Satan's Devices to Draw the Soul into Sin (Device7)

Seventh Device: Satan will encourage one to venture near temptations.  He says, "You can walk by the harlot's door without going into her bed.; you can sup with the drunkard without getting drunk with him; you can look upon Jezebel's beauty and toy with Delilah without committing wickedness with either."

First remedy:  Dwell on those scriptures that expressly command us to avoid all occasions to sin, and the least appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).  The Bible not only forbids sin, but also those things that would lead us into sin.  If you would not be burned, then stay away from the fire and if you would not hear the bell then don't pull the rope! To walk in front of sin's door and then to pray, "lead us not into temptation," is the same as sticking one's hand into the flame and praying that it would not get burnt.  God considers it all wisdom to stay away from everything that might lead us into evil (Proverbs 4:14-15, Jude 23). 

Second remedy: Consider that there is ordinarily no conquest over sin unless we turn from all opportunities to sin.  God does not remove the temptation unless you turn from the occasion.   As long as there is fuel in our hearts for a temptation, we cannot be secure.  If you are carrying gunpowder, you need to stay away from sparks!

Third remedy: Remember those saints that have gone before and are now rejoicing in heaven, how they avoided every occasion to sin as hell itself.  Think of Joseph (Genesis 39:10).  Consider those who made a Nazirite vow, that would not only abstain from wine, but would not even eat a grape.  Think of righteous Job (Job 31:1) or David (Psalm 26:4-5) and follow those whose godly example teaches us to avoid every occasion to sin.  If we would be equal with them in glory we should strive to be like them in grace. 

Fourth Remedy: Consider that avoiding occasions to sin is an evidence of grace that lifts men above others and accurately reflects one's character.  It takes a Daniel to be holy in Babylon.  A man truly belongs to Christ when he can avoid occasions to sin even though he walks among them.  Nothing but grace can fence a man against occasions to sin when he is strongly tempted to seek them.  So if you want sure evidence of grace in your heart then shun every opportunity to venture near to sin.