Keep On Walking
Satan may be a defeated enemy, but he is far from giving up on his destructive plan. Before experiencing his ultimate defeat, he is cruelly destroying as many lives as possible by drawing people away from Jesus and the lifesaving gospel. There are many malicious tricks up the devil’s sleeve, and he is cunningly creative in how he uses them. While Satan cannot rob Christians of their future home in heaven, he can masterfully weave a web of temptation that keeps us from serving Christ and enjoying the blessings of our salvation. We may be spared the tortures of hell, but hell’s keeper is intent on providing God’s people with a taste of its brutal agony. Our enemy is cunning and well equipped, making a formidable opponent. The One residing in us may be greater than the evil one who is tempting the world, but even the strongest among us is incapable of standing against the devil in our own strength. This is why we must be prepared for the battle. Our preparedness includes understanding some of his favorite and effective schemes. Let’s briefly consider two of Satan’s most utilized and persuasive strategies. Both of these schemes involve drawing the attention of Christians to the wicked who are living unbridled lives and seemingly prospering with no sign of God’s displeasure.
One of Satan’s favorite ploys to discourage believers or draw them into disobedience is to convince unsuspecting Christians that the wicked lead far less troublesome lives. He would like for you and me to believe that those who follow Jesus will go through more suffering and hardship than those following the ways of the world experience. Proverbs 3:31, however, firmly warns: “Do not envy a man of violence.” Proverbs 24:1 adds, “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them.” From a strictly worldly perspective, the wicked may very well prosper in this life and temporarily enjoy all that the world offers. Their manner of life may be attractive with its blatant appeal to “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions” (1 John 2:16), but it is a deceptive trap set by the devil himself. The wise are not seduced by this alluring bait. The righteous avoid wickedness and those who walk in the ways of evil. From the outside looking in, a life of unrestrained wickedness may look easier, freer, and more exciting, but it is an illusion carefully woven by the great deceiver. Knowing it is a mirage, the wise do not even nibble at this bait.
Whenever you are tempted to envy the wicked, always take a moment to consider their lives from God’s perspective. According to the prophet Isaiah, those who pursue righteousness will enjoy God’s everlasting healing and peace, as described in Isaiah 57:14-19. The wicked, however, will never experience lasting healing or peace. In verses 20-21, Isaiah warns, “The wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’” In these two powerfully insightful verses, Isaiah casts a vivid picture of what the lives of the wicked are actually like. They live tumultuous lives, not peaceful ones. Like an agitated and troubled sea that cannot rest, they twist and turn down the path to destruction. The wicked are like a raging ocean, stirring up sludge and dirt wherever they go. Because of God’s righteous indignation and justice, those who reject God and His word will face His divine and perfectly holy judgment. As the Lord warned Moses, “Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin” (Leviticus 24:15). Those who refuse to repent and continue cursing God with their words and disobedience will suffer the consequences. Never overlook the fact that the affliction, misery, and torment of those consumed with wickedness are far greater and weightier than that which is experienced by those committed to holiness. It is the persistent and unrepentant sin of the wicked that prevents them from experiencing the same lasting joy, peace, and comfort promised to the righteous.
Rather than envying the wicked or wishing your life looked more like theirs, remember their end. As David asked in Psalm 4:2, “How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?” Don’t let your gaze fall continually on the vanity of this world and allow the glitz and glamor to draw you down the destructive path of evil. The wicked may experience temporary periods of superficial joy and peace in this world, but unlike believers, they will enjoy neither of these in the one to come. As Solomon warns in Proverbs 4:19, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” Instead of measuring your life against the wicked, spend more time comparing your internal thoughts and external actions with the eternal Word of God. One day, your life will be judged by God’s perfect standard of righteousness, not by the foolish actions and worldly priorities of the wicked. Put away envy, and draw closer to Jesus.
Do you spend more time wishing you looked more like the world or more like Jesus? Are you pursuing the world to the point that your desire for Jesus has turned cold? Stop envying the wicked, and draw closer to the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world so you might enjoy the pleasures of his wondrous Kingdom for all of eternity.
A second preferred method of Satan is to maliciously draw the undivided attention of Christians to those who are living according to their own fleshly desires while making light of God’s Word. These are individuals who regularly slight God’s commandments and refuse to submit to His divine authority. Many believers are tempted to look at the highly honored and applauded and erroneously believe they have it much better than those who are faithful to the Lord. These individuals seemingly have it all together, even though they have no time for God or His inspired word. There are no visible signs of God’s judgment, even though they consistently insult their Creator with their wicked words and evil actions. While the wayward life may be enticing, only a fool would choose to follow the example of the wicked. Whenever humankind’s sin nature is combined with human ingenuity, the wicked can quickly craft creative ways to express our depravity. And let’s face it, these innovations are often rather impressive and enticing.
