The problem is we live in a world that despises God. We live in a world that wants nothing to do with God. Mankind has been infected with sin and the essence of sin is to live as if God does not matter. His law is irrelevant and his authority is despised. The point Proverbs drives home very early in the book is this - if we are to live wisely in this world, we are going to be doing so in a hostile environment. WE will not be applauded by the world for living in the fear of God.
That becomes obvious as your read this first chapter. Only 10 verses in and we read ‘My son if sinners entice you, do not consent.” Proverbs 1:10 Probably a better reading might be “when sinners entice you…” It’s not a question of if but when sinners entice you. You don’t have to have lived very long to know the reality of these temptations.
Here’s a dad who knows the world he is living in. He does not have his head stuck in the sand. Here is a dad preparing his child for the road, not running ahead preparing the road for the child. Great instruction for a child heading off to high school or college. Son here’s what you are going to face when you get there, so be prepared.
I want to make us think a little about this. We live in a world where people not only sin but take great pleasure in trying to entice others to join them in their sin. When Satan was kicked out of heaven for his pride and a third of the angels went with him Satan was not content to just sit around with the fallen angels and wait for God to cast him into the lake of fire, which one day is going to happen Revelation 20:10 . Satan went looking to corrupt, to entice and he found Adam and Eve two innocent people living in wonderful fellowship with God. Those people will always be some of the key targets of the Satan.
The one who has come to know Christ as Savior, and now fears God, loves God and desires to live a holy life, that person is going to become a target of the evil one. That is the one he is seeking to entice. The person who fears God, longs to obey him and walks with him on campus is going to stand out. Sinners don’t like to be shown up. They want you to fall, they want you to give in, they want you to be like everyone else. Lighten up, everyone’s doing it, come on join the party we’ll have a blast.
Proverbs says - when they come do not consent - do not give in. They will mock you, laugh at you, gossip about you, slander you and maybe even physically hurt you. People you once thought were your friends turn their back on you because you won’t go along. But still we must remain strong. If sinners entice you don’t give in. Why?
Proverbs 1:18-19. “They lie in wait for their own blood. . .”
If you lack wisdom God says it is readily available. Proverbs 1:20-21 James 1:5 It can be discouraging having to deal with these relentless enticements. But God will shine His light on your path through His Word. Remember this - God will give you the grace, strength and wisdom to walk through these mine fields.
We may be the target of their enticements but we do not have to become a victim. We may be the target of the enemy but we do not need to become a trophy of the enemy. Proverbs 1:33 “whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster”. Not so with those trying to entice you. Proverbs 1:19
Let me leave you with some encouraging words from Scripture to help you walk in victory.
Psalm 119:11 "Thy Word have i Hid in my heart that i might not sin against thee."
Proverbs 21:31 “The horse is made ready for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
Joshua 1:8-9 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
2 Peter 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.1 John 4:4-6 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:13-14 ESV
Heading to College? Facing a hard time at work or home? Remember you are not alone. Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might. God is with you, God will fight for you. So if sinners entice you do not consent. Walk in wisdom.
Our enemy is defeated so put on the whole armour of God that you might the able to stand..." Ephesians 6:10-18
Read this passage a meditate up these liberating truths. Romans 6:16-18
Then remember God's promise "whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Proverbs 1:33 ESV
Jesus says we are to daily "Take up your cross, (ignore the carrot) and follow me.
No comments:
Post a Comment