Deuteronomy 13:6-11 (NLT)
6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. 7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. 8 But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. 9 You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in. 10 Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again.

These verses refer to someone close to you who may try to lead you away from God and the beliefs you have in Him. Satan used Eve to tempt Adam and cause him to fall. Even one of Jesus’ closest disciples, Peter, tried to tempt Christ. We must therefore stand guard against temptations, even from those who are closest to us. The world is full of temptations and we may even be told by our closest companions, relatives, and friends that the rest of the world is doing this, so why not you? This continued behavior requires expulsion of the person because they have become enemies instead of friends. In the time of Moses it required the tempter to be stoned to death if they continued in their ways. It was to show that wickedness had no place in the lives of those who trusted God.

The Old Covenant Civil laws were designed for the people of Israel as they were to grow in their understanding of God. These laws do not always apply to our modern day civil laws, yet we have retained many of the principles given to us by God. And here in Deuteronomy we find a principle for us all to live by; it teaches our delight for our spouse has limits. We are to love the Lord our God with all our soul and heart. We are to obey and follow His teachings and excuse ourselves from the sins of the world. You may have heard a preacher or teacher speak to the fact; the Lord comes first, then your family, then those around you. If Adam had only followed God’s words and not the words of his wife Eve he would not have fallen from grace. God blesses the relationships with our spouses, friends and family; but that relationship can come to a screeching halt when one of those chooses to side with the enemy. This is when it becomes the time to take your stand with God, trust in Him and cast your soul to Christ avoiding the temptations hurled at you. Take delight in God’s righteousness and turn to him for strength to follow Him. James gives us two pieces of advice about temptation: 1) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 2) Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Don’t allow temptation to drag you away to sin. Pray that God will strengthen you and know that He is faith not to allow any temptation to be greater than you can stand.