The Snare of Sin

 2 Samuel 13-14; Matthew 24 

“Amnon became frustrated to the point of illness on account of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her.”

2 Samuel 13:2

When our emotional health is tied to something that seems out of reach, we have created an idol. That object, person, experience, or attainment has now taken over our life. Amnon’s lust for Tamor devoured all the good activities, relationships, and experiences he could have enjoyed as David’s firstborn son.

Has lust for things, a person, or a position tainted our lives?

Repentance is our agreement with God that we have sinned. Perhaps we have not yet acted on our hidden lust, but we are vulnerable. Repentance breaks the power of sin over us as the victory Christ won on the cross is applied to our sin-battle. Sin can make us sick, while repentance is often an essential step in healing prayer (James 5:14-1). Amnon’s cousin Jonadab offered destructive counsel to Amnon in his battle with temptation. We need friends who will point us to God’s ways when we step in a sin-snare. Sin only leads to bondage; it is repentance that sets us free.

“Lord Jesus, free me from every snare of the enemy, for your glory.”