Proverbs: Lust of the Flesh, Part 2 - Sexual Immorality - Steve Gregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | Steve Gregg discusses the theme of sexual immorality in Proverbs and advises men and women to avoid being trapped by their desires. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding temptation and the dangers of engaging in illicit sexual behavior. Gregg also highlights the role of faithfulness, trustworthiness, and integrity in resisting temptation and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. Additionally, he discusses the issue of immodesty in clothing and the potential negative impact it can have on others. | Transcript: https://opentheo.org/i/5683542729742041442/proverbs-sexual-immorality

Outline of Lecture: Sexual Immorality in Proverbs
by Steve Gregg
1 Introduction
• Theme: Escaping the world’s traps, focusing on sexual immorality as discussed
in Proverbs.
• Biblical context: The world as a trap comprises lusts of the flesh, lusts of the
eyes, and pride of life (New Testament reference).
• Desires of the body are God-given but must be governed by discernment to
avoid destruction.
• Solomon, a ”lusty” character, provides extensive counsel on sexual temptation.
2 The Nature of Sexual Temptation
2.1 Lusts of the Flesh
• Desires (e.g., for food, drink, sex) are natural but require discernment to avoid
sinful indulgence.
• Ungoverned impulses lead to destructive behavior (Proverbs).
2.2 Character and Faithfulness
• Righteous character delivers from temptation; unfaithful individuals are ensnared by lust (Proverbs 11:6).
• Faithfulness, trustworthiness, and integrity prevent succumbing to impulses
(Proverbs 5:22).
• Compromised character leads to further sin (Proverbs 5:22, 11:6).
2.3 Allure of the Illicit
• Forbidden actions become attractive due to rebellious human nature (Proverbs
7:11, 9:17).
• Stolen water is sweet; secret bread is pleasant, reflecting the appeal of breaking
rules (Proverbs 9:17).
• Curiosity about the forbidden drives temptation (e.g., Eve’s attraction to the
forbidden tree).
2.4 Motivations Beyond Lust
• Anger or desire to punish (e.g., betraying a spouse) can drive sexual immorality
(Proverbs 2:17, 7:19).
• Emotional alienation or grudges may lead to betrayal (Proverbs 2:17).
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3 Dangers of Toying with Temptation
3.1 Flirtatious Behavior
• Warning against lusting after beauty or being allured by flirtatious gestures
(Proverbs 6:25).
• Job’s covenant with his eyes to avoid looking at other women (Job 31:1).
• Men are particularly susceptible to visual stimuli, necessitating caution (Proverbs
6:25).
3.2 Risky Environments
• Proximity to temptation (e.g., walking near the seductress’s house) increases
risk (Proverbs 7:8).
• Curiosity or careless exposure to tempting situations (e.g., visiting inappropriate websites) leads to sin.
• Dating culture can foster recreational romance, encouraging dangerous chemistry (Proverbs 7).
3.3 Secrecy and Overconfidence
• Seeking secrecy (e.g., acting in the dark of night) emboldens sin (Proverbs 7:9).
• Overconfidence in resisting temptation leads to failure (Proverbs 5:12–13, 7:26).
• Strong men have fallen, highlighting the danger of self-reliance (Proverbs 7:26).
3.4 Seductress’s Tactics
• Enticing speech and flattery appeal to ego (Proverbs 7:21, 2:16, 6:24, 7:5).
• Immodest behavior or attire draws attention (Proverbs 7:10–13).
• False assurances of safety (e.g., “my husband is away,” “I’ve paid my vows”)
lower defenses (Proverbs 7:14, 19–20).
3.5 Immodesty in Society
• Immodesty extends beyond clothing to behavior seeking attention (Proverbs
6:25, 7:10–13).
• Modern styles, even among well-meaning individuals, can distract and tempt
(Proverbs 7:10).
• Christians should avoid causing others to stumble through their actions or attire (1 Corinthians, Romans).
4 Consequences of Sexual Sin
• Leads to death, destruction, and hell (Proverbs 2:18–19, 5:3–5, 6:27–29).
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• Adultery brings wounds, dishonor, and unrelenting jealousy from a spouse
(Proverbs 6:32–35).
• Delayed punishment emboldens sin, but consequences are inevitable (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
5 Strategies to Avoid Sexual Sin
5.1 Fear of God
• Awareness that God watches all actions deters sin (Proverbs 5:20–21, 23:17–18).
5.2 Guard Your Heart
• Wisdom and understanding in the heart protect against temptation (Proverbs
2:10–16, 4:23, 7:25).
• Treasure godly commands to resist seduction (Proverbs 7:1–5).
• Unruled hearts are vulnerable to enslavement by sin (Proverbs 25:28, Hosea
4:11).
5.3 Be Satisfied with Your Spouse
• Satisfaction with one’s spouse reduces temptation (Proverbs 5:15–19, 27:7).
• Paul’s advice: Marry to avoid burning with lust; spouses should not deprive
each other (1 Corinthians 7).
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