Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, September 20, 2024
Today's Text: Proverbs 1:10-19
Key Verse: Proverbs 1:10 (NLT): "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them."
Temptation lurks around every corner, seeking to derail us from God's purpose. Today's scripture warns against succumbing to sinful allurements. This Proverbs presents a vivid picture of how subtle and yet destructive in nature temptations can be. How a sinful act, or a group of sinners may promise us wealth, power, or fleeting pleasures with enticements that secretly lead to ruin (v. 19). Through the wise counselor/writer of this passage, the Holy is urging us both to resist temptation's snare and to eschew the allure of sinful companions. It is too much liability upon a believer to succumb to the influence of unregenerated men.
God is addressing us because we are his sons. The intimate address is used to emphasize the importance of wisdom coming from our inherent spiritual connection with God rather than with sinners, who are known to deliberately rebel against God's laws, who seek to entice, persuade or allure us with deceitful intentions. But we must not give in. Yes! The phrase "do not give in" stresses the need for active resistance against temptation. We all have the moral responsibility as individual to choose between righteousness and sin; good and evil; and ultimately between life and death. We do these through the day-to-day recognizing and resisting of temptations and pressure; by standing firm against sinful enticements, even if they come from fellow faithfuls, friends or family. Our motivation must always be a desire for spiritual growth and obedience to God's commands.
We often fall prey to temptation because of our lack of spiritual grounding. This is because we often neglect our relationship with God, and become vulnerable to sinful influences. We also fall prey because of misplaced priorities. We seek worldly gains or temporary highs which often lead us down a path of destruction. And, we fall prey when we fail to consider consequences of our choices and actions. Our generation in particular is driven by momentary spurs and gains. That's why many, today, overlook the long-term effects of their choices, ignoring the devastating impact on their lives and relationships.
Action Step: Seek God's wisdom. Delight in God's commands and cultivate a desire for spiritual growth. Weigh the long-term effects of your choices, remembering that sin's allurements are fleeting.
Quote for the Day: "Resistance to temptation is difficult when we are driven by sensual thing and easy when grounded in a deepening relationship with God." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please give me grace to overcome me the snares of the devil. Give me wisdom to recognize sinful enticements and strength to resist them. Help me to grow up in my relationship with You, delighting in Your commands and seeking Your righteousness. May I yield the guidance of your Holy Spirit in recognizing the consequences of my choices, and keeping me on the path of righteousness — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 119:1-8, and Matthew 4:1-11.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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