Defilement Prevention
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 15:1-20 and Psalm 59:11-17 (NIV)
(Marjorie Tan, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 15:1-20 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The Pharisees and teachers of the law were indignant that Jesus’ disciples did not wash their hands before eating. Jesus called out their hypocrisy and pointed out the times they had broken God’s command in favour of man-made rules and traditions.
Jesus explained that it is not what goes into the mouth, but what flows out of it, that truly defiles. Food enters the stomach and exits the body. On the other hand, if what flows from within our hearts are rebellious and evil thoughts – such as murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, or slander (vv. 17-19) – then the words that flow out of our mouths are what truly nullify God’s Word and defile us (v. 11).
APPLY:
How honestly I relate with God depends on my heart’s spiritual condition. Do I genuinely seek His pleasure in everything I do? Do I delight in meeting with Him so that I might rest in His presence and know His thoughts and plans for me? Am I investing time and resources to serve His purposes? Is my worship of Him on sacred ground, or is it sacrilegiously self-centred, having only an appearance of godliness? Do I twist God’s Word to suit my situation, or do I trust Him to reign over my circumstances? The condition of my heart either sanctifies me as Christ’s follower or defiles my witness as God’s bearer of redeeming grace. Internal formation is what protects us from external threats. If we are strong on the inside, we become more resilient to temptation and tribulation.
DO:
To condition my heart so that no evil lurks within, I should:
1. Depend increasingly on God – to cultivate that quiet faith which seeks to please Him and grow His presence and power within me. This begins with regular reflection and rejoicing in how God has redeemed me, a sinner; confession when I have failed to obey Jesus as Lord; and moving forward with God’s forgiveness in joyful obedience.
2. Eagerly feed on His Word that nourishes me and reveals my true spiritual condition. I should go in His strength to do all that is good and right, trusting and obeying His Word explicitly, without addition or subtraction.
PRAY:
Almighty God, guard my faith from defilement and establish my devotion to You, purged of all hypocrisy. Align my heart with Yours and grant me the wisdom and courage to reject any man-made rules that You despise. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Living Word, who commands my obedience. Amen.
