Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Nov. 5, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

DON’T EVEN THINK OF PARKING HERE

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 5:1-13

Text: Proverbs 5:8

Proverbs 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

Introduction: A lot of businesses have a “No Parking” sign at certain locations. Some time ago I saw a sign that said, “Don’t Even THINK Of Parking Here.” I want to bring you a message tonight on that subject.

This sign, “Don’t Even THINK Of Parking Here,” carries a stronger message than just, “No Parking.”

There are some places that a Christian should not even consider going. These places should not even be an OPTION in the mind of the believer.

I. DON’T EVEN THINK OF PARKING AT THE PLACE OF IMMORALITY

Proverbs 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

A. Avoid the opportunity – Prov. 5:8

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
A man and woman who are not married should not be alone with each other.

B. Avoid the offer

Proverbs 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
Joseph turned down Potiphar’s wife – Gen. 38:7-10. He got into a bad situation and ran away, leaving his garment with her. He left his garment, but he kept his godliness. He lost his coat, but he kept his character.

C. Avoid the outcome

- Proverbs 5:4-5 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
- David sinned with Bathsheba. But he lost:
  1. the baby died
  2. David’s daughter, Tamar, was raped by David’s son, Amnon;
  3. Absalom’s servants killed David’s son, Amnon;
  4. Absalom rebelled against his father, David and stole the kingdom from him;
  5. Absalom was killed by Joab;
  6. David lost his testimony;<.li>
  7. David lost his joy.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

II. DON’T EVEN THINK OF PARKING AT THE PLACE OF INACTIVITY

Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

A. Keep setting goals

Bible reading and study
Prayer life
Soul-winning
Church work

B. Keep stepping forward

Volunteer
Make progress
Stay excited

C. Keep starting new things

Don’t be afraid to try something new!

III. DON’T EVEN THINK OF PARKING AT THE PLACE OF INIQUITY

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

THE PLACE OF INIQUITY IS

A. The place of bad companions

B. The place of bad counsel

C. The place of bad consequences

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

IV. DON’T EVEN THINK OF PARKING AT THE PLACE OF INFIDELITY

Psalms 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

An infidel is someone who has rejected Christ and the scriptures.

To go into infidelity is:

A. A foolish thing

People who learn in school to deny the God of creation are fools with diplomas.
The professors who taught them are fools with degrees.
Some of these open minds should be shut down for repairs!

B. A frightening thing

To deny God is put a gun to your head.
To turn your back on the truth is to step over the edge of the cliff.

C. A fatal thing

When a man turns his back on God, he turns away from
1. a. life
2. b. light
3. c. truth
4. d. liberty
5. e. wisdom

STAY AWAY FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS. They have denied God, and a Christian has no business sending his children to be trained by an atheistic institution run by infidels.