social media platform is seemingly filled with the attack of lust . We must wake up to this reality . We cannot be lulled to sleep ; we must be ready for the ambush of sin .
Sinful lust wants to seize you ( vv . 13-20 ). I strongly encourage you to read through Proverbs 7 several times , but in these verses , notice the deception of the adulteress . Notice how seductive her words are and her cleverness in seeking to lure the young man into her trap of death . She compliments , lies , and seduces him as she appeals to his desires and even tries to present herself as spiritual . Satan is brutally clever in disguising himself with deception . We must always remember the goal of sin is to destroy us 100 percent of the time .
Sinful lust wants to kill you ( vv . 22-23 ). This battle is one of life and death . If you consider that extreme , you must reread these verses . Notice the Bible says , “ All at once he follows her .” It is a snap decision and a choice that will lead to his death . These verses provide three images of an animal led toward certain death . This is the reality of the danger of the young man who decides to walk the path of the adulteress . Again , notice the ignorance and stupidity of the young man , “ He does not know that it will cost him his life .” The goal of sinful lust , according to Proverbs 7 , is death . That is sobering .
A preacher once said , “ A moment of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of regret .” This is profound wisdom to consider . Think about what sinful lust produces . It is a moment of lustful pleasure that will most often lead to instant regret and very often serious and long-term consequences . Again , the goal of sinful lust in your life is death : death to your marriage , your family , and your relationship with the Lord . Is that moment of pleasure worth the sacrifice of all that is most precious to you ? John Owen said , “ Be killing sin , or sin will be killing you .” Therefore , it is powerful to see the “ adulteress ” before you , who represents lust , and to say to her , “ You desire to destroy me , but in Jesus ’ name I destroy you !” How many men have their affections for Christ hijacked by this sin ? But the Bible invites us to repentance , restoration , and renewal .
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I Must Listen Up to Live ( Prov . 7:24-27 )
In reality , a significant portion of men reading this right now are dangerously caught up in the sin of lust , and all men will battle this temptation in one way or another . Proverbs 7 is a powerful unpacking of this battle , which leads to a great conviction , but let us end with the hope of the Gospel for us all . Regardless of where you find yourself or how deep in the muck you think you are , the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ can set you free . The Bible provides extraordinary wisdom regarding the sin of lust in Proverbs 7 . The wise man will take heed ; the wise man can and will see victory . ■
HOW JESUS TAKES US FROM FAILURE TO FREEDOM
In our guilt , Jesus gives us grace . No man is too far gone , too awful , or too sinful . Jesus offers inexhaustible grace again today . “ God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners , Christ died for us ” ( Rom . 5:8 ).
In our filth , Jesus gives us favor . It is only by the Gospel of Jesus Christ that our filthy robes are exchanged for righteousness in Christ ( Zech . 3:4 ).
In our failure , Jesus grants forgiveness . Jesus said , “ I came not to call the righteous , but sinners ” ( Mark 2:17 ). Jesus Christ lived , died , and rose again so that we might receive total forgiveness of any and all sin . Believe that right now .
In our restlessness , Jesus gives rest . Very often , the sin of lust is the result of a lack of contentment , peace , and rest . Jesus Christ said , “ Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden , and I will give you rest ” ( Matt . 11:28 ). Ultimately , this means rest from the burden , weight , and destruction of sin .
In our slavery , Jesus sets us free ! Jesus said , “ So if the Son sets you free , you will be free indeed ” ( John 8:36 ). Only Jesus Christ can grant true and eternal freedom .
The father ends this section of Scripture by pleading with his son one last time to listen to him so that he might live . The father pleads for his son ’ s heart not to go the way of the adulteress but to stay on the path of wisdom that leads to life . He reiterates that the adulteress has secured many victims and has slain many men . We , however , are called to be different by following Christ to purity through the power of the Holy Spirit . We are called to put to death such sin . However , we must listen up if we are to live .
Robbie Symons is the founding Pastor of Hope Bible Church in Oakville , Ontario . Hope Oakville began with a Bible study of 18 people in 2003 , and with over 4,000 people today , it has been used to see the birth of several vibrant churches across Canada . Robbie ’ s radio ministry through Hope Bible Church , Live in the Light , can be heard daily throughout Southern Ontario , Western New York , and the Atlantic Provinces . He is the author of Passion Cry and serves as On-Air Bible Teacher at 100 Huntley Street . Robbie , his wife Gillian , and their four children live in Burlington , Ontario .
ENDNOTES 1 . Josh Hawley , Manhood : The Masculine Virtues America Needs ( Washington , D . C .: Regnery Publishing , 2023 ), 73 . 2 . Ibid .
22 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW