Wisdom for Living Well From Proverbs – Saying No To Temptation II
Text for Sermon: Proverbs 1:10; 4:14-15; 14:16; 16:17-18; 22:3
Introduction.
We are in the midst of a series on the book of Proverbs seeking God’s wisdom to live wisely and well in a foolish and fallen world. As Paul says in Romans 12:2 this fallen world all around us is constantly trying to squeeze us into its mold. Sin keeps making us foolish, and we need God’s wisdom and the Spirit’s help.
Last week we started looking at Proverbs practical wisdom for resisting temptations voice, refusing sinful influences and Satan’s bait, and for choosing the path of wisdom. I wonder if any of you recognized temptations this week and were able to respond differently. Any victories?
I cast a big net of twenty different kinds of temptation, ways we fall into sin.
We are hurt or offended by someone and we are tempted to respond with anger or revenge. We are slandered and we want to return slander or gossip. Difficulties in school tempt us to cheat. Business pressures tempt us to do something that lacks integrity, or step on others to climb the ladder. Marriage pressures tempt us unkindness, selfishness or even infidelity. A family member or church member hurts us and we are tempted to never talk to them again. Greed tempts us to find security in something monetary. Lust tempts us to find some pleasure in something momentary. Trials or suffering in life tempt us to doubt or deny God.
Who has not fallen? I closed last week with the example of four men who fell.
The strongest man in the Bible fell into temptation, more than once.
The greatest king in the Bible, a man after God’s own heart, fell into temptation more than once.
The wisest man in the Bible who wrote these proverbs fell into temptation more than once.
The man closest to Jesus fell into temptation more than once. Do you think you are stronger or wiser than them?