 23 we see God giving instructions about the camp but take special notice of WHY He is giving these specific cleaning rituals.

Deuteronomy 23:12-14
12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

Note:  God is clearly telling the people to have their latrines [restrooms] outside the camp.  He is demanding that all human waste [uncleanliness] be buried outside the camp.  Interestingly, this burying of the human waste actually destroys the uncleanliness.  We see the reason for this:  God is walking in the midst of the camp and that camp will be holy—clean.  He goes on to say that He does not want to see anything unclean.  He is demanding Lustration.

Notice now as we come into the New Testament; one that hits closer to our lives.

John 11:55
And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

Notice the commentary on the phrase, “to purify themselves.”

To purify themselves - This purifying consisted in preparing themselves for the proper observation of the Passover, according to the commands of the law. If any were defiled in any manner by contact with the dead or by any other ceremonial uncleanness, they were required to take the prescribed measures for purification. ~Barnes Notes

There are scores and scores and whole chapters of the Bible that speak to these physical purifications.  Besides the clear physical benefits and meaning here, we see them speaking as a type or example to our spiritual purification or Lustration.  This is important understanding if we are to destroy the negative thoughts and evil images that Satan launches at us like so many arrows and darts.  He is seeking to destroy us.  We must destroy those negative thoughts and evil images.

Destroy the evil thoughts and images.

The questions we want to answer here are:

How does a firstfruit purify himself?
How is God involved in this process?
Does He have a plan to make us pure?
What is a purification process or procedure?

Let us begin to answer these questions by establishing that God is pure.  Almighty God is our ideal and our example of this pureness we seek in Spiritual Lustration.

Remember our Bible study on 1 Timothy 6:16 and the description of God, “dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see.”? [See Lesson].

God is Perfect
Proverbs 30:5  ...speaking to the Word of God which is the mind of God.
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

Be Thou Perfect—Cleanse Yourselves
Now to scriptures that speak to our being perfect [moving toward perfection] as God is perfect [something we do, in part by Lustration--invoking purity].  Notice, as we read these scriptures, you see more about God being perfect.  Our eyes must be on this perfection as we invoke Lustration.

2 Samuel 22:33  ...we read verse 31 under, "God is Perfect."
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

Note: Clearly answering how God is involved in our Lustration.  This is His plan for us; to take us unto perfection.

Matthew 5:48  [see our Bible study on this verse]
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

1 Peter 1:15-16
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

James 1:14 ...showing the plan of God through the Salvation Process
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Colossians 1:25-28 ...speaking to the work of and the responsibility of ministers
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Luke 6:40 ...showing that God is perfect and therefore our example and goal.
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Philippians 3:12-15
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

This last verse admonishes us to, “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.”  Involved in this cleansing is utterly destroying negative thoughts and evil images.

Destroy the evil thoughts and images.

I now want to get into a specific scripture and then actual techniques for destroying negative and evil thoughts and images.  The scripture we are about to explore will answer our first question, “How does a firstfruit purify himself?”  The techniques we discuss will answer the fourth question above, “What is a purification process or procedure?”

KEY SCRIPTURE
Notice first a scripture we have shared many times in our sermons and Bible studies together.

Philippians 4:8 
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Regarding this verse, has the question ever been asked, “Why?”  Why does God want us to think on these things?  What are the benefits?  How am I changed by thinking on these things?  I can tell you right now that thinking on these things is a first step to spiritual Lustration.  Notice:

Before we immerse ourselves in this verse, let us first look at the meaning and intent of the last phrase of this verse, “think on these things.”

Think on these things - Let them be the object of your careful attention and study, so as to practice them. Think what they are; think on the obligation to observe them; think on the influence which they would have on the world around you. ~Barnes Notes

Think on these things - Esteem them highly, recommend them heartily, and practice them fervently. ~Adam Clarke

Think on these things - meditate upon them, revolve them in your minds, seriously consider them, and reason with yourselves about them, in order to put them into practice. ~John Gill

---Let them be the object of your careful attention and study.
---Think what they are.
---Think on the influence they would have on the world [and you].
---Esteem them highly.
---Recommend them heartily.
---Meditate on them.  Revolve them in your minds.
---Seriously consider them.
---Reason with yourselves about them [clearly with the Holy Spirit that is in you].
---PRACTICE THEM FERVENTLY.  That is, invoke them, glean them, keep and use them continually.

