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2 Samuel 11

Good Morning “Those who take thoughts captive.”  Today we are in 2 Samuel 11.  

As sin goes, the sin David is most remembered for has to be his sin with Bathsheba - that we read about in this chapter.  

The process David went through can serve as  a clear description of the process we each go through as we choose sin.  Pay careful attention as you read and take note.

“…he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance.” 2 Samuel 11:2

Sounds familiar doesn’t it?  Remember the first sin?
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food…” Genesis 3:6. The process is still the same.

Although our eyes are often the inroad, our flesh is at constant war with the Spirit in us, and sinful thoughts just seem find their way into our minds - we CANNOT simply embrace what we want to do. (Galatians 5:16-18)

We can’t always help that, but what happens after… we are responsible for.  When a thought enters our mind we have a choice to make.  Entertain it… or compare it with the obedience of Christ - The Word of God.  Grab that thought, compare it to, and if it isn’t consistent with The Word of God - toss it out!  “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ,…” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Turn the page, stop doing what you’re doing, remind yourself of and recite Scripture - do something.  (Philippians 4:8, Psalm 119:9-11)
Flee like Joseph if needed! (Genesis 39:11-12) Stand and fight . . . except against youthful sin (sexual sin)then run! (II Timothy 2:22)

We have the Holy Spirit in us.  As a result, for the first time we have the power to resist sin - to not sin.  

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

The “way out” requires we don’t entertain the thought to the point of action.  In my experience God rarely miraculously takes away the temptation.  He’s given us the tools to stand, why would or should He?  

We have not resisted to the point of shedding blood. (Hebrews 12:4)

A thought entertained becomes and action, and action repeated becomes a habit, a habit continued becomes a lifestyle.  Wr are in a war!  And… Satan is actively attacking!  Are we actively  fighting?  (James 1:14, I John 2:16, I Peter 5:8)

The expectation is we stop the sin at the point of thought.  The further it progresses the harder it is to stop.  Be smart.

Love you all!  Dig in!