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Ecclesiastes 8:8b - Sin cannot deliver
Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 8:8b
evil will not deliver those who practice it.
NASU
Thoughts:
The word translated "deliver" in this verse refers to one escaping, in
the original language. There are at
least a couple of ways that this could be understood, and I think they
come together in a way that is insightful.
First, how well said of the inability of sin to deliver us. People do
often look to evil to help them out of their circumstances. Whether we
are tempted to tell a lie to escape confrontation, some are tempted to
steal to afford what they cannot, and there is the powerful temptation
to turn
to sin to help us forget our problems for a brief moment; to "feel
good"
despite reality, among other enticements.
But sin is never the answer. It promises pleasure
without consequences, but brings only chains and prison. This is the
second understanding of sin's inability to deliver. In other words, it
will not release people who practice it, they become enslaved. Jesus
spoke of this entangling power of sin:
John 8:34
34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who
commits sin is the slave of sin."
NASU
And of course, the consequences of sin do come, and they are generally
more harsh than one can bear:
Galatians 6:7
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this
he will also reap.
NASU
Prayer:
Lord, keep me from the foolishness of turning to sin when times are
hard rather than You, my Rock. You are my hope and You never fail.
Thank You!
Help those who have believed the lie of sin. Reach them, deliver them
from the sin that has mastered them, as only You can.
Amen
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