If you are doing this as an ongoing and fervent process, you have created content and armor against the incoming arrows and darts of negative/evil thoughts and images.  The weapons of Satan are destroyed in your life.  You know peace and power.

Now I could give you about 2,000 words here on the meaning True, Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely, Of good report, Virtuous and of any Praise, but I want to save time for the Lustration techniques that will aid you in total destruction of evil thoughts and images.  Therefore, I will give you a brief description of these elements.

Whatsoever things are true: All things that are agreeable to unchangeable and eternal truth. ~Adam Clarke

Not merely in words only, but in thoughts and actions. ~Popular commentary

There are truths in Nature and in all things created, including things of man but above this, of course, is all truth of the Word of God.  Live by every word of God.

Homework: Study the 77 verses that use the word, “true” and the 224 verses that use the word, “truth.”  They will include:

Proverbs 3:3 

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Proverbs 12:19 

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs 14:25 

A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

Whatsoever things are honest: Properly, venerable [commanding respect], reverend [deserving reverence]; then honorable, reputable. ~Barnes Notes

2 Corinthians 8:21  Homework: study this verse

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Whatsoever things are just: between man and man, or with respect both to God and men; giving to God what belongs to him, and to man what is his due; studying to exercise a conscience void of offence to both, in opposition to all impiety, injustice, violence, and oppression. ~John Gill   Homework: Look up the 87 verses using the word, “just” as in “a just man.”

Whatsoever things are pure: Speaking of clean things, thoughts, words, deeds. ~Robertson’s Word Pictures
Chaste - in thought, in feeling, and in the conversation between the sexes [1 Timothy 5:2] ~Barnes Notes

Chaste, in words and deeds, in opposition to all filthiness and foolish talking, to obscene words and actions. ~John Gill   Homework:  Look up all scriptures that use the word, “foolish.”

Whatever things are lovely: Which serve to cultivate and increase love, friendship, and amity [peaceful harmony] among men; and which things also are grateful to God and lovely in his sight, in opposition to all contention, strife, wrath, and hatred. ~John Gill

Whatsoever is amiable on its own account and on account of its usefulness to others, whether in your conduct or conversation. ~Adam Clarke

Homework:  Look up the 4 verses that use the word, “lovely” to see what you can glean about that word.

Whatsoever things are of good report:  That is, whatsoever is truly reputable in the world at large. There are actions which all people agree in commending, and which in all ages and countries are regarded as virtues. courtesy, urbanity, kindness, respect for parents, purity between brothers and sisters, are among those virtues, and the Christian should be a pattern and an example in them all. ~Barnes Notes

The firstfruits who make it to the Kingdom of God will be firstfruits of good report:

Acts 6:3 
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost [Spirit] and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  Homework:  Make a list of things of good report in your life.  Notice the link in this verse between the concepts of, “good report” and “wisdom.”

If there be any virtue:  If they be calculated to promote the general good of mankind, and are thus praiseworthy. ~Adam Clarke

2 Peter 1:3-5
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.

Robertson’s Word Pictures says for, “virtue”: Moral power, moral energy, vigor of soul.  The Adam Clarke gives the meaning as, “Courage or fortitude.”

Homework:  Study the six verses using the word, “virtue.”  Find out about the virtue in Jesus.  What does the Bible say about virtuous women?

If there be any praise:  The praise is a consequence of the virtue. He does not intend that the Philippians should follow after all that the carnal world might praise, but only what is praised because it is virtuous. ~Popular commentary

Homework:  What things in your life, that you know about and have seen are worthy of praise?  Make a list.

Conclusion regarding Philippians 4:8
Apply yourselves to each and all the elements of this verse.  Fill yourself with them. Doing so keeps the evil thoughts and images out.  These elements destroy evil thoughts and images.

