Enticement, in the biblical context, refers to the act of luring or tempting someone into sin or wrongdoing. It is often associated with the seduction of individuals away from God's commandments and towards actions that are contrary to His will. The concept of enticement is addressed throughout Scripture, highlighting the spiritual dangers and moral implications of being led astray.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, enticement is frequently linked to idolatry and the worship of false gods. Deuteronomy 13:6-8 warns against being enticed by close family members or friends to serve other gods: "If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, 'Let us go and worship other gods'... you must not yield to him or listen to him." This passage underscores the seriousness of enticement, emphasizing the need for vigilance and loyalty to the one true God.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, also addresses the theme of enticement. Proverbs 1:10 advises, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." This counsel serves as a warning to the young and impressionable, urging them to resist the allure of sinful behavior and the influence of those who would lead them astray.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, enticement is often associated with the broader concept of temptation. James 1:14-15 provides insight into the process of enticement and its consequences: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." This passage illustrates the progression from enticement to sin and ultimately to spiritual death, highlighting the internal nature of temptation and the personal responsibility to resist it.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of enticement in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, he offers encouragement to believers facing temptation: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This assurance emphasizes God's provision and faithfulness, offering hope and strength to resist enticement.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Enticement poses significant moral and spiritual challenges for believers. It often involves a subtle and gradual departure from righteousness, making it imperative for Christians to remain vigilant and discerning. The Bible consistently calls for a steadfast commitment to God's commandments and a rejection of influences that lead to sin.

The role of the heart is central in the battle against enticement. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a pure heart, as it is the wellspring of one's actions and decisions. By guarding the heart, believers can better resist the allure of enticement and remain faithful to God's path.

Practical Responses to Enticement

Scripture provides practical guidance for resisting enticement. Prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential tools in overcoming temptation. Jesus, in teaching His disciples to pray, included the petition, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This prayer reflects a dependence on God's strength and protection in the face of enticement.

Additionally, the cultivation of godly relationships and accountability within the Christian community can serve as a safeguard against enticement. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" and to "not give up meeting together." Such fellowship provides support, encouragement, and accountability, helping individuals to resist the pull of sinful influences.

In summary, enticement is a significant theme in the Bible, warning believers of the dangers of being led astray from God's commandments. Through vigilance, prayer, and community, Christians are called to resist enticement and remain faithful to their calling in Christ.1. (n.) The act or practice of alluring or tempting; as, the enticements of evil companions.

2. (n.) That which entices, or incites to evil; means of allurement; alluring object; as, an enticement to sin.

551. apeirastos -- untried, untempted
... 551 (from 1 "not" and 3985 , "susceptible to enticement, allurement") -- properly,
to be tempted, lacking the very to be enticed by evil or influenced by sin. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/551.htm - 7k4065. madduach -- something which draws aside, an enticement
... 4064, 4065. madduach. 4066 . something which draws aside, an enticement.
Transliteration: madduach Phonetic Spelling: (mad-doo'akh) Short Definition: oracles ...
/hebrew/4065.htm - 6k

4383. mikshol -- a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a ...
... Or mikshol {mik-shole'}; masculine from kashal; a stumbling-block, literally or
figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple) -- caused ...
/hebrew/4383.htm - 6k

4384. makshelah -- something overthrown, a stumbling block
... ruin, stumbling-block. Feminine from kashal; a stumbling-block, but only figuratively
(fall, enticement (idol)) -- ruin, stumbling-block. see HEBREW kashal. ...
/hebrew/4384.htm - 6k

Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude.
... a wisdom which is "devilish" and if a man is enticed to sin by the natural depravity
of his heart, we must not overlook the fact that the enticement implies an ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter x entire sanctification as.htm

Vain Hopes.
... every day more difficult. And this enticement along the ways of sin being
so easy, it may be happening to some of you. You may feel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/v vain hopes.htm

These Things, My Brother Aurelius, Most Dear unto Me...
... borne withal, but even be preached up as holier men; insomuch that monasteries founded
on sounder doctrine should be by this double enticement corrupted, the ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 38 these things my.htm

Conclusion.
... Men's threatenings will be no terror to thee, nor the honors of this world any strong
enticement; temptations will be more harmless, as having lost their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the saints everlasting rest/conclusion.htm

Of a Deceitful Peace.
... The arranged time comes to our people; there is peace in the world; and, at the
same time, ruin is weighing us down from the enticement of the world, (the ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxvi of a deceitful peace.htm

Epistle xxvii. To the Presbyters and Deacons.
... Nor does the true remedy of the skilful physician avail to their safety,
whilst the sweet enticement is deceiving with its charms. ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxvii to the presbyters.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 7, "I Tell You the Truth; it ...
... and serving it in unclean and injurious deeds: unless by faith they are united and
compacted into His Body, who was conceived without any enticement of the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciii on the words.htm

A Comparison of the Truth with Eloquence: Why the Philosophers Did
... believe the truth when adorned with embellishments, since they even believe falsehood,
being captivated by the adornment of speech and the enticement of words ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap i a comparison of the.htm

Statement of the Reasons Wherefore the Matters, Treated of Shortly ...
... 5. But if the poet judged the enticement of worldly pleasure and licence destructive
of men's minds and a sure cause of shipwreck, what ought we to think, for ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i statement of the.htm

St. Ambrose, in Concluding the Second Book, Ascribes any Good ...
... Horses learn to love the sound of patting their necks, that they may not refuse
the yoke, and are first trained with words of enticement before the stripe of ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose in.htm

Enticement (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) That which entices, or incites to evil; means of allurement; alluring
object; as, an enticement to sin. ...Enticement (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/enticement.htm - 6k

Enticed (11 Occurrences)

/e/enticed.htm - 9k

Lure (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Any enticement; that which invites by the prospect of advantage
or pleasure; a decoy. 3. (n.) A velvet smoothing brush. ...
/l/lure.htm - 7k

Invitation (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A document written or printed, or spoken words, conveying the message
by which one is invited. 3. (n.) Allurement; enticement. ...
/i/invitation.htm - 8k

Train (17 Occurrences)
... a boat race. 9. (v.) That which draws along; especially, persuasion, artifice,
or enticement; allurement. 10. (v.) Hence, something ...
/t/train.htm - 14k

Entices (5 Occurrences)

/e/entices.htm - 7k

Draw (212 Occurrences)
... 22. (vi) To draw a liquid from some receptacle, as water from a well. 23. (vi) To
exert an attractive force; to act as an inducement or enticement. 24. ...
/d/draw.htm - 41k

Beguiled (10 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Proverbs 7:21 With her much enticement she beguiled him;
with the smoothness of her lips she constrained him. (DBY). ...
/b/beguiled.htm - 9k

Bait (3 Occurrences)
... to a hook, snare, enclosure, or net. 2. (vi) Anything which allures; a
lure; enticement; temptation. 3. (n.) A portion of food or ...
/b/bait.htm - 8k

Cord (47 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Fig.: Any moral influence by which persons are caught, held, or drawn, as
if by a cord; an enticement; as, the cords of the wicked; the cords of sin ...
/c/cord.htm - 27k

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