Intro:
Good morning! We're diving into Proverbs chapter five today, as Glenn Power teaches. We'll confront a challenging, yet crucial, theme: the warnings about immorality and lust. While intense, these warnings and God's positive vision for sexuality are vital medicine for our souls in our "Summer of Wisdom" series.
Scripture References: Proverbs 5:1-14, Proverbs 5:15-20, Proverbs 7:26, Proverbs 16:6, Matthew 5:27-29, John 4, 2 Samuel 11, Romans 5, 2 Peter 1
Key Points:
- Proverbs' Urgent Warnings:
- Chapters 5-7 are almost entirely dedicated to warnings against immorality and lust.
- This feels like a "fear tactic" to modern ears, but Proverbs is not embarrassed to warn. It's the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 16:6), avoiding evil by understanding sin's devastating consequences.
- Jesus amplifies this: "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out... better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell" (Matthew 5:27-29). He goes to the heart, where lust begins.
- A Positive Vision for Sexuality:
- Proverbs also gives a positive vision for sex within marriage. Proverbs 5:15-20 graphically depicts the joy and pleasure of marital intimacy.
- God created sex as a beautiful gift within the marriage covenant.
- We need to move beyond shame; the problem isn't being "too sexual," but often not experiencing sexual fulfillment in God's intended way.
- The "Immoral Woman" in Modern Context:
- Proverbs' "immoral woman" represents a spirit of temptation (a profile of darkness) that pulls both men and women astray.
- Today, this "immoral woman" takes many forms, notably pornography, which statistics show is a pervasive struggle even among Christians and leaders. Proverbs 7:26: "Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng."
- The Path to Freedom:
- Run to God, not from God, even in failure. Romans 5:8: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God doesn't shame; He washes and loves.
- Embrace a Kingdom Gospel powerful enough to set you free. God gives us "everything we need for a godly life" (2 Peter 1:3). Don't settle for addiction.
- Overcome lust through daily connection with the Spirit: Prayer, Word study, fasting.
- Overcome lust through divine purpose: Idleness and boredom lead to sin (2 Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba). God has a unique mission for you.
- Overcome lust through true intimacy with God: For singles, the highest pleasure is intimacy with the Creator. John 4: "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst... a spring of water welling up to eternal life." God's love satisfies deeply.
- Overcome lust through transparent relationships, self-control, self-imposed boundaries, and specialized support. If you've tried everything, get help!
Conclusion:
Sexual sin is deeply personal and can feel shameful, a padlock without a key. But God offers life, not death. In our deepest, darkest moments, He says, "I choose you. I love you. Come to me." Breaking sin's power isn't about bootstraps; it's through Him.
Call to Action:
Receive prayer today; breaking sin's power isn't done alone. When we open up and invite God's light, amazing things happen. Come to the table to remember Jesus' broken body and spilled blood—His ultimate price for our freedom. He gave His life so we could have life.
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