So I’ve come out to meet you, to seek your presence eagerly—and I found you! Proverbs 7:15, TLV
Who’s the Captive? Temptation—that “evil lair” that seems on the surface to not be a big deal until it’s not. We wouldn’t knowingly wander into evil’s lair, right? Did we run away as quickly as possible, or did we walk the perimeter thinking it didn’t look as bad or as dangerous as we thought?
At some point, if there is no distance between us and the temptation, we may have become a captive.
In this passage, a young man “who lacks understanding” (verse 7), strolls into harm’s way. Once he’s in temptation’s territory, he struggles against her enticement, but gives in and follows her into sin — and possibly death (verses 22-27).
This all began with being somewhere he shouldn’t be.
Sin’s Territory
Once we’re in sin’s territory, it becomes difficult to resist following 
evil to a darker place.
So, what does that have to do with us? Sin’s territory can be a place we go to in our minds. Worry. Fear. Lust. Pride. Anger. Offense. When our mind wanders, we must work diligently to take it back home where it is safe in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful through God for the tearing down of strongholds. We are tearing down false arguments and every high-minded thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah—” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, TLV [EMPHASIS MINE]
Did You See That?
Did you see that? “…taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah.” This is incredible! Instead of being trapped by temptation, we can turn the tables and capture those thoughts and turn them over to Yeshua (Jesus)!
How does that work? Over the years I’ve discovered that when I identify the sinful thought — or false arguments — I say, “Yeshua, here it is, that thought that is not holy. Take it.” Literally, it evaporates in His presence. I may have to do this several times, but eventually, I have victory.
By the way, those conversations and arguments we have in our mind — the biting remarks we wish we could have said to someone — those should be captured and given to Him, too.
If we watch where we’re going, and avoid sin’s territory, we can have great victories. But, if temptation tries to catch us, let’s call on the LORD to help us turn the tables and take temptation captive. Sound good?
Think More About It
How do you turn the tables on temptation?
What did you think of today’s blog? Please let me know in the comments. And if it was a blessing, please share. Thanks!
