Text: Proverbs 24:11
In our text, the wise man encouraged efforts to rescue those who were headed for destruction. Sometimes this is done by protecting someone from PHYSICAL harm (murder, rape, injury, kidnapping, etc.). It can also be done by protecting someone from SPIRITUAL harm, and we will focus on this in this lesson. The world we live in is a dangerous place spiritually. Many are headed for destruction. Many others have been led astray after once being on the right track. What can we do to help them?
The Example of Pilate
- The chief priests and elders plotted to have Jesus put to death, so they brought Him before Pilate – Pilate found “no guilt in Him” (John 18:38); he knew their motives were corrupt (Matthew 27:18); when he heard that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, he tried to release Him (John 19:12); but the mob demanded Jesus’ death and Pilate was afraid they would turn violent (Matthew 27:24)
- Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but refused to stand up to the mob that demanded His death – he washed his hands to signify that he was absolving himself of responsibility; if they wanted to kill Jesus, he would not participate, but would also not intervene to deliver Him
- However, this did not absolve him – civil authorities have a divine responsibility (Romans 13:3-4); of course, God knew Pilate would make this choice and used it for His plan (Acts 2:23); but Pilate was still wrong for his action (or inaction); he had a responsibility to protect the one being delivered to death, and he refused to step in and help
Christians and the World
- Christians may see the state of the world and be tempted to throw up their hands, thinking there is nothing we can do – the world is headed for destruction; for years society has followed the path of godless secularism; our neighbors are blissfully ignorant, yet are on the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14)
- We cannot wash our hands like Pilate did and refuse to do what we can to help – so what should we do? … “hold them back” (Proverbs 24:11)
How to Deliver Them from Destruction
- Recognize that evil exists (1 John 5:19) – Satan has deceived the world and wickedness abounds; more than recognizing this, we need to identify evil (alcoholism, gambling, pornography, homosexuality, transgenderism, Islam, etc.); many are blind to sin until it is clearly pointed out to them (cf. 2 Samuel 12:7)
- Point the way to life (Romans 6:23) – sin leads to death, but Christ offers eternal life; Satan has blinded the world (2 Corinthians 4:4), and we have to get people to recognize their sin; once they do, we must point them to Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5); Jesus is the only way to life (John 14:6)
- Warn about destruction (Matthew 7:13-14) – point the way to life and warn of “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46); remember the fate of the wicked at the judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9); God has provided a way to avoid this, but people need to appreciate the seriousness of their sin
- Stand between the innocent and destruction – this can involve turning someone from their sin (James 5:19-20); it can also mean standing between the innocent and those who would harm them (bullies, groomers, transgender cultists, violent attackers, etc.), which can often make it harder for them to find the Lord
- Fight back against wickedness (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) – we are in a spiritual battle (cf. 1 Timothy 6:12; Jude 3); we cannot passively hope for the best while evil forces destroy lives, homes, churches, and society; we must defend ourselves by putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17); we must also go on the offensive (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) and gain ground against Satan and his forces
Conclusion
- When Pilate thought the mob was too much to stand against, he washed his hands – but this did not clear him of his obligation to do what was right
- In the same way, we cannot passively sit back and hope for the best while expecting the worst
- No matter how strong the forces of evil might seem, take up the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12) – this is to protect ourselves and help save those around us