In Proverbs 4:14-15 we read: “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” This pair of verses clearly demonstrates that Solomon recognized the ever-present temptation to imprudently follow the wicked. The foolish are compulsive evildoers, and they will do all they can to encourage others to follow their corrupt, impulsive, and reckless lifestyles. Multitudes may strut merrily down the easy and broad pathway of evil, but the wise refuse to enter the path of the wicked or walk in the way of those who incessantly commit evil. Remember, the more attention you give to the wicked, the more like them you will become. This is why the wise avoid the evil way at all costs, refusing to entertain the allurement of the enticing words whispered by those who follow its dark and twisted path. Proverbs 28:4 tells us that “those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.” Strive is translated from the Hebrew word garah, meaning to cause strife or to contend with. Rather than turning down the sinful road, the righteous pass on by, committing their lives to the narrow path leading to everlasting life. They do not praise the wicked ones who have forsaken God law; they stand firmly against them in holy opposition to their profane way of life.
Additional texts, such as Exodus 23:2, make it clear that God’s people must “not fall in with the many to do evil.” The multitude generally does not know the way of the Lord. They are unaware of God’s commandments, and remain stubbornly unwilling to obey their Creator. The way of the wicked may look like a pleasant stroll through a newly blossomed garden, but it is an illusion that has deceived far too many envious believers. Those who foolishly deny God in this life will certainly be held accountable for the actions in the one to come. Sadly, the way to hell is unusually broad and well worn, and Satan continues to deviously lure more unsuspecting people down this tragic road. Proverbs 13:20 warns, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” From this simple verse we learn that it is far better to walk the straight and narrow path of obedience all alone than to skip down the crooked pathway leading to destruction with a wicked multitude. What wise person who has ever risked following those committed to evil kept themselves from being confined in the hellish chambers of misery and destruction?
Should you decide to temporarily enjoy the wicked ways of this world, you will also experience the despair and grief that inevitably come to the wicked. Make no mistake about it, choosing to sin with the multitude will eventually bring God’s chastening to those who are genuinely His children. Multitudes may persuade you to follow the abhorrent ways of the wicked, but they will forsake you when God’s loving and restorative correction comes. Sin and correction are always linked together by a chain of grace and mercy that our heavenly Father uses to correct His errant children. The infection of sin will produce eternal death to those who reject the gospel and the affliction of God’s merciful chastening to those who believe. Rather than entertaining the thought of following the path of the wicked, set your mind on the presence, purity, and majesty of your Creator. The closer you draw to Him, the more rottenness you will discover crusted in your heart. Once revealed, this lingering sin can be biblically addressed and forsaken, making it less likely that the way of the wicked will ever appeal to you. You may look like an angel when compared to the wicked, but we all look a lot more like the devil when compared to Jesus.
Satan may dangle the seemingly comfortable lives of the wicked before your envious eyes, but do not fall for his tricks. Avoid the path and way of the wicked. Turn away from it, and walk on by without even a glance. It is always better to stand alone with Christ than to follow the multitude to their unavoidable destruction. Dear Christian, keep your eyes on Jesus, and “be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them” (Proverbs 24:1). God has a much better plan for your life. Follow Him, and enjoy the blessings of the narrow path leading you to life everlasting.
One of Satan’s favorite ploys to discourage believers or draw them into disobedience is to convince unsuspecting Christians that the wicked lead far less troublesome lives. He would like for you and me to believe that those who follow Jesus will go through more suffering and hardship than those following the ways of the world experience. Proverbs 3:31, however, firmly warns: “Do not envy a man of violence.” Proverbs 24:1 adds, “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them.” From a strictly worldly perspective, the wicked may very well prosper in this life and temporarily enjoy all that the world offers. Their manner of life may be attractive with its blatant appeal to “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions” (1 John 2:16), but it is a deceptive trap set by the devil himself. The wise are not seduced by this alluring bait. The righteous avoid wickedness and those who walk in the ways of evil. From the outside looking in, a life of unrestrained wickedness may look easier, freer, and more exciting, but it is an illusion carefully woven by the great deceiver. Knowing it is a mirage, the wise do not even nibble at this bait.
Whenever you are tempted to envy the wicked, always take a moment to consider their lives from God’s perspective. According to the prophet Isaiah, those who pursue righteousness will enjoy God’s everlasting healing and peace, as described in Isaiah 57:14-19. The wicked, however, will never experience lasting healing or peace. In verses 20-21, Isaiah warns, “The wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’” In these two powerfully insightful verses, Isaiah casts a vivid picture of what the lives of the wicked are actually like. They live tumultuous lives, not peaceful ones. Like an agitated and troubled sea that cannot rest, they twist and turn down the path to destruction. The wicked are like a raging ocean, stirring up sludge and dirt wherever they go. Because of God’s righteous indignation and justice, those who reject God and His word will face His divine and perfectly holy judgment. As the Lord warned Moses, “Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin” (Leviticus 24:15). Those who refuse to repent and continue cursing God with their words and disobedience will suffer the consequences. Never overlook the fact that the affliction, misery, and torment of those consumed with wickedness are far greater and weightier than that which is experienced by those committed to holiness. It is the persistent and unrepentant sin of the wicked that prevents them from experiencing the same lasting joy, peace, and comfort promised to the righteous.