Techniques to Destroy Evil Thoughts and Images in Your Life
I now want to discuss techniques that may help you mentally and spiritually destroy evil and negative thoughts and images as they come into your conscious mind.  These are merely suggestions that I have gleaned from many sources including the Word of God.  Possibly one or more will work for you or you may find and develop your own techniques as you immerse yourself in the subject and in the Word of God.

1] The Displacement Technique
We learned this in our study of Philippians 4:8.  If we are immersing ourselves in the Word of God and specifically things that are true, honest, just and pure, etc., then the evil thoughts are precluded from approaching your mind.  You have displaced them.

2] The Substitution Technique
This is a procedure where you, the moment the negative thought or image arrives in your conscious mind, destroy it by immediately placing another thought in its place.  This forces that negative image out of the conscious mind.

3] The Shredder or Lake of Fire Technique
This is a specific form of the Substitution Technique with the added virtue of direct action against the negative thought or image.

As the negative image enters your mind, mentally take possession of it and put it into a shredder.  This graphically destroys the image.  You are overpowering the negative image with the image of its destruction.

Another form of this is to put that negative thought directly into the Lake of Fire.  Christ will use this technique with the epitome of evil…Satan.  Notice:

Revelation 20:10 
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are [were thrown], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  

Note: Why is God putting Satan into the Lake of Fire?  Clearly it is not to destroy him.  His punishment will be outer darkness.  See Jude 1:6 and “Satan’s Fate” in the booklet, “Did God Create a Devil?”  God is clearly giving us a specific image of how to destroy an evil thought or image.  In our case, the negative thought or image is utterly destroyed in the fire.

4] The Solomonic Gate Technique
We have spoken a number of times to this technique.  When Solomon became king, he set about making fortified cities throughout Israel.  These were walled cities with very special gates that he designed.

The main gate is actually more like a tunnel.  On each side are three large chambers.  These are the chambers where the elders sit in peace time.  Much of the administration for the city is conducted from these gate chambers.  The elders would interrogate outside visitors to insure that they brought nothing harmful into the city.  In war, these chambers would each be filled with scores of soldiers  who would flood out upon the enemy as they attempted to enter.  As these soldiers were killed, more would be lowered through trap doors above the chambers.  As just one mental technique, use this model in your spiritual battles over negative and evil thoughts and temptations that enter your conscious mind.  Imagine the negative thought as an enemy soldier being overwhelmed by your “spiritual soldiers” who destroy the thoughts and sweep them from the city.  

5] The Mikveh Technique
As stated earlier in this sermon, the children of Israel would bathe in a Mikveh or pool of “living water” before entering into the Temple.  Visualize yourself being cleaned of the negative thought by this cleansing or purification procedure.

It is in this mental and spiritual Mikveh that you experience depuration [dep-yuh-reyt-ion] or becoming free from impurities.  The negative images are thoroughly washed away…down the drain; out of your life.

6] The Prayer of Sanctification Technique
Sanctification is the process of God making something or someone Holy.  I stated this as, “the act of God’s grace by which the affections of men are purified, or alienated from sin and the world.”  When the negative image enters the mind, quickly pray to God for purification or the purging out of the negative image.

In reality, the Salvation Process is your sanctification technique.  It is your Mikveh before entering into the Kingdom of God.  Use prayer, meditation and sanctification from God to immediately and completely cleanse yourself every time this happens.

7] The Rebuking Technique
In Titus chapter 1 we see Paul speaking to the ordaining of elders-minister in every church city.  He gives the attributes that must be in this man who is to be ordained.  He then goes on to describe those who are negative and evil.  Notice what he says:

Titus 1:10-16
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. [emphasis mine]

You can do the same with all things negative and evil, including all negative and evil thoughts and images.  Rebuke them sharply.  Rebuke them in the name of Jesus Christ.

Personally, I rebuke the negative image in the name of Jesus Christ and then put it in the shredder.

All these techniques are mental and spiritual processes.  This means the more you invoke or use them, the more effective they become.

So go now and fervently invoke Lustration.
                

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