Thirst Trap

Thirst Traps – Part 1

Good morning, family. Today, I will be starting a new series called Thirst Traps. My focus in this series will be to show you how when you're thirsty for something, you can make poor decisions that can have lifelong consequences. Singles, this series will speak to you.

What Is a Thirst Trap?

A "thirst trap" is a photo or video posted on social media, intended to be sexually provocative or attention-grabbing, often in a coy or flattering way. The term combines the idea of "thirst" (sexual desire) and "trap," as the post is designed to lure or attract attention. The motivation can be a way to seek validation, affirm one's desirability, or share a sense of self-love and confidence.

How do you know that someone is thirsty? In today's world, all you have to do is look.

The Danger of Drinking Unfiltered Water

When you are thirsty, you will drink anything, and too many people are drinking unfiltered water. And when you drink the wrong water, it doesn't hydrate you—it can actually poison you. When you are in a deserted season, you will settle for anything. God cursed Esau because he settled for a meal over his birthright.

What have you settled for?

I have never seen a fish who was hooked remain the same. Friends, we have to stop taking the bait. The most dangerous person to the devil is a single believer on purpose for God.

Singles Are God's Greatest Tool for Kingdom Purposes

Let me prove it. Here are 15 examples of powerful single people in the Bible:

1. Jesus: The most prominent single person in the Bible, whose life was dedicated to His ministry and purpose.
2. The Apostle Paul: He speaks at length about the advantages of singleness for ministry, calling it a gift from God that allows for undivided devotion to the Lord.
3. John the Baptist: A prophet who lived a celibate life for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
4. Joseph: Purity in the midst of temptation. Joseph understood the various traits of temptation, recognized the destruction of sin, and grew in his affection for the Lord (Gen. 37–50).
5. Elijah: A prophet who lived a solitary life and at one point felt like the only one left who was faithful.
6. Elisha
7. Daniel
8. Jeremiah: All alone in a couple's world. Jeremiah was able to serve productively and face loneliness because he recognized the Lord called him (Jer. 1:1–9), trusted in God's control (17:7), possessed God's perspective (1:12), prayed continually (21:2; 29:7,12; 37:3; 42:2,4,20), and benefited from the help of others (38:7–13).
9. Nehemiah: Not going AWOL. Despite immense adversity, Nehemiah remained faithful to the Lord and his people (Book of Nehemiah).
10. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus: Jesus' close friends, who were all single.
11. Lydia: A businesswoman who became a leader in the early church, hosting the Apostle Paul and his companions in her home.
12. Phoebe: A respected deaconess in the early church.
13. Miriam: Moses' sister and a prophetess in her own right.
14. Ruth: Though a widow, she is a model of faithfulness and servant leadership during her time of singleness before she remarried Boaz.
15. Anna: A prophetess who was a widow and served God faithfully in the temple.

The Power of Purposeful Singleness

If you're single and not serving, you're probably in sin. The Bible says idle hands are the workplace of the devil.

Proverbs 16:27-29 (NLV)

Idle hands are the devil's workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (MSG)

I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions.

Eight Things Singles Don't Have to Be Concerned With

1. Divided Attention – You can give your full focus to God, your purpose, and your growth (1 Corinthians 7:32-34).
2. Spouse Approval – You don't need to check with anyone before making major (or minor) decisions. Freedom!
3. Shared Finances – You don't have to debate budgets, credit cards, or "who spent $200 on Amazon."
4. Compromise on Preferences – You can decorate, eat, watch, and travel however you like without a vote.
5. Emotional Maintenance – You don't have to manage another person's feelings daily. No silent treatments, communication breakdowns, or "we need to talk" moments.
6. Sexual Expectations – You're not navigating mismatched drives or unmet needs; you're guarding purity and peace.
7. Career Sacrifices – You can pursue God's direction freely without considering how it affects a spouse's job.
8. Shared Mistakes – You're accountable for your own choices; no "we did it your way last time" arguments.

I want you to hear me and hear me well: Marriage doesn't fulfill your purpose and could possibly slow you down.

If you don't get busy for the Lord, you will get caught up in thirst traps.

Ten Common Thirst Trap Statements & Biblical Counter-Messages

1. "Can't believe I'm still single..."

Biblical Counter-Message: "I'm single, but not searching—I'm becoming. God is still preparing me and my partner."
Scripture: Philippians 1:6 – "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

2. "Just got out of the shower... feeling refreshed"

Biblical Counter-Message: "True refreshment doesn't come from attention—it comes from God's presence."
Scripture: Acts 3:19 – "Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord."

