Humanity was created with an innate desire to experience joy. It goes without saying that the chief pursuit of man is to find happiness— peace, contentment and satisfaction. We’ve all heard the worldly mantra, “Do whatever makes you feel good.” Or perhaps, “Life is too short not to enjoy the things that make you happy.” We don’t have to look very far to see this lived out, because we ourselves struggle and fight against these natural inclinations. As believers, our hearts remain susceptible to the carnal desires and the passions of our flesh. Paul speaks of this in Galatians 5 where he instructs believers to walk in the Spirit so as to not act upon the desires of the flesh (5:16). The first several “deeds of the flesh” he later identifies pertain to immorality, impurity, and sensuality. More than a millennium earlier, King Solomon emphasizes the destructive nature of sexual immorality in Proverbs 5, warning his children about the harlot and her addictive appeals. The command to not engage in the sin of immorality is clear, but Solomon recognizes the alluring features of this sin that must be guarded against. It’s why he spends much of his time warning his son of her enticing words (5:3). But even more so, he commands his son to avoid her altogether—“Do not even go near her door” (5:8). May I suggest that this “door” today isn’t so much the actual door to a harlot’s residence as much as it is the door of our smartphones and tablets? Curiosity, second thoughts, and plain old spiritual apathy often lead to defeated resolve and broken relationships. The apostle Paul echoes this warning and Solomon’s call to avoid sexual allurements at all costs. He says to Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts.” He did not say, “Stand there and pray for strength.” He said to run! Wisdom says to go out of your way to avoid temptation even if it’s inconvenient or cumbersome for you. If this seems like an overreaction, listen to how Solomon ends with a description of the one who succumbs: “He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” Sexual sin is attractive and addictive, which is a lethal combination. Beware, to the one “who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls” (1 Cor 10:12). May we give utmost attention to this critical warning. Lasting joy and satisfaction are only found in your intimate relationship with God and God alone. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Pastor Rory–Attitudes in Prayer: Humility
10AM: Pastor Rory–Immorality’s Demise, 1–Proverbs 5:1-23 (sermon notes)
6PM: Church Cookout in Maple Plain