Proverbs 5:1-14 – Flee Temptation
Wisdom is the only thing we can use to avoid sin. If we try to rely on our own strength, good motives, or common sense, we will fail and fail miserably. Our sinful nature will be impossible to control when the right temptation hits us. But wisdom – knowing and doing what God wants out of a heart of love for Him – this will hold us back from sin. When we have the things of God constantly before our eyes, it puts a restraint upon us and causes us to rely on the Lord for the strength and power to resist temptation.
Not that temptation is always easily recognised. It almost always looks good, pleasant, enjoyable, but Solomon paints a graphic picture of the result of giving into temptation – any temptation. The end is bitter destruction and death. If we’re trusting in our own judgement, our own desires, certain sins will seem very attractive and reasonable to us, then once we have formed a habit of sinning, we will not want to give it up. But where does unrepentant sin lead? Hell. To carry on sinning, oblivious of what God has to say about it, will result in eternal death. Is it any wonder that Solomon so strongly warns us against starting out on this road?
Solomon strongly warns us, not just about giving in to temptation, but even coming close to temptation. If we know that a situation, or a person, or a possession, or a film, or a song is going to make us really struggle with sin, we should avoid those things. We should not be so foolish as to think that we are spiritual giants when we’re not. Know yourself; know what’s going to really cause you to struggle to do what’s right, and avoid it. If you don’t, it could ruin your life.
Questions
- What do we use to fight temptation? How does this help us?
- How can we recognise temptation and sin?
- What should we do about the things that tempt us?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would flee temptation.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.