Danger and Perils for Christians

II Sam 11:2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.

At that hour David saw Bathsheba, and the attraction led him step-by-step into grievous sin. We are never out of the reach of temptation, both at home and away we meet with the allurements of evil. The day begins and ends with such perils. Christians can be well-protected by God from sin, but only when we put on God's armor and set our minds to follow the Spirit and not the flesh. Those who believe they are secure from sin without these are in the most danger. Self-confidence is a precursor to sin.

David should have been engaged in fighting the Lord's battles. Instead, it seems he stayed home and rested. It has been said, "Idleness and luxury are the devil's helpers," and "Neglected soil soon yields a dense tangle of weeds and briars." When we see the King of Israel leaving his couch at the close of the day, and falling into temptation, we must take warning and establish a watchfulness to guard our hearts.

We should count no place this side of heaven a sanctuary from sin. While our hearts are like a tinder-box, and sparks so plentiful, we need to use all diligence in all places to prevent a fire. Satan can enter housetops, closets and churches. And even if we could shut Satan out, our own corruptions are enough to lead us into ruin without God's help and prescriptions.

Matt 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.

Matt 26:41 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

II Peter 2:9 ... .the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment…

Adapted from: Morning and Evening Readings, Power Bible CD 5.4, p, Lindler, Online Publishing, Inc" Bronson, MI., 2007, for evening, January 17.