“Run From Temptation”: Pastor Adeboye’s Counsel to the Youth

July 12, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

I hope the boys are listening. Do you see that woman smiling at you everywhere you go? She’s there smiling, and she’s not your wife. Run!. The megachurch leader, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, advises the youth of his church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

In his teaching, Pastor Adeboye advises that when it comes to sexual temptation, youth should learn how to run because that is the easiest way the devil can end the great work of God in their lives. He referred to the bible verse Timothy 2:22, which says “Flee youthful lust,” as a guide to this teaching. Pastor Adeboye told his congregation the story of a man of God who was accused of rape and how it led to his downfall. He added that he always warns his children, particularly his sons, to be vigilant when dealing with sexual temptation.

He said, “I warned my children, particularly the boys, that if the devil comes against you, tell the devil to get lost. When you see a girl smiling at you in one coy-coy way, run because you can’t win the battle,” because even anointing will not save anyone in this situation. He further added the story of Samson in the Bible, who was anointed and singlehandedly killed 1,000 soldiers, but a woman led to his downfall. Pastor Adeboye also advised the ladies to beware of men who sweet talk to deceive.

In addition, Pastor Adeboye used himself as an example during teaching, showing that even though he is 82 years old, he can fall into the trap of sexual temptation if he is not careful. He noted that the temptations do not come by themselves but are the work of Satan to destroy one at the finishing point. He said, “It is not interested in you for you; he’s interested in you so that he can put an end to all the great work God has done through you.” He used this point to refer to the case of the sexual allegations against Morris without mentioning him directly.

Overall, he advised the youth to flee from youthful lust, just as the Bible advised, because any act they do now will be revealed later. Anybody tells you that whatever you’ve done is hidden, it hid until the wind began to blow,” hence he asked them to pray for the grace of God to run!