The Dangers of Women & Wine
May 12, 2013
Proverbs 31 is the wisdom of a mother to her son—and through it, God is giving us timeless advice on how to strive for purity in an impure world. We cannot take lightly the decisions we make in our personal lives, such as consuming strong substances in moderation or choosing a relationship based on glorifying God. The temptations are staggering and unyielding, and we cannot hold back evil on our own…we need the grace of Jesus where we are.
scriptures cited:
Proverbs 31
Proverbs 6:20-25
Ephesians 5:18
Proverbs 11:22
Luke 11:11-13
Ezekiel 36:26-27
reflection questions:
Relationships are one of the biggest idols of our time. Church communities often seem to assume that the ultimate goal of being a Christian is to get married and have kids. But what is our ultimate goal, and how should relationships fit into it?
We cannot withstand the 10,000 temptations facing us on a daily basis using merely our own willpower—Pastor Scott likens it to trying to hold back a tidal wave with your hand. Trying to change on your own strength will lead to despair. The new spiritual heart comes only from grace, which we define here as the righteousness from God that enables and empowers us. Sometimes that change happens instantaneously, other times it seems to happen through years of wrestling. Why do you think that is?
Pastor Scott tells us that one reason why we don’t love obedience to God’s Word more is that we have not tasted of His goodness. We don’t hate sin because the superficial pleasures of that sin seem to provide in times when God doesn’t. What are times when the love and majesty of Jesus have overwhelmed the need for sins & addictions in your life? What are ways we can experience that presence again?