How can we resist the temptation to "lurk" for others' harm today? Foundational Verse “If they say, ‘Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause…’” Lurking Defined in Modern Life • Online trolling, doxxing, revenge posts, or secret surveillance of someone’s feed • Workplace plots that undermine reputations or careers • Neighborhood gossip that quietly poisons relationships • Any covert plan that targets the “innocent without cause” Why the Temptation Appears • Sinful human nature finds thrill in power over others (Jeremiah 17:9) • Peer pressure invites shared guilt so no one feels alone (Proverbs 1:10) • Anonymity—especially online—creates a false sense of safety (Luke 12:2-3) • Unresolved bitterness seeks an outlet (Ephesians 4:31) Biblical Strategies to Resist • Fill the mind with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Philippians 4:8) • Walk by the Spirit and refuse the fleshly urge to harm (Galatians 5:16) • Avoid the path of the wicked; do not enter it, turn from it, and pass on (Proverbs 4:14-15) • Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7) • Repay no one evil for evil; overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17, 21) Practical Steps for Today 1. Immediate exit • Leave chat rooms, threads, or conversations the moment they turn malicious. 2. Accountability • Invite a mature believer to monitor online activity or group dynamics with you. 3. Replace the feed • Unfollow harmful voices and follow uplifting, Christ-centered content. 4. Speak blessing instead of curse • Post, text, or say words that build up even those who irritate or oppose (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Pray for the target of the plot • Intercession softens the heart toward anyone in the crosshairs (Matthew 5:44). 6. Serve the would-be victim • Tangible acts of kindness dismantle the urge to harm (Romans 12:20). 7. Memorize key verses • Keep Proverbs 1:10-16, Psalm 1:1-3, and 1 Peter 5:8 on repeat. 8. Wear Christ like a garment • “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14). Encouragement from the Gospel Christ defeated every scheme of darkness at the cross (Colossians 2:15). By His Spirit believers are “more than conquerors” over secret plots and lurking temptations (Romans 8:37). Stand firm in that victory and choose light over shadow today. |
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