Proverbs 6:30-35, A Concluding Plea!

March 16, Proverbs 6:30-35

Rom. 7:22,25; 8:1-9 “There is a city bright; closed are its gates to sin.”

A Concluding Plea!

1. A Comparison: There is no sympathy or support for adultery in Holy Scripture. It is a hateful, harmful sin, though widely condoned in our morally adrift world. It is worse than stealing (vs. 30-31). Though all stealing is wrong in the sight of God, there may be mitigating circumstances such as here. Still, restitution must be made if the thief is found, but who can make restitution for adultery? The thief steals to preserve his mortal life, but the adulterer steals to promote his lust and in so doing pollutes his immortal soul. His was not want, but wantonness. Both God and man declare him guilty! Sin, which is yet sweet to the taste, brings death to the soul! David’s sin concerning Uriah was an abiding blemish, and an occasion for his own tears, and also for his enemies to blaspheme his Lord.
2. A Challenge: Sadly, in Evangelical circles today, there seems to be little concern over sin. With widespread easy-believism or cheap grace, as it is known, there is acceptance of the so-called Carnal Christian theory. This claims one can be saved, but is under no obligation to observe the Law. Many believe that no matter how they live they were saved when they went forward or raised their hand after an emotional appeal at some crusade or service. Once saved always saved is their slogan, but were they saved at all? This sounds very much like antinomianism. This, we believe, was not and is not the faith of God’s elect. “While justification and sanctification are to be sharply distinguished, they must not be divorced” (Pink). J.C. Ryle put it in a nutshell: “No holiness, no heaven!”
3. A Corrective: The following extract, taken from Octavious Winslow’s study of Romans 8, provides a strong corrective to this widespread moral plague, as we bring this chapter to a close and prepare for the next.

“Saints of God, keep the eye of your faith intently and immovably fixed on Christ, your sole pattern. Our Lord did not keep that law that his people might be lawless. He did not honour that law that they might dishonour its precepts. His obedience provided no license for our disobedience. His fulfilment releases us not from the obligation – the sweet and pleasant, yet solemn obligation – to holiness of life. Our faith does not make void the law, but rather establishes the law. The ‘righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us who walk after the Spirit.’ in lowly conformity to Christ’s example. Was he meek and lowly in heart? Did he bless when cursed? Did he, when reviled, revile not again? Did he walk in secret with God? Did he always seek to do those things that pleased his Father? Did he live a life of faith, and prayer and toil? So let us imitate him, that of us it may be said, “These are they who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.'”

Thought: “The beauty of holiness needs no paint” (Henry).

Prayer: Feed me, Lord, in redemption’s pastures.