Session 16

The best way to beat temptation is to fight it together

From Song of Solomon: A-17 Day Devotional

Whether single or married, the temptation to stray from purity is always lurking. In Song of Solomon 8:9, the girl’s friends say, “If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.”

The bride is reflecting on when she was younger and under the care of her brothers. If she was like a wall, standing firm against sexual temptation they would praise her, but if she was like a door, open to immorality, they would take steps to guard her from doing something foolish. In Song of Solomon 8:10, she declares that she was persistent in morality, and thus, she found favor in Solomon’s eyes.

You don't have to fight temptation alone. 

The accountability and encouragement the bride got from her brothers helped her honor God in her relationships. You might be the only Christian in your family or circle of friends, but that doesn’t mean you have to fight temptation alone. The same support system available to the bride in Song of Solomon is available to us through the church.

It is difficult to remain pure in a serious relationship when the desire for intimacy is so strong. When a friend admits to struggling with temptation or going too far with his girlfriend, we should show him grace and to help him set up boundaries to remain pure. Or, if a friend shares how she has protected her heart from attaching to someone she doesn’t intend to marry, we should celebrate with her.

If we can commit to being open and honest with our closest friends about our temptations, they can help us to build boundaries. If someone is struggling to stay pure, it should be our joy to encourage him or her stay strong.

When we set boundaries and save sex for marriage, we set ourselves up to experience even greater intimacy as husband and wife.

Reflect:

• What boundaries do you need to put in place to help you to stay pure?
• What is one way you can encourage a friend in a serious dating relationship?
• Who do you trust that you can talk to about temptation? When was the last time you opened up about areas where you’re struggling?