In what ways can we avoid the sins mentioned in Nahum 3:1? Setting the Scene “Nahum 3:1 – ‘Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey.’” Identifying the Four Sins • Bloodshed – the taking or devaluing of life • Lies – intentional deception in word or action • Plunder – greed-driven theft or unjust gain • Prey on Others – exploiting the weak for personal advantage Seeing Their Modern Faces • Violence can be physical, verbal, or digital (bullying, hateful posts, character assassination). • Lies now travel by texts, emails, social media, business reports, and academic work. • Plunder shows up as fraud, piracy, corruption, and covetous consumerism. • Preying on others surfaces in predatory lending, workplace exploitation, pornography, or any abuse of power. Guarding Against Bloodshed and Violence • Value every person as God’s image-bearer (Genesis 9:6). • Reject hatred, resentment, and revenge—Jesus equates these with murder (Matthew 5:21-22). • Use speech to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Promote life-honoring choices: defend the unborn, protect the vulnerable, seek peaceful conflict resolution (Proverbs 24:11). Walking in Truth, Not Lies • Remember that “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD” (Proverbs 12:22). • Speak truth even when costly (Ephesians 4:25). • Refuse half-truths in advertising, résumé padding, tax forms, or gossip (Colossians 3:9). • Invite accountability—let trusted believers ask hard questions about your integrity (Proverbs 27:6). Resisting Plunder and Greed • Cultivate contentment: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6-10). • Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-8); generosity breaks greed’s grip. • Practice honest business: fair prices, accurate measurements, prompt payments (Leviticus 19:35-36; Romans 13:8). • Live simply; steward resources for kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:19-21). Refusing to Prey on Others • Treat employees, customers, and neighbors with justice (James 5:4). • Use authority to serve, not exploit (Matthew 20:25-28). • Defend the marginalized: orphans, widows, refugees (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27). • Reject pornography and any profit built on another’s degradation (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Cultivating a Righteous Culture • Stay in Scripture daily—truth renews the mind (Psalm 119:11). • Pray for a tender conscience and swift repentance (Psalm 139:23-24). • Surround yourself with believers who model honesty, generosity, and compassion (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep eternity in view: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Conclusion By treasuring life, speaking truth, practicing honest stewardship, and using power to serve rather than exploit, we cut off the four roots of Nahum 3:1 and shine as Christ’s witnesses in a world much like ancient Nineveh. |
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