1. What is Defilement?
Defilement is anything that destroys or pollutes our purity before God. It does not have to be something big—even small sins can stain a holy life.
Think of a white garment. Just one small drop of ink makes the whole garment look unclean. In the same way, one small sinful thought or action can corrupt the holiness of a believer. Scripture says:
“Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.” (Habakkuk 1:13, NIV)
God is holy, and He calls His people to be holy (Leviticus 19:2).
In the Law, God gave Israel specific instructions about what made someone unclean:
During those times, even if the person had washed, they were not allowed into the assembly of God. This shows us how serious God considered purity.
“Anyone who touches them will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening.” (Leviticus 15:27, NIV)
Disobedience to these laws could result in death. This points us to the holiness of God and the need for cleansing before approaching Him.
When Jesus came, He revealed that the real issue was not ceremonial uncleanness but the uncleanness of the heart. He taught:
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.” (Matthew 15:18–20, NIV)
So in Christ, the greatest danger is not touching an unclean thing but allowing sinful thoughts, words, or actions to corrupt our hearts.
The Apostle Paul also reminds us:
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1, NIV)
Defilement breaks fellowship with God. Just as in the Old Testament, where a defiled person had to wait before entering God’s presence, so in the New Testament, sin separates us from enjoying intimacy with Him.
Isaiah says:
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2, NIV)
That’s why when we entertain sinful thoughts, gossip, lust, or filthy words, we suddenly feel spiritually dry. Prayer becomes difficult, and the sense of God’s presence fades.
The Bible gives us clear instructions:
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)
The key is to fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word and His promises. Only then can we resist the pollution of sin.
Defilement is not something small. It can cost us intimacy with God, weaken our prayer life, and even lead to spiritual death if ignored. But thanks be to God, through Christ we have forgiveness and cleansing:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
Therefore, let us walk in holiness, keeping ourselves from anything that defiles, so that our journey with God may remain unhindered.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NIV)
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