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Avoiding Satan’s Snares
2 Timothy 2:19-26 (King James Version)
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
1 Peter 5:8 (King James Version)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Luke 18:8 (King James Version)
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Introduction:
Who better than Peter would know about the prowlings of Satan!
Several times Jesus warned Peter that Satan was after him,
but peter failed to heed the warning.
Too many Christians have “gone to sleep,” opening the way for Satan to work.
I)Don’t Stray
Psalms 119:67 (King James Version)
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
A)Christians sometime neglect their
1)prayer life,
2)fail to study God’s Word as they should.
3)begin to stray.
B)Some lack the courage to say no to
1)non-Christian friends
2)YIELDto the old life and become victims of Satan’s snares.
C)We must guard our devotional life diligently,
1)drawing near to God daily.
D)We must take our stand boldly for God, staying away from Satan’s territory.
James 4:7-8 (King James Version)
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
II)Don’t Strut
Proverbs 16:18 (King James Version)
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
A)Some Christian lack humility.
B)DESIRING the praise and honor of people, rather than the approval of God.
John 12:43 (King James Version)
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
James 4:10 (King James Version)
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
III)Don’t Stoop
Romans 12:21 (King James Version)
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
A)The morals of our world are at an all-time low.
1) Violence, illicit sex, alcohol and drug abuse, dishonesty and corruption in government bear this out.
B)Millions have relaxed their morals standards because they are spiritually slack.
Philippians 4:7-8 (King James Version)
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
IV)Don’t Stop
Matthew 10:22 (King James Version)
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
A)Some have made a good start but have come to a bad stop in the Christian life.
1)Satan attracts, distracts, and attacks through his subtility.
B.
B)God is more than a match for Satan, and we are more than conquerors through Him.
Conclusion:
Romans 8:37-39 (King James Version)
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.