Which Road Are You On?
Series: Fool-Proofing Your Life
November 17, 2024
Frank Foreman
Proverbs 7:6-9, For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. ---------- To stay safe, Christians need to be careful about the situations they put themselves. They must think about what might happen if the wrong choices are made. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can expose someone to bad influences or temptations that can lead down a dangerous path. Whether it’s spending a lot of time with negative people, doing risky things, or being in places that encourage bad decisions, surroundings have a big impact on the choices people make. ---------- Another important thing to know is how temptations work. Our temptations are often disguised to get us to do things we shouldn’t. They might flatter us, promise us instant happiness, or play on our weaknesses. The allure of temptation can be strong, but it’s important to be aware of these tactics and stay true to our faith and commitment to Christ. If we know what temptations look like, we can recognize when we’re being manipulated and resist the urge to give in. ---------- In the end, the best way to live a spiritually healthy and holy life is to avoid temptation altogether and seek wisdom from His Word. the Bible is like a compass that that points in a Godly direction and helps us to make good choices and stay on the right path and avoid destruction. It calls us to carefully study the Word and apply those truths to our lives and learn from the mistakes we have made or will make in the future. By being wise, we can navigate life with purpose and avoid the traps that lead to destruction.
Episode Notes
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV), Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Big Idea: Don’t travel the road that leads to destruction…
and be surprised where it ends.
Proverbs 7:1-5, My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.
1. I will avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Maybe I’m not looking for trouble… But I’m not avoiding it either.
Proverbs 7:6-9, For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness.
Proverbs 6:27-28, Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?
Matthew 6:13, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
2. I will recognize the strategies used by the tempter.
I must be aware and alert… And know where I am weak.
Proverbs 7:10-15, And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.”
Proverbs 7:16-18, “I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love.”
Proverbs 7:19-20, “For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home.”
Luke 8:17, For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
3. I will remember what waits at the end of this road.
The little choices I make are moving me closer….
And they will have a big impact on my tomorrow.
Proverbs 7:21-23, With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.
Proverbs 7:24-27, And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
James 1:14-15, But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Psalm 119:9-11, How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word. With my whole heart I seek You; let me not wander from Your commandments! I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
1st Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Next Step: Choose to travel the road that leads to life or destruction…
There is no third option.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20a, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life…
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