PODCAST
Be Wise–Avoid Temptation
May 1st, 2014
Proverbs 7:1-9
Rarely does a person set out to live a life of destruction. More often, poor choices are made one at a time. There has often been confusion about whether temptation is a sin. The simple answer is: no. Still, temptation isn’t harmless. James 1:14 tells us that temptation comes from “evil” or uncontrolled desires. Temptation provides fertile ground for the growth of sin and eventually death. Some may flirt with temptation, believing that they have the power to overcome it. When resolve gets weak and temptation persists, sin is the natural progression.
Certainly the power of the Holy Spirit can help in resisting temptation. The truth in Proverbs 7 gives wise instruction: avoid temptation altogether. How is this possible? We need to embrace “wisdom” as a “sister” and “insight” as a “relative” (v.4). Then we will remain intimately connected (related) to God and God’s word (v.1-2).
Struggling with temptation takes away energy and effort that we can better use for God and His Kingdom.
Author: Carol Rittenhouse
