Proverbs Part X-One Step Away (Proverbs 6:20-7:27)

What a disturbing weekend. I wish I could go into details, but I just don't think that would be appropriate here. Just understand that the truths you are about to read not only come from Proverbs 6 and 7 but were experienced first hand in the life of a great friend...well, at least the reality of the enticement and the consequences. The last part, the way out, was offered but never accepted until it was too late.

Here are just a few points to think about as we get into this section of Proverbs:

-This discussion takes place just before after the “things God hates” section where we talked about God’s general hatred of sin.

-Here is a specific sin that is talked about at length, probably because of its pervasiveness. Maybe because so much of what is described as hated by God is found in this particular sin.

-All 7 of the things that are described as hated by God can be seen in my friend's story: the pride, deception, outright lies, devising of wicked plans, haste to do evil, hurting other people, and the possibility of causing discord in the church (may not have been his intention, but it is happening)

-None of us are immune to this...even you ladies!

So, here are some things to remember about the enticement, promises, and consequences of sexual sin:

The Enticement:
1. Begins in an “innocent” way (6:25)
-as simple as a look
-a warning sign for you if a look from a girl/guy captures your mind/thoughts & heart
-”The Talmud (a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs, and history. It is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, second only to the Hebrew Bible in importance) identifies the heart and eye as agents of sin. To permit your mind to become obsessed with lustful thoughts it to put yourself willingly in the way of temptation.” (The Woman’s study bible notes)
-why we need to check up lust from the very beginning

2. Rarely perceived as subtle (7:10-11)
-ladies, you may think your actions and words are subtle towards a boy, but they are not perceived as subtle...they are flashing with a big bright sign that says “SEX” all over it.
-your dress, your looks, your flirting, your words may not lead them to do anything inappropriate toward you but it will put tempt them sexually to then deal with that in an ungodly way. Ladies have a responsibility to the guys around them to protect their purity. Watch your words, your touches, your dress, your looks and know that what may seem like “innocent flirting” to you could be the starting point of a long path of sin and suffering for the guy.


3. Is easily compartmentalized (7:14)
-temptation may dissipate during retreats/camps but quickly comes back
-here we see the “prostitute” eager to get back to business after taking some time off for religious reasons
-The Peace Offering is sometimes translated Fellowship Offering. It came about voluntarily, as a desire was expressed to thank God and to seek for fellowship (communion) with God.
The blood of the Peace Offering was sprinkled at the Burnt Offering Altar, the fat and inward parts were removed and the remainder roasted. The fat and inward parts were burned; this was for God's satisfaction, as a sweet aroma. Because God had stated clearly what pleased Him, then a person who offered such a Peace Offering was truly doing what pleased God: that person was having fellowship (communing) with God.
The Peace Offering was an indication of a good, healthy, loving relationship between the offerer and God and between the offerer and the priests. There was peace with God and there was peace with fellow citizens.

4. Eagerly looks for the first opportunity (7:15)

Three Enticing Promises:
1. Promises the best (7:16-17)

2. Promises fulfillment (7:18)

3. Promises you won’t be caught (7:19-20)

When we believe these promises and live in these sins, a lot of times we look at sin and consequences in scripture and we think, “God would never bring that on me. He is gracious and forgiving.” In my friend's case, he has faced and is facing ALL the consequences in chapters 6 & 7 of Proverbs.

The Consequences:
1. Everything is taken away (6:26)

2. Self-destruction (6:31)

3. Wounds-public & private (6:33)

4. Great Shame-to himself, his family, his church and his God (6:33)

5. Loss of Reputation (6:33)

6. Sudden loss of Life (7:22-23)
-How many cows know what they are headed to? Why are we so often oblivious to the
“end-game” of our sin?
-there is significant risk involved in the activities of adultery/sexual sin and “wisdom dictates that such behaviors should be avoided” (The Apologetics study bible notes)

My friend had many opportunities to get out. God would have stayed some of these consequences, and in his grace may have and may will keep them from being as bad as they could be had he taken the way out when it was offered. The same is offered to you. The longer you stay in the deeper the consequences. Get out now! But how?

The Way Out:
1. Don’t even get close! (5:8; v7-9)

2. Recognize Your Vulnerability
-7:1-5-”What we think about regularly affects what we do, and what we do regularly produces habits, and ultimately determines our character. A regular focus on God’s truth provides protection against adultery and sexual immorality, while a regular focus on sexual images leads a person closer to the behaviors that Pr condemns” (The apologetics study bible notes)

3. Stay close to the lessons others have learned and taught you (6:20-24; 7:1-3)

4. Confess (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 3:7-8)
-you may think it would be easier or better to keep it quiet and try to deal with it “between you and God” but voicing your sin is a much swifter path to life change.

Please take this seriously. When this pattern of life started for my friend when he was 15, he would have never imagined himself being where he is today...don't let it get a foothold in your life...talk to SOMEONE about the seriousness of the sin that is grabbing hold of your life.