3. "Wish someone was here to keep me company right now."

Biblical Counter-Message: "Even when I'm alone, I'm never lonely. God's presence fills my space."
Scripture: Psalm 16:11 – "In Your presence there is fullness of joy."

4. "I don't usually post pics like this, but..."

Biblical Counter-Message: "I don't have to expose to be seen; I can shine with purpose."
Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – "Let your light shine before others..."

5. "Guess who's bored and can't sleep"

Biblical Counter-Message: "When I can't sleep, I talk to the One who never slumbers."
Scripture: Psalm 121:3-4 – "He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps."

6. "I need a cuddle buddy."

Biblical Counter-Message: "What I need most is comfort from the Holy Spirit, not a temporary fix."
Scripture: John 14:26 – "The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, will teach you all things."

7. "When will someone finally treat me right?"

Biblical Counter-Message: "I already have someone who treats me right—His name is Jesus."
Scripture: Isaiah 54:5 – "Your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name."

8. "If you knew me in real life, you'd never let me go."

Biblical Counter-Message: "If you knew who I am in Christ, you'd see my worth without me performing."
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 – "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood..."

9. "Feeling cute, might delete later"

Biblical Counter-Message: "My value isn't up for approval or removal. I'm permanently precious to God."
Scripture: Psalm 139:14 – "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

10. "Nobody understands what I'm going through."

Biblical Counter-Message: "God knows every detail and He's right here with me."
Scripture: Psalm 34:18 – "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted."

Ten Myths About Marriage

Myth #1: "Married people have sex all the time."

Truth: Marriage doesn't guarantee constant intimacy. Real-life schedules, stress, kids, and emotional disconnection can all affect frequency. Quality connection matters more than quantity.

Myth #2: "Marriage cures loneliness."

Truth: You can still feel lonely in a marriage if there's emotional distance. Companionship doesn't automatically equal connection—communication and intentional time together do.

Myth #3: "A good marriage should be easy if it's true love."

Truth: Every strong marriage requires effort. Love is a choice renewed daily, not just a feeling that carries you.

Myth #4: "My spouse should make me happy."

Truth: Your spouse can add to your joy, but they're not responsible for it. Happiness is an inside job rooted in your relationship with God and your own peace.

Myth #5: "Marriage fixes personal problems."

Truth: Unhealed issues don't disappear after "I do"—they often grow louder. Marriage magnifies what's already there.

Myth #6: "Good couples never argue."

Truth: Healthy conflict is part of growth. What matters is how you fight—with respect and a goal to resolve, not to win.

Myth #7: "We should always agree."

Truth: You're two different people. Disagreement doesn't mean disconnection—it's an opportunity to learn teamwork and empathy.

Myth #8: "Marriage limits your freedom."

Truth: A strong marriage actually frees you—to be fully known, loved, and supported without pretending.

Myth #9: "Great marriages just happen naturally."

Truth: Great marriages are built—through prayer, communication, forgiveness, and continual growth together.

Myth #10: "If we're not happy, maybe we married the wrong person."

Truth: No marriage is happy all the time. Seasons shift. Commitment and grace carry you through rough patches back to joy.

Discussion Questions

1. Unfiltered Water: The sermon compares thirst traps to drinking unfiltered water that poisons rather than hydrates. What "unfiltered" sources of validation or affection have you been drinking from—social media attention, toxic relationships, casual connections? How has this affected your spiritual health?
2. Purposeful Singleness: The message declares that "the most dangerous person to the devil is a single believer on purpose for God." Looking at the 15 biblical examples of powerful single servants, what ministry, calling, or Kingdom assignment could you pursue with undivided devotion right now? What's holding you back from getting busy for the Lord?
3. Freedom vs. Loneliness: Review the eight things singles don't have to be concerned with. How can you reframe your singleness from feeling like something is "missing" to recognizing the strategic freedom you currently have? What would change if you viewed this season as preparation rather than waiting?
4. Thirst Trap Self-Check: Look at the ten common thirst trap statements. Which ones resonate with thoughts you've had or posts you've made? What does your social media presence reveal about where you're seeking validation? How can you replace attention-seeking with purpose-driven content?
5. Marriage Myths and Expectations: Which of the ten marriage myths have you believed? How has idealizing marriage potentially kept you from fully embracing and maximizing your current season of singleness? What practical steps can you take this week to invest in becoming whole before becoming one with someone else?