Title

The Spirit of Harlotry

Scripture
They do not direct their deeds toward turning to their God, for the spirit of harlotry is in their midst, and they do not know the Lord.
(Hosea 5:4)
Devotional
Harlotry is simply practiced unfaithfulness. It is taking that which belongs to one and giving it to another. It is the vilest of sins. It is at least three-fold in its effect: It is a sin against self, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”(1) It is a sin against the one lured, “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.”(2) It is a sin against God, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”(3) We have been redeemed, bought with a price, we are not our own. We have been betrothed to Christ; we are His bride. If we give greater affection to anything else more than to Him, we may be touching on the spirit of harlotry. Therefore, let us flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, peace and love. (4)

(1) 1 Corinthians 6:18, (2) Proverbs 7:19, (3) 1 Corinthians 6:19, (4) 2 Timothy 2:22
Text For The Day
Hosea 5:4: “They do not direct their deeds toward turning to their God, for the spirit of harlotry is in their midst, and they do not know the Lord.”
Thought For The Day
“Mortal lovers must not try to remain at the first step; for lasting passion is the dream of a harlot and from it we wake in despair.” C.S. Lewis, (1898-1963), ‘The Pilgrim's Regress.’
 
Questions To Ponder
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Spirit of harlotry”: That which can be practiced by the most sexually pure; it is an attitude, characteristic, and or demeanor of a variety of seductions, a drawing away of purity in any realm, not merely sexual.
 
Referencing: “The spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray, and they have played the harlot against their God,” Hosea 4:12.
 
Applying: Do not prostitute yourself by compromising your integrity, faith, or morals