“…be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Romans 16:19-20 NASB 95
- The domino effect of the fall
Domino #1: Deception
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6 NASB 95
Domino #2: Sin in action
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”…And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Genesis 4:7-8 NASB 95
Domino #3: Corruption
“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5 NASB 95
“Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.” Genesis 6:11-12 NLT
How To Avoid The Pitfalls Of Old?
- Flee that which corrupts the mind and soul
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 NIV
“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14 NIV
“But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:9-11 NASB 95
“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 NASB 95
- Be on your Guard
Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV
Guard your heart
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Vs.23
Guard your mouth
Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Vs. 24
Guard your eyes
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Vs. 25
Guard your path
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. VS.26-27
Guard your thought-life
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:4-8 NIV