Topical Bible: Temptation: Evil Associates, the Instruments of

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In the Christian understanding, temptation is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, often seen as a test of faith and character. One of the primary instruments of temptation is the influence of evil associates—those individuals whose actions, words, or lifestyles may lead believers away from the path of righteousness. The Bible provides numerous warnings and examples regarding the dangers posed by such associations.

Biblical Warnings Against Evil Associates

The Scriptures consistently caution believers about the peril of forming close relationships with those who do not share their commitment to God. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, the Apostle Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This verse underscores the corrupting influence that immoral companions can have on a believer's conduct and moral integrity.

Similarly, Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This proverb highlights the importance of choosing one's companions wisely, as their influence can lead either to wisdom or to folly and destruction.

Examples of Temptation Through Evil Associates

The Bible provides several narratives illustrating the consequences of associating with those who lead others into sin. One notable example is found in the account of King Solomon. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's alliances with foreign women who worshiped other gods led him astray. 1 Kings 11:4 recounts, "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been."

Another example is found in the account of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. In 1 Kings 12:8, Rehoboam forsakes the counsel of the elders and instead follows the advice of the young men he grew up with, leading to disastrous consequences for his kingdom. This narrative illustrates how the influence of peers can lead to poor decision-making and spiritual decline.

The Call to Separation

The Bible calls believers to be distinct from those who live in opposition to God's commandments. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This passage emphasizes the need for separation from those whose lives are characterized by sin, as such associations can compromise a believer's spiritual integrity.

The Role of the Church and Community

The Christian community plays a vital role in supporting believers in their walk with God. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." By fostering relationships within the body of Christ, believers can find strength and encouragement to resist the temptations posed by evil associates.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of temptation, it also provides guidance and support for believers seeking to live a life pleasing to God. By heeding the warnings against evil associations and cultivating relationships within the Christian community, believers can guard their hearts and minds against the corrupting influences of the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 7:6
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 16:29
A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him into the way that is not good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... in respect of whom there is no ground or temptation of evil ... is the apostolical precept;
they are all associates and kindred ... "Render not evil for evil," saith St. ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

The Revelation
... thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou ... Nearly all his former associates
in the ministry had ... will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

The Best Strengthening Medicine
... he also noted that he never had a temptation so to ... they are lukewarm; you turn to
old associates, and they ... In the conflict with evil, we would overcome it early ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the best strengthening medicine.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... whole man, thou cannot escape falling into some temptation. ... not burn his feet?" So
whoever associates and goes ... give offices and countenance to evil men, which ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... When will temptation give us a truce, making it ... commandments," (1 John 3:22); an
evil conscience shuts ... we are in respect of this privilege their associates. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

General Index.
... Eusebius, on the Sabbath, 574. Eve, temptation of, 531-534. ... Lucian, 178. Lucifer,
the originator of evil, 493-499. ... associates of, in labors, 335. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... And bring us not into temptation. ... He further compared the evil influence of hypocrites
to the ... severe denunciations seemed to include him and his associates. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

The Education of the World.
... to them to be imbibing from their associates and their ... been to them a source of
perpetual temptation, and they ... any religious life within such a circle of evil. ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... His associates would enable him to draw the awful character ... His next temptation was
to return to the world. ... day is usually attended with much evil towards them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.
... the new converts and their former heathen associates. ... he should himself be overcome
by temptation and fall ... to Christ's name a power whereby evil spirits might ...
/.../epistle of paul to the.htm