Subtle Temptations

Based on Proverbs 7:21-27

Like a Mouse...

It’s interesting how, in this Scripture, the unsuspecting man followed the prostitute to his demise. Oh how her beauty, flattery, and persistence wore him down. Yet he was an active participant in his own deception. Thus, he blindly, yet willingly, followed her to her home, supposing he was about to have the time of his life. Unbeknownst to him, he was marching toward his undoing. Observe the language…

• “like and ox going to the slaughter”
• “like a deer stepping into a noose”
• “like a bird darting into a snare”

Out of ignorance or naiveté, these three creatures fell prey to the traps set for them – a decision (so to speak)  that would cost them their lives.

Compound Effect

We are the same. We may see great big obvious temptations for what they are. But the serpent’s craftiness is found in his subtleties. It is the consistent smallness of our daily surrenders to those subtleties that lead us into the slaughterhouse, the noose, and the snare. A compromise here and there will have a powerful snowball effect in our lives. We often have no idea when we say “yes” to that first, small, seemingly insignificant trifle of a temptation, that it is the first step on a path that will lead to our destruction. We unwittingly pay a price that will cost us dearly – our very lives… our families… our ministries… and so on.

Walking Points

• Read Proverbs 7:21-27. Write down key three ideas you learn from this Scripture.
• How can you stay on the path that leads to life?
• What are some ways you watch out for those traps in your life?
• If you do find yourself heading down the “highway to the grave,” how can you get back on the right path?
• What are some things you can do in advance to protect yourself from the seductiveness of sin?
• Discuss these questions with a couple of other men and hold one another accountable.

May the Lord bless you as you think on these things.