Title

Which Way Are You Swaying?

Scripture
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
(1 John 5: 19)
Devotional
What pulls you? Who or what are the influences in your life? Are you persuaded by Christ or the things of this World? Whether we realize it or not we are constantly being pulled in one direction or another. The draw of Christ is the Love of God. The world uses every technique there is to draw you and me into its way of thinking. We are constantly being bombarded with advertisements. Each is attempting to convince us that we need to conform to a certain image. Therefore, we find ourselves swaying back and forth. Like a drunken stupor we succumb to the influence and lure of the world. We are not of the world. We are not to succumb to its temptations. We are to be of Christ. The world is no longer to have its talons imbedded into our hearts. We are to say with the psalmist, “I shall not be moved.”
Thought For The Night
“Take heed lest concupiscence and partiality entice you to justify your sinful desires and take them to be lawful.” Richard Baxter, (1615-1691), Puritan evangelist, Directions Against Sinful Desires and Discontent.
Evening Text
1 John 5:19: We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
Looking for Answers
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Sway of the wicked one”: The ability to lull, dupe, and disarm through the deceptive security of the world.
 
Referencing: “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning,” James 1:16-17.
 
Applying: Do not yield to the numbing spirit of the world and its lethargic posture.