Rather than envying the wicked or wishing your life looked more like theirs, remember their end. As David asked in Psalm 4:2, “How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?” Don’t let your gaze fall continually on the vanity of this world and allow the glitz and glamor to draw you down the destructive path of evil. The wicked may experience temporary periods of superficial joy and peace in this world, but unlike believers, they will enjoy neither of these in the one to come. As Solomon warns in Proverbs 4:19, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” Instead of measuring your life against the wicked, spend more time comparing your internal thoughts and external actions with the eternal Word of God. One day, your life will be judged by God’s perfect standard of righteousness, not by the foolish actions and worldly priorities of the wicked. Put away envy, and draw closer to Jesus.
Do you spend more time wishing you looked more like the world or more like Jesus? Are you pursuing the world to the point that your desire for Jesus has turned cold? Stop envying the wicked, and draw closer to the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world so you might enjoy the pleasures of his wondrous Kingdom for all of eternity.
A second preferred method of Satan is to maliciously draw the undivided attention of Christians to those who are living according to their own fleshly desires while making light of God’s Word. These are individuals who regularly slight God’s commandments and refuse to submit to His divine authority. Many believers are tempted to look at the highly honored and applauded and erroneously believe they have it much better than those who are faithful to the Lord. These individuals seemingly have it all together, even though they have no time for God or His inspired word. There are no visible signs of God’s judgment, even though they consistently insult their Creator with their wicked words and evil actions. While the wayward life may be enticing, only a fool would choose to follow the example of the wicked. Whenever humankind’s sin nature is combined with human ingenuity, the wicked can quickly craft creative ways to express our depravity. And let’s face it, these innovations are often rather impressive and enticing.
In Proverbs 4:14-15 we read: “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” This pair of verses clearly demonstrates that Solomon recognized the ever-present temptation to imprudently follow the wicked. The foolish are compulsive evildoers, and they will do all they can to encourage others to follow their corrupt, impulsive, and reckless lifestyles. Multitudes may strut merrily down the easy and broad pathway of evil, but the wise refuse to enter the path of the wicked or walk in the way of those who incessantly commit evil. Remember, the more attention you give to the wicked, the more like them you will become. This is why the wise avoid the evil way at all costs, refusing to entertain the allurement of the enticing words whispered by those who follow its dark and twisted path. Proverbs 28:4 tells us that “those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.” Strive is translated from the Hebrew word garah, meaning to cause strife or to contend with. Rather than turning down the sinful road, the righteous pass on by, committing their lives to the narrow path leading to everlasting life. They do not praise the wicked ones who have forsaken God law; they stand firmly against them in holy opposition to their profane way of life.
Additional texts, such as Exodus 23:2, make it clear that God’s people must “not fall in with the many to do evil.” The multitude generally does not know the way of the Lord. They are unaware of God’s commandments, and remain stubbornly unwilling to obey their Creator. The way of the wicked may look like a pleasant stroll through a newly blossomed garden, but it is an illusion that has deceived far too many envious believers. Those who foolishly deny God in this life will certainly be held accountable for the actions in the one to come. Sadly, the way to hell is unusually broad and well worn, and Satan continues to deviously lure more unsuspecting people down this tragic road. Proverbs 13:20 warns, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” From this simple verse we learn that it is far better to walk the straight and narrow path of obedience all alone than to skip down the crooked pathway leading to destruction with a wicked multitude. What wise person who has ever risked following those committed to evil kept themselves from being confined in the hellish chambers of misery and destruction?
Should you decide to temporarily enjoy the wicked ways of this world, you will also experience the despair and grief that inevitably come to the wicked. Make no mistake about it, choosing to sin with the multitude will eventually bring God’s chastening to those who are genuinely His children. Multitudes may persuade you to follow the abhorrent ways of the wicked, but they will forsake you when God’s loving and restorative correction comes. Sin and correction are always linked together by a chain of grace and mercy that our heavenly Father uses to correct His errant children. The infection of sin will produce eternal death to those who reject the gospel and the affliction of God’s merciful chastening to those who believe. Rather than entertaining the thought of following the path of the wicked, set your mind on the presence, purity, and majesty of your Creator. The closer you draw to Him, the more rottenness you will discover crusted in your heart. Once revealed, this lingering sin can be biblically addressed and forsaken, making it less likely that the way of the wicked will ever appeal to you. You may look like an angel when compared to the wicked, but we all look a lot more like the devil when compared to Jesus.
Satan may dangle the seemingly comfortable lives of the wicked before your envious eyes, but do not fall for his tricks. Avoid the path and way of the wicked. Turn away from it, and walk on by without even a glance. It is always better to stand alone with Christ than to follow the multitude to their unavoidable destruction. Dear Christian, keep your eyes on Jesus, and “be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them” (Proverbs 24:1). God has a much better plan for your life. Follow Him, and enjoy the blessings of the narrow path leading you to life everlasting.
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