[1] #309, Avoiding a Collision, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday 04-20-2008

Text: Proverbs 5:1-23
Theme: We need to receive encouragement and instruction about staying sexually faithful.

INTRODUCTION:

1. The “accident”.
   1. It doesn’t have to happen.
   2. Since it did, what do I learn from it?
2. The Book of Proverbs is all about “learning to live”.
   1. Solomon had a desire to transfer wisdom to the next generation.
   2. Much of this wisdom included moral instruction about sex. (In Proverbs 1-7, 31% of the verses talk about sexual morality)
3. Our moral decisions affect our relationship with God and others.
   1. We’re not simply told, “don’t do this.”
   2. We are given instruction on how to stay faithful, how to learn from God, others.

You don’t have to become a wreck.
What can we do to stay faithful, to avoid the problems of immorality?

1. Be willing to pay attention. (vv 1-2)
   1. Wisdom listens with the desire to practice truth.
   2. God wants us to listen to Him for our own good.
   3. Be aware of the dangers. (vv 3-6)
2. The adulteress is mentioned although any sexual immorality could be addressed here.
   1. There is the danger of deceptive talk.
   2. “You’re so special, beautiful, attractive …”
   3. Think it through to “the end” (v 2)
3. The imagination and the reality are two separate worlds.
   1. She is bitter as gall.
   2. “sharp as a double-edged sword.” (it will tear you up)
   3. Instead of a more satisfying life, your life goes down.
4. Be aware of your environment. (vv 7-8)
   1. Do not go near the door of her house.
   2. Avoid putting yourself into temptation.
   3. Example: At work, don’t meet with another alone behind closed doors.
   4. Avoid people who pull you down.
   5. Be aware of your own thoughts, weaknesses (inner environment).
   6. Watch for “cycles of temptation” and plan ahead.
5. Be aware of the consequences. (vv 9-14)
   1. Immorality and wrong relationships sap your energy. (v 9a)
   2. It takes time and energy from God and your family.
   3. Immorality costs you money. (v 10)
   4. The sex industry is after your morals and your money.
6. It’s not just who you sleep with – it’s who you leave behind
   1. (there’s alimony and child support)
   2. Immorality fills you with regrets. (vv 11-14)
   3. “How I hated discipline.”
   4. “I would not obey or listen.”
   5. “I have come to the brink of ruin.”
7. Be willing to love your spouse. (vv 15-20)
   1. Sexual expression is pictured as water (well, spring, stream).
   2. Protect what you have.
   3. Look at your husband, wife as God gift to you.
   4. Pornography, explicit movies cause you to compare your spouse downward.
   5. Allow yourself to be “captivated” by your spouse’s love
8. Be willing to make things right. (vv 21-23)
   1. God knows – we can’t hide anything from Him.
   2. “A man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21
   3. If you’re in an addiction there is help.
   4. If you’re in a wrong relationship you can get out.

CONCLUSION:

August 31, 1997 it was tragic because it could have been avoided.

1. A chauffer drove when he was completely drunk …
   1. What was he thinking?
2. The paparazzi chased them down the road …
   1. What were they thinking?
3. Princess Diana and her boyfriend were traveling 180 kilometers in an 80 km zone, but wore no seatbelts …
   1. What were they thinking?