Whenever God delivers us from anything (sex, drugs, alcohol, etc) it is very vital that we maintain our deliverance. However, maintaining your deliverance can be a very challenging thing to do most of the times. Even though it can be challenging to say clean does not make it impossible to do because, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Here are some ways to help you maintain your deliverance and purity.

1. Study the bible daily It is important to study the word of God. There are several benefits of doing that. Here are just a few of them.

First, it draws you closer to God. In my walk with God, I have found several ways to get closer to God—prayer, fasting, and reading the Bible. The Bible teaches us that in order to get closer to God, we must “submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8). I once saw a T-shirt that said, “If God seems far, who moved?” God is unmovable, and always stable. He seems far only to those who do not seek Him diligently. When you diligently seek God, you will realize that He is not the one that is far away but we are.

Second, it gives you a fresh revelation. When you spend time reading God’s word, He reveals his plan for your future. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Corinthians 2:9). This is such an encouragement to know that God has not forgotten about us. He died so that you might have life and have it more abundantly (see John 10:10). I love God’s word because I do not have to depend on others to know His will for my life. You do not need anyone to interpret scriptures for you when you have the Holy Spirit. He will guide you and interpret it for you. Just ask Him. Don’t become too dependant on the interpretation of the scriptures from others because most people’s interpretation, especially those who haven’t gone through any trials or tribulations will always mislead you.Third, it equips believers for tough questions. Even though we do not have the answer to every question, we are encouraged to study to show ourselves approved. What does that it mean to ‘study to show yourself approve?” It means that as a disciple of Jesus Christ, when people ask you basic questions about your faith such as: “Who wrote the Bible?” you should be able to tell them that the Bible wasn’t written buy one person but from 40 different authors with different backgrounds (such as layers, cup-bearers, murders, thieves, shepherds, etc),social economic status and ages. If they ask you how long did it take to write the Bible? You should be able to tell them that the bible was written in over 15 hundred years. There are more basic questions that every disciple of Jesus Christ should know, and the couple I mentioned are definitely some of them.However, many people do not do that. It is very saddening to see unbelievers who know the Bible better than Christians do. As Christians, we should be able to answer certain questions posed to us by unbelievers. Many Christians cannot answer basic fundamental questions because they are not taking God’s word seriously enough. Fourth, it encourages you. The word of God always encourages me. Whenever I feel like giving up, I can turn to Philippians 4:13 and say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When the enemy is attacking me, I can let him know that “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. And every tongue that rises against me in judgment you shall condemn” (Is. 54:17).

Whenever I feel as if I am losing my spiritual battles, I let the enemy know that, “Greater is He [Jesus] that’s in me than he [Satan] that’s in the world” (1 John 4:4). When I forget about God’s blessings and promises for my life, His word says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6, emphasis added). “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). I have used all these scriptures and more to combat doubt and discouragement from the enemy. These are just a few of them. There are many more. Check it out!Fifth, it guides us. As people of God, there are times when we all need guidance and direction. Many people are looking for spiritual guidance. Unfortunately, most only get secular guidance. I would rather get spiritual guidance from a believer’s perspective than from a non-believer’s. What do you do when you need direction? Proverbs 3:5-6 has your answer, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

2. Find a bible believing church Make sure that you find a good Bible-based church that believes in the Birth, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. This is an opportunity to get some of your questions answered. This will help you draw closer to God. If you need help finding a church home, pray and ask God to lead you. He always does.

3. Hang around godly people Hang around people who want the same thing out of life as you do. Pray for God to send you Christian friends and people that will love you and not be quick to judge you. I thank God every day for the friends He sent me. Without them, I would have made many more mistakes, but with them, I avoided more mistakes. When dating, be careful who you choose as your partner. The apostle Paul said, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:14-17). In essence, what this scripture is telling us is this; “Don’t get yourself caught in something that you will be able to get out of.” Getting involved with an unsaved person will jeopardize your relationship with God. If you don’t have a partner with like mind about Jesus Christ, you are digging your own grave.

4. Be filled with the Holy Spirit This is my favorite step. The Holy Spirit is my best friend and over the years, I learned to depend solely on Him. In Joel 2:28 God said, “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants. I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth.” God wants to pour out his Holy Spirit on everyone that is ready to receive him. The Holy Spirit can be your best friend, your lawyer, your counselor, and teach, if you allow Him. He will not force Himself on you if you drive Him away.