Bible Pathways - July 21, 2005
July 21
Read Proverbs 4:1
In Today's
The power of wisdom to protect from evil; the seven sins most hated by God; the necessity of keeping God's Commandments
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 Spirit (see I Corinthians 6:19). The warnings against such sins are found in Proverbs throughout chapter 5; 6:23-35; throughout chapter 7; 9:13-18; and 22:14. God reveals that the only sure way of safety is found when wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul . . . understanding shall . . . deliver you from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flatters with her words (Proverbs 2:10-11,16, see also vs 19). Indulging in a sinful relationship may provide momentary physical gratification; but whoso commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul (6:32).
God warns that disastrous results are inevitable: He goes after her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks (7:22). Some people assume that adultery and fornication are acceptable when they occur 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
Satan can only tempt us, but sin begins when we dwell upon the temptation Therefore, we must obey God's Word by bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).
Anyone who has been drawn into sexual sins should genuinely repent of this evil and ask God for forgiveness. Some are deceived by the Devil who always says, tomorrow, or just one more time. But the Word of God is final: He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). We may have forgiveness of sin because this Man (the Lord Jesus Christ), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. . . . For by one offering He has perfected for ever them that are sanctified (cleansed from sin, made holy) (Hebrews 10:12,14). Therefore, God has declared: Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission (forgiveness) of these is, there is no more offering (sacrifice) for sin (Hebrews 10:17-18).
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7,11). Christ is the Teacher in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Word Studies:
4:12 straitened = hindered; 4:13 fast = firm; 4:24 froward mouth = deceitful talk; 5:3 strange = adulterous; 5:6 moveable = irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished = delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords of his sins = ensnared, held fast by the control of his sins; 6:12 naughty = worthless, wicked; 6:26 whorish woman = prostitute; 7:10 subtil = deceitful; 7:18 solace = delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Prayer · Staff: Clarence Rathbone · Government Official: Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. John Duncan (TN), and Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY) · Country: Greece (11 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Greek and English · Government restrictions on witnessing to others about Christ · 97% Greek Orthodox (2% churchgoers); 1% Muslim; .4% Roman Catholic; .1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you boldness and opportunities to share the gospel with others (Colossians 4:3-4).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:16
