When shadows take root

We explore the powerful message of Proverbs 1:10-19 and its surprising relevance to our modern lives. As election season stirs strong opinions and invites us into a world of sides and stances, how do we guard our hearts from the shadows that seek to divide us? We'll dive into the human need to belong, the lure of influences that can sway our spirit, and the wisdom of God’s call to stay rooted in His Kingdom. Join us as we reflect on what it means to be peacemakers in a world full of conflict and examine how God’s truth can guide us through challenging times. Whether you’re wrestling with decisions or seeking grounding in your faith, this episode is a timely reminder to stand firm in the love, humility, and unity that Jesus calls us to live out. 

Enjoy this message? Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor. Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason?

Help spread the gospel through this podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode.

Chapters

• 0:00 Trailer
• 0:18 Theme song--"The Dirt Path" by Jeremy Edwards
• 1:21 Introduction: Desire to belong
• 4:43 Reading of the Passage: Proverbs 1:10-19
• 5:44 Context--Wisdom of Proverbs
• 7:32 v10a--Company of "sinners"
• 8:38 V10b-14--Company of greed
• 13:27 v15-19--Company of destruction
• 16:43 What does this teach us?
• 30:48 Invitation--Which Kingdom will you choose?
• 33:29 Wrap up
• 34:03 Outro

Transcript

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

#3 When Shadows Take Root

     In only a couple weeks, as Americans we will be heading to vote. Now, I am your pastor, not your politician. I have no desire to tell you who to vote for, this is a matter of prayer between your heart and God’s heart. However, we have been journeying in a series called “Things to think about,” examining things we should keep in mind as citizens of God’s Kingdom. His ways are not suspended for us as His people during this period, so it is important we guard our heart with His truth.

     Our focus today is on a basic human need. Some may deny this, but a basic human desire is a sense of belonging. We may say, “I do not need anyone else” but this is not how God created us. We were designed for community. But there is a danger in that, a danger the enemy knows all too well.

     The book of Proverbs highlights this danger. At first, it may not seem to be applicable to us, but I promise you this Old Testament wisdom has a relevance for our modern context.

     Proverbs 1:10-19(CEB):

     10 My son, don’t let sinners entice you. Don’t go 11 when they say: “Come with us. Let’s set up a deadly ambush. Let’s secretly wait for the innocent just for fun. 12 Let’s swallow up the living like the grave—whole, like those who go down into the pit. 13 We’ll find all sorts of precious wealth; we’ll fill our houses with plunder. 14 Throw in your lot with us; we’ll share our money.” 15 My son, don’t go on the path with them; keep your feet form their way, 16 because their feet run to evil; they hurry to spill blood. 17 It’s useless to cast a net in the sight of a bird. 18 But these sinners set up a deadly ambush; they lie in wait for their own lives. 19 These are the ways of all who seek unjust gain; it costs them their lives.

This is the word of God

For the people of God

Thanks be to God

     Proverbs is a book all about wisdom. It is not necessarily an A plus B equals C formula for life, but there is a lot we can take away from studying Proverbs. Chapter 1 is parents giving advice to their son, particularly, in our section focusing on avoiding gangs. Really, it boils down to not being negatively influenced by the company one keeps. There is a lot to be said about that subject that applies to us. In Ephesians 5:11, Paul wrote, “Don’t participate in the unfruitful actions of darkness. Instead, you should reveal the truth about them.”

     Verse 10 proceeds with that thought in mind, saying, “My, don’t let sinners entice you.” The word “sinners” is a biblical term. We are all sinners fallen short of the glory of God, but in this context the writer is not referring to the whole of humanity. They are referring to those who are sinners, but happy in their sin with the goal of getting others to join them.

     The parent continues in verse 10 through verse 14 with, “Don’t go when they say: Come with us. Let’s set up a deadly ambush. Let’s secretly wait for the innocent just for fun. Let’s swallow up the living like the grave. We’ll find all sorts of precious wealth; we’ll fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us.” This group wants to take a shortcut to wealth, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Matthew Henry described them as “bloody men” who would “do this greedily as the hungry lion devours the lamb.” But beyond that, they want “the son” to join them, and they are using peer pressure to do it. Appealing to the basic human desire to belong. Belonging to this crew would come only with the use of ruthless aggression.

     In the last verses of this section, the parent is essentially saying to their son, “These are not your people.” Their plan may seem like a good one, but it is a plan with failure written all over it. Verse 17 says, “It’s useless to cast a net in the sight of a bird.” This is not an out of place hunting tip, but a description of the plan outlined by the gang. The trap in the scenario described is not effective for catching the bird, but in keeping the hunter trapped from catching the bird. Their sin of greed and violence has the gang members trapped on the path of their own destruction. Verse 15 again says to the son, “Don’t go with them.”

     What does this have to do with you and me? It all really hinges on the difference between the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God. Which one will keep our allegiance?

     In this passage, the kingdom of man is all about satisfying greed through violence. There is no care for the person being robbed, no value placed on them being someone lovingly knit together in their mother’s womb by God. This is completely opposite of God’s Kingdom. The shedding of blood and mistreatment of the innocent is contrary to God’s will for us.

     We get that from a physical perspective. But do you realize this goes beyond action. It even goes beyond words. This is all about the attitude in the heart. In Matthew 5, Jesus is talking about the command “Do not commit murder.” The Jews had all heard this teaching, but Jesus takes it step further. He warns in Matthew 5:22-23 those that are full of hatred and desire to cause harm “will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool’, they will be in danger of fiery hell.” Again this is going beyond the actions and words straight to the attitude of the heart.

     Elections can sometimes bring out strong emotions in us, especially when we feel deeply about certain issues or candidates. It’s easy to slip into an ‘us versus them’ mindset, but Jesus calls us to remember that our unity in Him goes deeper than any political differences. In Christ, there’s neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female—we’re all one. Yet, in our desire to belong or to support our ‘side,’ we may feel tempted to say, think, or do things that are not in line with God’s Kingdom values. Instead of letting an attitude of division or anger take root, let’s keep our focus on Jesus, remembering that our salvation doesn’t hinge on a vote, but on faith in Him.

     It is that root of volience in the human heart that has the parent warning “the son” against joining the gang. The root of violence in their heart is what kept the gang from seeing the destruction looming ahead of them. As we approach this election, let’s remember that we are part of a Kingdom that transcends any human one. God calls us to be peacemakers, to love our neighbors, and to shine His light in the world. It’s easy to let emotions take over, to feel frustrated or tempted to judge. But we belong to Jesus, who teaches us to walk in humility, mercy, and love.

So as we prepare to vote, pray for guidance, wisdom, and discernment. Seek God’s heart in every decision. And remember, in Christ, we’re already part of the greatest community—His Kingdom. May we be a witness to His love, showing a spirit of kindness and grace to those around us. Let’s guard our hearts, keeping them tender and open to His leading, that others might see Jesus in us, no matter the season.