Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
“Did God really say that you must not eat fruit from any tree in the garden?”
Genesis 3:1 (ESV)
Don’t stare at the wine’s pretty, red color.
It may sparkle in the cup.
It may go down your throat smoothly.
But later it bites like a snake.
Like a snake, it poisons you.
Your eyes will see strange sights.
And your mind will be confused.
You will feel dizzy, as if you’re out on the stormy ocean.
You will feel as if you’re on top of a ship’s sails.
You will think, “They hit me, but I’m not hurt!
They have beaten me up, but I don’t remember it.
I wish I could wake up.
Then I would get another drink.”
Proverbs 23:20 (ICB)
Proverb 23 is such a startlingly graphic reminder of the pride and arrogance of people from every generation. Truly, sin is just the same as it has always been. It is a slap at God. It is a rebellious push back against our Creator who loved us and made a way to bring us to Himself, in spite of the cost to His Son and Himself.
Pride, arrogance and lies are Satan’s handiwork. He is crafty. He appeals to mankind through our zeal for self-indulgence.
He and his host of demons lure, tempt, and spring the deadly trap. But don’t forget. People are willing to listen to the alluring voice.
Solomon taught the lesson about consorting with desires; anything against God is for Satan. Self-indulgence involves selfish desires that block a believer’s peace with God.
Self-indulgence can often demand secret keeping. It can create poverty, blame, ill health, addiction, unforgiveness and every sort of sorrow imaginable, but it will not set you free.
Self-indulgence will stand right in the way of self-control, which, by the way, is the last of the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Self-control is an attribute of God.
So, while we indulge in our desires, believing we deserve material things or social praise—maybe it’s addictions to food, drink, or wealth—have you ever considered that the tempter, who opposes Jesus, might be behind these temptations or one of his demons?
It is the evil that a person wants that tempts him. His own evil desire leads him away and holds him.
James 1:14 (ICB)
But, even if Satan were bound in Hell, we would still be tempted to sin. We have a sin nature, without Satan’s enticement.
Yet, we also have a Savior. Jesus took our place on the cross after enduring the full onslaught of temptation, but never giving in.
Human beings know what it is to give in.
Despite our selfishness, Jesus offers grace and forgiveness to anyone willing to accept His free gift.
However, true believers will not continue living in habitual sin. At least not willingly. Yes, there are believers seem stuck in sinful habits. But true believers hate their sin. They are wrestling with it and the Spirit stands ready to help them.
In Genesis 3, we learn that Adam and Eve hid from God because of their guilty conscience. This was the first step back toward the Father, though. Think about your own salvation. You would not have accepted Christ without first admitting your guilt.
See how the Gospel unfolds in chapter 3 of Genesis.
Adam and Eve were aware of their sin:
Then, it was as if the man’s and the woman’s eyes were opened… Genesis 3:7
Adam was ashamed of his sin:
“… the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”Genesis 3:8 (ICB)
God questions Adam & Eve to offer them an opportunity for repentance:
“But the Lord God called to the man. The Lord said, “Where are you…. who told you that you were naked…did you eat the fruit…What have you done…” Genesis 3:10-13
Learn the truth and never reject it. Get wisdom, self-control and understanding.
Proverbs 23:23 (ICB)
Here is what we need: Ephesians 6:10-18
Outside of God’s Word it is pointless to believe that we can follow some secular plan for a better life. It never works.
Self-control will only ever come from the Spirit. And He will give it if we seek it.
By the way. The more time that I spend away from my self-indulgence, the more time I have for Jesus, and His Word and His people. That is where satisfaction and joy are found that will never disappoint.
Find your joy in God’s plan for your life.
And share the Gospel with your world!
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to control yourself.
Proverbs 23:4 (ICB)
Don’t envy sinners. But always respect the Lord.
Proverbs 23:17 (ICB)
Don’t be one of those who drink too much wine or who eat too much food.
Proverbs 23:20 (ICB)
International Children’s Bible (ICB)
The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 