Good Question - Day 05
Day 05: Friday, Aril 21
Read Proverbs 5
Highlight
Proverbs 5 primarily deals with the temptation to commit adultery. The temptation is laid plain in the opening verses: the lie of adultery is that sex with someone other than a person we are married to will fulfill a desire or need that we have. But the reality never matches the promise. It leads to death. And the irony is that according to Solomon even the adulteress doesn’t realize it. She may also just be seeking a solution where none will be found: in the arms of someone other than her husband.
Solomon offers two solutions to this temptation. The first is “Keep to a path far from her…” (v.8) In other words, set up boundaries that will stop you way before honey and oil can be poured in your ears. Don’t even respond to the message, pick a different time to go to the gym, etc. Paul’s words are even more clear: RUN! (1 Corinthians 6:18)
The second solution is harder to see because it is veiled in metaphors. Solomon’s second solution to temptation is to invest in the health of your sex life within marriage. This is plainly seen in verses 18-19, but actually verses 15-17 are all metaphors for sexual pleasure at home. Biblical encouragement is to have a healthy, fulfilling, mutually submitted sex life within marriage that is a source of pleasure and joy for husband and wife.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Proverbs 5
Highlight
Proverbs 5 primarily deals with the temptation to commit adultery. The temptation is laid plain in the opening verses: the lie of adultery is that sex with someone other than a person we are married to will fulfill a desire or need that we have. But the reality never matches the promise. It leads to death. And the irony is that according to Solomon even the adulteress doesn’t realize it. She may also just be seeking a solution where none will be found: in the arms of someone other than her husband.
Solomon offers two solutions to this temptation. The first is “Keep to a path far from her…” (v.8) In other words, set up boundaries that will stop you way before honey and oil can be poured in your ears. Don’t even respond to the message, pick a different time to go to the gym, etc. Paul’s words are even more clear: RUN! (1 Corinthians 6:18)
The second solution is harder to see because it is veiled in metaphors. Solomon’s second solution to temptation is to invest in the health of your sex life within marriage. This is plainly seen in verses 18-19, but actually verses 15-17 are all metaphors for sexual pleasure at home. Biblical encouragement is to have a healthy, fulfilling, mutually submitted sex life within marriage that is a source of pleasure and joy for husband and wife.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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