Wisdom and Temptation

We are a people obsessed with wisdom. We think it holds the answers.
We learn nothing from Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived.
Solomon indulged his mind, heart, eyes and body, claiming to be guided by wisdom.
He pursued many sins, sating all his desires, yet was left empty and unfulfilled.

Wisdom has only one role in helping us relative to temptation:
     Counseling us to avoid it.

We choose whether to listen to the voice of wisdom ...
      or not.
Like the young man in Proverbs 7, we may choose to go places where sin abounds.
We may think our wisdom will protect us.

Paul is clear, though, about the futility of wisdom in restraining sensual indulgence.
Overcoming sin and temptation is a matter of power and authority,
      God's authority through Christ's victory on the cross,
              not our wisdom, resolve and strength of mind or will.

Only Christ can take our thoughts captive, provide a way out and
rescue us as we submit ourselves to Him and share in His death.

Meditations on Ecclesiastes 2:1-14; Proverbs 7; Colossians 2:20-23;
1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

April 10, 2012