SUMMARY: Lingering temptation
OVERVIEW: Moses is angry that Israel didn’t entirely defeat its enemy.
BIG IDEA: Don’t try to resist temptation—flee temptation.
KEY VERSE: Ecclesiastes 7:26 (Warning from the teacher)
I discovered that a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Her passion is a snare, and her soft hands are chains. Those who are pleasing to God will escape her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Don’t play with or minimize temptation. It is more powerful than most realize. It is not the most powerful—I am—but it can sway and redirect with great effectiveness. Your enemy treats temptation as a game, playfully teasing and enticing while setting a trap. He will make it appear that you’re in control, that you can say “no” at any time while he baits you. Then your enemy may ignore you, giving you a false sense of security, yet leave a few seeds to entice you toward his trap. Finally, he will catch you off-guard—in a place or at a time you would never expect—and offer just a look or taste or touch until the trap shuts.
Don’t fight temptation. Run from it. But don’t run aimlessly—run to me. I will give you hope. I will provide you with strength. I will remind you what is true and give you the ability to discern good from evil. Run to me and away from the world’s snare.
NEXT STEP
Identify what tempts you to sin and remove it from your life. Or put together a plan to remove yourself from the temptation. Share your goal with a friend.
LYRIC VIDEO
BONUS Music Video