It Was Just a Look

David’s Sin as an Example David, a man after God’s own heart, fell into sin due to a moment of weakness. He saw Bathsheba and allowed lust to take over. The enemy uses attractive images to entice people. David saw a “beautiful image” that the enemy had painted. Repentance should be immediate, but David didn’t repent. Dustin acknowledges that everyone is susceptible to temptation. If it could happen to David, it can happen to anyone. Death in the Pot – Dr. Carl Lackey Dustin references a message by Dr. Carl Lackey titled “Death in the Pot.” Lackey identified things that were creeping into the church and killing it. Some of these things are now accepted in the church. Lackey brought a pot to the congregation and pulled out items representing these issues. Examples from Lackey’s Message Playing Cards: Initially seen as harmless fun (solitaire). Lackey explained the negative consequences and related issues. Led to legal gambling becoming widespread (online, college campuses). If people had stood against it earlier, it might not have become so prevalent. Dirty Magazines: Now easily accessible (JCPenney ads with lingerie). These images are not meant for men’s eyes unless married to the woman. Society has become too casual about dress and modesty. Lust ruins marriages and friendships. Robbing God: Not just in tithes and offerings, but also in time. People prioritize other activities over church and God. Should make time for God first, even if it means missing other events. Television: Keeps people from serving God. Even “good Christian shows” are not a substitute for the Word of God and personal time with God. People make time for everything else but should prioritize time with God. The Enemy’s Deception The enemy deceives people into thinking certain things are harmless. The Bible says to seek the old ways and walk therein. The enemy doesn’t reveal the consequences of sin. He doesn’t tell you that you’re going to die or be separated from God. He says, “Surely you won’t die.” Adam and Eve example: The fruit was “pleasant to the eyes.” The enemy didn’t tell them the consequences of eating the fruit. Alcoholism example: People start drinking for fun, but it can lead to addiction and destruction. Advertisements (Budweiser horses) don’t show the negative consequences. God’s Provision and Protection The only way to overcome these things is through Jesus. God knows our thoughts and desires, even the ones we try to hide. God will not fulfill selfish desires. Sometimes, what we see as a curse is actually a blessing from God to keep us in line. Example: Danny Greger’s MS prevents him from being on the river on Sundays. The enemy is always trying to deceive us, even after we are saved. “The devil will be hot on my trail… when I step through” the gates of heaven. Covetousness and Materialism Beware of covetousness because life is not about material possessions. The parable of the rich man who built bigger barns: God called him a fool because he was focused on earthly possessions instead of his soul. The things we strive for will eventually perish. The enemy paints a picture that we need material things to be successful and fit in. We often sacrifice time with family, friends, and church to get these things. The love of money is the root of all evil. Don’t worry about tomorrow; focus on your relationship with Jesus Christ today. It doesn’t matter how rich you are; what matters is whether you are saved. Hell is Real The story of the rich man and Lazarus: The rich man lived a life of luxury but ended up in hell. Lazarus was a beggar but went to heaven. Hell is not a party; it is a place of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. There is no escape from hell, no matter how much you cry out to God. The world promotes hell as something good, but it is not. The story of the letter from hell: A man in hell wrote to his saved friend, asking why he didn’t warn him about the horrors of hell. He described the torment, the smell of sulfur, and the screams. The Danger of Being “Almost Persuaded” Paul’s encounter with King Agrippa: Agrippa was “almost persuaded” to become a Christian. An “almost Christian” is 100% lost. The things of this world are mostly lies from the enemy. The enemy knows what it takes to tempt each individual. Even though we have something greater inside of us, we still have to choose to resist temptation. Mistakes have consequences, even after forgiveness. David’s sin with Bathsheba resulted in the death of their child. Call to Action Be alert because the enemy is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Don’t wait to get saved; death is certain and coming to everyone. Dustin’s personal testimony: He ran from God after his friend got saved. He was miserable and terrified until he finally surrendered to God. Don’t be almost persuaded; accept the Lord today.