PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SEASON
Hebrews 11:25 “the pleasures of sin for a season.” Sin can for a time seem so inviting. It can be enjoyable, at least in a carnal way, for a brief period of time. Sin can be very appealing to our sinful nature. The Devil can make sinning seem so fun, so pleasurable, so enticing – with one very important caveat that he never reminds us of, sin can seem so pleasurable, so enticing, so fun – “for a season.”
Then the guilt comes washing over us, then the regret comes, then the consequences of our sins start coming into our life – then sin is no longer so pleasurable, it’s no longer fun, oftentimes sin becomes enslaving, sin chains us to terrible habits, sin chains us to addictions, sin chains us to guilt and regret, “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).
II Peter 2:19 “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”
Let’s Look at the Thought: Choosing Eternal Rewards Over Temporary Pleasures
This thought is actually an essential aspect of our faith – there are eternal rewards that await us when we choose to live for God. In Hebrews 11:25, we are reminded of the temporary nature of sinful pleasures and the eternal blessings that come from following a righteous path. Let’s dig into this verse and thought seeking to gain wisdom and insight into the lasting treasures that await us in God’s Kingdom.
Hebrews 11:25 again, “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”
The Deceptive Allure of Sinful Pleasures:
Albert Barnes wrote this about the pleasures of sin:
“There is a degree of pleasure in sin. It does not deserve to be called happiness and the apostle does not call it so. It is “pleasure,” excitement, hilarity, merriment, amusement. Happiness is more solid and enduring than “pleasure;” and solid happiness is not found in the ways of sin. But it cannot be denied that there is a degree of pleasure which may be found in amusement; in the excitement of the ballroom; in feasting and revelry; in sensual enjoyments.
All which wealth and splendour, music and dancing, sensual gratifications, and the more refined pursuits in the circles of fashion can furnish, may be found in a life of irreligion…. It is only “for a season.” It will all soon pass away. Had Moses lived at the court of Pharaoh all his days, it would have been only for a little “season.” These pleasures soon vanish, for life itself is short at best; and if a career of “pleasure” is pursued through the whole of the ordinary period allotted to man, it is very brief.
Those who live for pleasure often abridge their own lives. Indulgence brings disease in its train, and the votaries of sensuality usually die young. The art has never been yet discovered of combining intemperance and sensuality with length of days. If a man wishes a reasonable prospect of long life, he must be temperate and virtuous. Indulgence in vice… destroys the powers of life–just as a machine without balance-wheel or governor would soon tear itself to pieces.”[1]
Often, sin exhibits a deceptive charm, drawing many into its web of temporary gratification. The world entices us with fleeting delights, tempting us to indulge in sinful pleasures. We may find momentary satisfaction in the lusts of the flesh, the allure of wealth, or the pursuit of power. Yet, we must recognize that these pleasures are momentary, transitory, and ultimately unsatisfying.
Approaching life through the lens of temporary gratification blinds us to the eternal perspective. It is easy to be swayed by the world’s glamour, but let us remember that sin, at its core, is a cheap substitute for God’s abundant blessings.
Next – Let’s Consider the Enduring Worth of Living for God:
In contrast, to the temporary pleasures of sinful living – living for God offers us an eternal reward that far surpasses anything the world can provide. It is through faithful devotion and righteousness that we discover true and lasting joy. Here, we find a profound truth – the rewards of godliness endure beyond the constraints of time and space.
When we make the choice to live for God, we embark on a transformative journey that leads to a heavenly inheritance. Our faith in Him brings forth a beautiful harvest of blessings that will not fade away or be destroyed. These rewards, bestowed by a gracious and loving God, surpass anything we could ever comprehend or imagine.
Examples of Faithful Witnesses:
As we navigate our own faith, we can turn to examples provided in Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others exhibited lives of faith, firmly rooted in the eternal rewards that come from serving God.
Consider Moses – he chose to endure suffering alongside God’s chosen people rather than bask in the temporary pleasure of Egypt’s luxury. Why? Because he had glimpsed the eternal rewards that awaited him by following God’s call.
So let us remain steadfast in our resolve to pursue God’s will above all else. As we consider Hebrews 11:25, may it serve as a reminder that the pleasures of sin are fleeting, while the rewards of a life devoted to God endure forever.
Embrace the eternal perspective, for in doing so, we exchange temporary gratification for everlasting joy. Let us learn from the examples of faith provided in Scripture and fix our hearts on the eternal blessings that await us in God’s Kingdom.
Remember, when faced with the allure of sin, it is always worth choosing the eternal rewards that come from living for God. Be assured, your faith and devotion will be rewarded beyond measure in the eternal embrace of our loving Heavenly Father.
[1] (Barnes, 1962)
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