Bible Pathway - July 21, 2010
Highlights:
How often have we heard someone say they wished they had known what they know now when they were young? Truly listening to the instruction of a father (Prov. 4:1) will spare a child heartache and misery. Read the pitfalls of wicked living, bad company, immorality, and temptation. Don't miss the wise way to live (4:18,20-22)! It is of utmost importance that you know the seven things that the Lord hates (6:16-19). Again a simple person is pointed out and his destination predicted (7:7; 7:24-27).
Sexual sins are so deceptive and so destructive that more space is given in Proverbs to warnings of their wickedness than to any other sin. Sexual sin defiles the body which, for believers, is the temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (I Cor. 6:19). The warnings against such sins are found in Proverbs in all of chapter 5; 6:23-35; all of chapter 7; 9:13-18; and 22:14. God reveals that the only sure way of safety is found when wisdom entereth into thine heart . . . understanding shall . . . deliver thee from the strange woman . . . which flattereth with her words (Prov. 2:10-11,16, also 19). Indulging in a sinful relationship may provide momentary physical gratification; but whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul (6:32).
God warns that disastrous results are inevitable: He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter (7:22). Some people assume that adultery and fornication are acceptable between consenting adults; but God says: Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind . . . shall inherit the Kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:9-10). Satan can only tempt us, but we sin as we dwell upon the temptation. We win by obeying God's Word by bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5).
Anyone who has been drawn into sexual sins should genuinely repent of this evil and ask God for forgiveness, for he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Prov. 28:13). But this Man (the Lord Jesus Christ), after (when) He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. . . . For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (cleansed from sin, made holy). . . . And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission (forgiveness) of these is, there is no more offering (sacrifice) for sin (Heb. 10:12,14,17-18).
Thought for Today:
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer (Ps. 102:17).
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Prov. 4:7,11). Christ is the Teacher in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3).
Word Studies:
4:12 straitened =b> hindered; 4:13 fast =b> firm; 4:24 froward mouth =b> deceitful talk; 5:3 strange =b> adulterous; 5:6 moveable =b> irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished =b> delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords of his sins =b> ensnared, held fast by the control of his sins; 6:12 naughty =b> worthless, wicked; 6:26 whorish woman =b> prostitute; 7:10 subtil =b> deceitful; 7:18 solace =b> delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Government Officials: Sen. John Barrasso (WY), Rep. Bobby Bright (AL), Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. John Duncan (TN), Rep. Phil Roe (TN), Rep. John Salazar (CO), and Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY) • Country: Somalia (7 million) on the Horn of Africa • Major languages: Somali and Arabic • Islam is officially favored and all other religions are opposed • 99.8% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: When you are in desperate circumstances, turn to the Lord with fasting and prayer (II Chron. 20:2-4).
Optional Reading: Titus 2
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:9
