Day 6
Today's Scripture:
Proverbs 6:16-19
Key Verses:
Proverbs 6:16,18
"16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea seven are an abomination unto him:
18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,..."
The Point:
Wicked Imaginations - In My Heart, What?
The very idea of a "heart that deviseth wicked imaginations" is viewed with great skepticism by people who have been led and taught to believe that people in general have "good" hearts. Those who hold that view will acknowledge it is a general principle and there are notable exceptions like tyrants, dictators, serial killers, child molesters as well as some but not all thieves, liars, and troublemakers. What do you think? Do you agree with the Bible when it plainly states people are not only capable of "wicked imaginations (and deeds)" but are naturally inclined to devise and carry them out?
Two quick examples from among many in scripture, the first being a gross moral failing, the second being a gross spiritual failing:
Amnon (2 Samuel 13): Desired his sister, put a plan in motion to deceive her, raped her, and then hated her.
Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus (1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:17-18): These men made a profession of faith and despite the conviction of their conscience persuaded others the resurrection had already taken place and overthrew their faith leaving them without genuine hope.
Now you may be thinking that was a "paper tiger" argument because the examples given were about bad people being bad. Ok, consider this from the Apostle Paul! (Pay attention carefully, the logic is a bit difficult to follow but how it rings true, if we will be honest.)
Romans 7:18-19 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."
Wow, what a battle must have taken place in Paul's heart! Is your heart any different?
Today's Scripture clearly identifies seven things that are an abomination to God! For the sincere Christian, there is no debate, no justification, and no excuse for these seven things to be present in thought, word, or deed! Unfortunately, per the confession of Paul mentioned above, we struggle with these seven things. When we recognize them in our thoughts, words, or deeds, immediate action is necessary! Confess, repent, and forsake them and God will graciously give mercy (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9).
Study Today's Scripture for a few minutes and answer these questions:
- The Bible clearly states these seven things are an abomination to God, do you understand why?
- Review each of the seven things and think about what would be required to identify them as active in your life. Do you know how to detect them?
- Of the seven, the heart that deviseth wicked imaginations is really the foundational issue, do you agree? Would any of the others be present without it?
Prayer Time
Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
Probing Questions:
- How difficult is it for us to determine that one or more of the seven things listed is present in our thoughts, words, or deeds?
- Try this activity in your quiet time, have some courage and say out loud, "Do I have a proud look? Do I have a lying tongue? Do I have hands that shed innocent blood? Do I have a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations? Do I have feet that are swift in running to mischief? Am I a false witness that speaketh lies? Am I sowing discord among brethren?" Pause for a few moments after each question to see if God brings something to mind.
Worship:
- Meditate on the omnipresence of God and give Him glory because nothing escapes His view! (Proverbs 15:3)
- Focus on the convicting power of the Holy Spirit because without it we would march blindly along into more and more sin! (John 16:7-11)
Praise:
- Praise God for granting mercy and forgiveness for committing the seven abominable things in the past! (Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9)
- Praise God for restoration of a clean heart after forgiving the seven abominable sins! (Jeremiah 24:7)
Confession:
- Did God convict you when you asked one or more of the seven questions in the Probing Questions section?
- Take note of Paul's struggle with the flesh from Romans 7:14-25; acknowledge you have the same struggle and keep your "list" as short as possible with God.
- Take note of the examples in scripture (e.g., Adam and Eve in the garden, Cain regarding Abel, king David regarding Bathsheba and Uriah, Amnon regarding Tamar, Hymenaeus, there are many more), and admit to God when you recognize similar thoughts, words, and deeds.
Intercessory Prayers:
- Identifying the presence of one or more the seven abominable things in another person's life must be carefully handled to prevent you from falling in some way but when you do see it, ask God to convict and lead the person to confession, repentance, and restoration. You would want no less from others who see you caught in one of these things.
Petitions:
- If you are currently struggling with one or more of the seven abominable things in Today's Scripture, agree with Him, repent, and forsake that thought, word, or deed. Ask God to speak to you through other scriptures to help you develop preventative measures for the future.
- Ask God to call to your mind and hold you to account if any of the seven abominable things become present in the future.
Action:
Memorize the passage below to help prevent falling into one of the seven abominable sins named in Proverbs 6:16-19.
Phillipians 4:4-8 "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. "