Snare

Monday, June 27, 2011: Matthew 2-3 (NKJV)

And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

Background: After His baptism, Jesus Christ was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness where He fasted 40 days and was tempted by the devil.


How important is the word ‘if’? This is how the devil still tempts us. Using egocentric arguments that can easily sidestep clear knowledge and generate strife or disobedience.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011: Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Background: We are believers engaged in spiritual battle. We are admonished to use our time on earth to ‘suit-up’ for the battle up ahead.


Why is it important that we put on the whole armor of God? The devil knows how to target our vulnerabilities: a fallen warrior is useless.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011: 1 Timothy 3:7 (NKJV)

Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Background: These are characteristics of an elder or overseer (bishop).


Why is outside opinion of concern? The world knows our reputation. The adversary will use character imperfections against an elder.

Thursday, June 30, 2011: 1 Timothy 6:9 (NKJV)

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Background: love of money, not money itself, is the root of all evil.


Who can desire to be rich? We can have such desires even if we are quite rich: this desire is a trap that can snare many believers and make them useless for Christ.

Friday, July 1, 2011: 2 Timothy 2:26 (NKJV)

and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Background: A teacher must be patient and humble while teaching righteousness.


How can those who are already in the devil’s snare escape? A humble teacher can make us aware of the real snare and teach us enough to exit the trap ourselves.