10 MINDLESS STEPS TO MORAL SIN
February 07, 2023
Nobody wants to suffer or cause others to suffer. But God is very clear in His Word about the path into moral impurity and its deadly consequences. He warns us by completely uncovering the dark and very common path we travel. Notice the progression in Proverbs 7 … ten steps that lead us into our enemy's carefully-laid traps.
- We don't hide the Word of God in our hearts that will keep us from sin. (Vs. 1-5)
- We become naive, lacking sense. (Vs. 6-7)
- We "pass by" immorality and end up "taking the way to her house.” We quietly entertain it, thinking we can come close with no consequences. (Vs. 8)
- We do what we do under the cover of darkness. We are secretive about our sin. (Vs. 9)
- Immorality always presents itself. Satan will see to this because he does not miss such an opportunity. (Vs. 10)
- Our temptress is cunning; her feet "do not remain at home," and she reaches out aggressively to us. (Vs. 10-13)
- We realize that she has been waiting for this moment, planning her temptation beforehand. (Vs. 15)
- Immorality presents an enticing picture of how wonderful it will be, tempting us to fulfill legitimate desires in illegitimate ways. We become enamored with sin’s supposed value and immediate gratification. (Vs. 15-21)
- We follow (and it can happen suddenly) and step into sin. It is our choice, but the step is almost inevitable, for we have made many compromises to get this far. (Vs. 22)
- We do not think about the consequences of sin, just as an ox goes to the slaughter and a bird hastens to the snare. It will cost us our life and bring destruction without fail. There are ALWAYS deadly consequences to our moral sin. (Vs. 22-23)
THE ANTIDOTE
There is an antidote for this moral slide. It is found in the first verses of the Proverb.
My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your intimate friend that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words. (Vs. 1-5)
Moral sin begins with an unprotected mind, descends to the heart (our affections, our values, what we want), and ends with the conscious choices of our bodies. This is why Proverbs ends with this final admonition.
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain. Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. (Vs. 25-27)
Moral sin is the easiest and deadliest step in the world. Millions have been ruined, their life a mere shadow of what they could have been for God’s glory.
If you find yourself there, go to some trusted, godly friends immediately. Get transparent about your sin and the temptations you’re facing. Memorize Proverbs 7 and heed its warning. Hide God’s Word in your heart and get strong accountability from godly friends who have found victory in this area.
The deeper you’ve fallen, the broader your parameters of protection and accountability must be. There are hard choices that must be taken, but spiritual success is completely possible through reliance upon the Spirit of God and surrender to His promptings and the illumination of His Word.
Millions have fallen, but millions have stopped the slide. You and others around you deserve more. And the God who made you for greater things longs to protect you and use your life greatly.
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