AVOIDING SATAN’S SNARES
Escaping the Enemy’s Entrapments
Avoiding the Adversary’s Ambushes, Dodging the Devil’s Devices
Pastor Jamie Wright * Maranatha Fellowship Church * 06-13-04
Psalm 38:12
Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long
Psalm 141:9
Keep me out of the traps they have set for me, out of the snares of those who do evil.
I. Don’t Stray (Coast, Drift or Float)
Hebrews 2:1 MESSAGE
It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off. (In case we drift past them or stray away)AMP
From the Word
“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept your Word.” Psalm 119:67
“Thy Word have I hide in my heart that I may not sin against God”
From His Will
Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)
Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will.
Some Christians lack the courage to say NO to their non-Christian friends.
“Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinking and from evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.”
Colossians 2:8 (NLT)
II. Don’t Strut! (Clown, Display or Flaunt)
Proverbs 16:1
“Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Your Talent
Psalm 75:5
Don’t flaunt your strength so proudly; don’t speak arrogantly, with your nose in the air! (JEWISH BIBLE)
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves and He will lift you up.”
Your Tithe
Your Time
Romans 11:20
Well and good. But they were pruned because they were deadwood, no longer connected by belief and commitment to the root. The only reason you’re on the tree is because your graft "took" when you believed, and because you’re connected to that belief-nurturing root. So don’t get cocky and strut your branch. Be humbly mindful of the root that keeps you lithe and green. (MESSAAGE)
III. Don’t Stoop (Compromise or Duck)
2 Corinthians 6:17 MESSAGE
So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good," says God. "Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself.
From Your Priorities Seek ye first the kingdom…and all these things
We avoid Satan’s snares by doing those things that are pleasing to God and by giving him first place in our lives.
From Your Promises
To God
To your family
To your church
To your friends
To your career
From Your Principles
The morals of our world are at an all time low. Violence, illicit sex, alcohol, drug abuse, dishonesty, rioting and corruption in government; to name a few. We have become weighted down with the things of the world. These things are causing us to stoop to Satan’s level. We are becoming spiritually slack.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
IV. Don’t Stop! (Cease, Discontinue or Finish)
Matthew 10:22
“But he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
Some have made a good start but have come to a quick and bad stop in their Christian life.
Working for God
John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Witnessing about God
“…you shall be my witnesses…”
Walking with God
Satan wants us to stop. He attracts, distracts and attacks us in his deceitful ways.
Warring
Worshipping God
Don’t stop! Don’t Quit. Don’t give in or give out. Don’t throw in the towel. Don’t lie down.
No problem is too difficult, no trial is too severe, no burden to heavy to make you want to stop serving God, because God’s help and grace is sufficient.
God is more than a match for Satan and we are more than conquerors through Him. Romans 8:37-39
