Seduction – part 2

Memory Verse: But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea, Matthew 18:6.

Bible Passage: Romans 14:9-19

Introduction
We learnt last week, that seduction is largely delusional, promising exciting dark pleasure without consequence or repercussion. Exposed flesh is the innocent looking, but extremely dangerous bait, which attracts and stimulates the passion of the naïve and the foolish. The ensuing snare leads to great loss, pain, shame, death and destruction, Eccl.2: 10; 2 Sam.11:1-4.

Partake Not
Immoral thoughts are not harmless. An unfortunate perversion insists that immoral thoughts in themselves are not sinful. We must aggressively resist and correct this wrong teaching. Every participant in the causative chain will have to answer to God for his actions and omissions. Jesus said it is woe to the man or woman, who causes another person to sin. The kingdom of darkness inspires provocative dressing and conduct. Get out of the loop and the satanic sphere of influence, Matt.18: 6; 1 Cor.8: 8-9; 1 Tim.5: 22; 1 Cor.10: 33; Rev.18: 4; Rom.14: 20; 2 Pet.1: 4.

Public Opinion
Avoid the very appearance of evil, even when you are convinced of your innocence. Sometimes, just the appearance of evil is good enough for satanic forces. For example, your body is not yours, but is actually the temple of God. So, you have to be careful and circumvent in the way you use it. Christ did not give room for the ungodly to speak evil of Him. He obeyed their laws, even when it was not necessary, Matt.17: 24-27. We should not forget that the prince of this world, the accuser of the brethren, is not bothered about niceties. We must set a godly limit to our liberty in Christ, Zeph.1: 8; Rom.14: 15-16; 2 Cor.6: 3; 1 Cor.8: 12-13; 1 Tim.2: 9-10; 1 Pet.3: 3; Jn.14: 30; Acts 25:8-11; Acts 28:17-20; Dan.6: 4.

Conclusion
The Christian life is living for Christ to the glory of God. It necessarily involves self-denial. Paul the Apostle was always ready to give up his “rights,” if it would help the cause of the kingdom. We should do likewise. Please do not give occasion to the devil to speak evil of our God and of our faith. We will excel and be perfect in all things at all times in the mighty name of Jesus. 1 Cor.6: 2; 1 Cor.11: 32; Rom.14: 20; 1 Cor.10: 23-24; Rom.14: 19. May the name of the Lord be glorified in all our thoughts, words and conducts in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.