Silencing Seduction: His Words Over Her Words

Foundational to a life of sexual purity is a life filled with and dominated by Scripture. It's no wonder then that sexual sin, and sin in general, is so prevalent in our lives. Most of us are not brimming over with Scripture. Even those who have developed a daily discipline of Bible reading forget most of what they read an hour later. Even when we do remember a thought or two, how many of us are intentionally and actively using, speaking, thinking about these truths throughout our daily lives. It's no wonder we are so easily and quickly defeated by sin, especially sexual sin.

A life of victory requires some incredible diligence.

1) It requires storing up Scripture. Do you have a full pantry of Scripture to draw from? Is your store house stocked for the challenges of spiritual warfare, persecution, and the lonely and empty times? Wisdom says, "Store up my commands within you" (7:1). Study, listen, learn, memorize and meditate on God's Word.

2) It requires continual practice. "My son, keep my words" (7:1). "Keep my commands" (7:2). As Christians, we know more spiritual truth than we ever use. The gap between knowledge and obedience is much greater than the gap between ignorance and knowledge. We are obese with spiritual knowledge. Like an exercise training routine, we need to do daily reps, focusing on specific character and behavior traits that need strengthening. We need to be intentional, focused and consistent in our application of Scripture. I've found it helpful to spend a whole year or more working on one specific growth goal in my life. Work that specific spiritual muscle group until it becomes reflexive, almost instinctive thoughts and behaviors. "Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart" (7:3). "...Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye" (7:2).

3) It requires a new relational motivation. "Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman" (7:4). Relatives are loved and valued. You will sacrifice for your family. There is nothing that will motivate and drive you more than personal relationships. When you fall in love with God, you will hold his Word dear. The lure of sinful desires will pale in comparison to the lure of His love (7:5).

Wisdom and understanding are from God and lead us to God (1:7; 2:1-8). When we embrace them, we embrace God. We can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:4). Wisdom is the skill of loving Him. "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love" (John 15:10). "You are my friends if you do what I command " (John 15:14).

What gems will you mine today as you study, search, learn, memorize, meditate on Scripture? What jewels will you wear as you carry God's Word into life? Will God's truth be at your finger tips and on your heart so you can apply it, speak it, teach it, proclaim it, live it? Will you remember your Beloved who gave you these gems and who died and lives for you? Will you talk to Him, listen to Him and experience His presence in your life today?

He will silence her seductive words into oblivion (7:5).