SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1272

“Flee”

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

I recall the active shooter workplace training we received in recent years where our response priority order needed to be Run, Hide, and then Fight as a last resort.

For many of us, fleeing as a priority defense strategy is counter to our nature. But in this case, it is the proper response. The same fleeing defense strategy holds true when it comes to the temptation to sin.

…Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” – Genesis 4:7

So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – Timothy 2:22

Flee Passions of the Flesh – We are continually tempted by our own innate desire to sin. We are solely responsible for our decision to leave the path of righteousness and follow the path of sin. No one else is to blame. God always shows us the way of escape and it is up to us to choose to flee immorality or not.

… But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. – James 1:13-14

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

Flee from sexual immorality. … You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11

Flee Idolatry – What do you live for? What can’t you live without? What preoccupies your mind and takes precious time away from your relationships with God and others? If it is a created thing, it is an idol.

Therefore, my beloved flee from idolatry. – 1 Corinthians 10:14

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:11

Practical Application – How do we flee from sin in a practical sense?

Walk away from immoral group conversations, joking and the like.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

Turn off the TV or change the channel if the language or scenes become immoral or irreverent.

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Stay away from contexts that you know will tempt you to sin such as bars, clubs, concerts, movie theaters etc.

Don’t allow yourself to be inappropriately alone with a member of the opposite sex.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:9,11

Don’t hang out with an immoral crowd. Choose relationships carefully.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Maintain online accountability – The newly elected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, is being ridiculed and persecuted in the secular media because of his commitment to be held accountable to flee from immorality. He and his son are accountability partners through the Covenant Eyes app on their devices which reports if they partake of the immoral sin that ‘is crouching at the door’. The Lord knows what we do in secret. An accountability partner brings that reality closer to home.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13-16

These practical steps are not a sign of weakness. They are signs of strength of commitment and resolve to seek first the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness.

Flee to Jesus – In the active shooter training we are exhorted to always be aware of exits and escape routes. It is the same when we flee from sin – we flee to Jesus for safety.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. – Psalm 143:9

May you walk the walk of moral integrity in every aspect of your daily life to the glory of God.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31