They will keep you from a seducing woman, from the foreign woman with her seductive speech. Proverbs 7:5, TLV

Escape Route?     What is seduction? Is it only about sex? No. Seduction is a deeper level of temptation. It involves both the mind and body. It’s about luring and enticing away from our loving Heavenly Father, and all that is good in our lives.

Seduction doesn’t have to be about the “big” sins like infidelity or murder or grand larceny. It can be “smaller” versions like lust, hatred, or coveting. While the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) specifically address coveting, lust and hatred are not. But Jesus does.

“You have heard it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever commits murder shall be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’[empty headed] shall be subject to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be subject to fiery Gehenna [hell].” Matthew 5:21-22, TLV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that everyone who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28, TLV

In these examples, it isn’t the temptation or seduction that is a sin—temptation and seduction will always be around us in one form or another—it is the surrendering to temptation and seduction. How do we keep from surrendering? With understanding.

Understanding

Understanding what is counterfeit to a righteous life is best determined by understanding the righteous life. We may think we need to know everything about the ploys of the enemy, but we don’t need to study the wiles of the enemy, we study how to follow Jesus.

No matter how deceptive seduction is, there will always be a way out—an escape route.

An Escape Route

No temptation has taken hold of you except what is common to mankind. But God is faithful—He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle. But with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13, TLV

No Such Thing as “Big” or “Small” . . .

This applies to any sin “big” or “small.” Which, by the way, they measure the same in our Father’s eyes. It’s important to remember that Jesus is saying it’s all about the heart. We may think we can hide our sinful thoughts, but we can’t.

The New Covenant was prophesied as the law being written in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:30-36). How amazing is that?

All of this keeps us from seduction. When we know this, live this, honor this, we walk through that exit and leave seduction and temptation in the dust.

If we have succumbed, if we have sinned, know that acknowledgement and repentance are the first steps to restoration. And our Father is all about that.

Think More About It

I have a mental picture of young Joseph running from Potipher’s wife (Genesis 39). How about you? What examples remind you of taking the escape route from temptation or seduction?

Until tomorrow, may we leave temptation and seduction behind, my friends.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Israel and the global Jewish community. God bless you and Shabbat shalom!