Text: Ephesians 6:11-19

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.   12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.   13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.   17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Friday, 9^th February 2024

 HOW DO WE AVOID THESE SNARES

Text: Ephesians 6:11-19

Memory verse: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Wiles are tricks or manipulations designed to deceive someone. wiles refer to the seductiveness of “femme fatales” in using charm or sex appeal to elicit a desired response from men. Wiles of the devil are those clever schemes used by Satan to ensnare us through temptation, threat, or intimidation Ephesians 6: 11 warns us to “put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”. Other Bible versions speak of the “devil’s schemes,” “strategies,” or “evil tricks” rather than “wiles.” Scripture gives us insight into our enemy’s tactics: “We are not unaware of his schemes” 2 Corinthians 2:11, and we are wise to heed its warnings.

Seek God’s help. Satan is so subtle and powerful that we cannot resist his influences without God’s help. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” James 4:8. The most important key is to daily draw near to God and remain close to Him. Christ instructed us in Matthew 6:13 to pray: “Do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” The more we can grow in God’s character through regular prayer and personal Bible study, the less chance we’ll have of Satan manipulating us. 2. Resist the devil. James 4:7: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Be aware of the devil’s attempts to induce you to fall into his contrary way of life and resist him. This includes controlling not only our actions, but our thoughts as well. 3. Put on the armour of God. Apostle Paul provides further advice on how to avoid Satan’s snares. From our text, where we are admonished to “put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”.  Challenging God’s Word as in Genesis gives us a detailed look into the tactics of our enemy. It led to the first human sin, and Satan still uses it because it works so well. The first recorded words of the devil, through the serpent, were these: “Did God really say?” With those words, the devil invited the woman to reconsider what she understood God to have said. By adding her human interpretation, she convinced herself that God’s Word was far too restrictive.

By suggesting that we should re-examine the clear teaching of God’s Word, Satan invites us to add our own interpretation and thereby nullify God’s stated will. The entire church denominations are falling prey to these wiles of the devil. “Did God really say that homosexuality is wrong?” he hisses, and the churches crumble. “Did God really say there are only two genders?” he suggests, inviting us to put our own spin on reality, making ourselves gods in place of the Lord. Ephesians 6:11 says that we need to be clothed in the whole armour of God to withstand these wiles.

CGDS Hymn 9; SS&S 577:

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR   

1. I need Thee every hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee ;

Every hour I need Thee ;

Oh, bless me now, my Saviour !

I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour,

Stay Thou near by ;

Temptations lose their power

When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,

In joy or pain ;

Come quickly and abide,

Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour ;

Teach me Thy will ;

And Thy rich promises

In me fulfil.

5. I need Thee every hour,

Most Holy One :

Oh, make me Thine indeed,

Thou blessed Son.

   Prayers:  

1.  Lord Jesus, I seek your help in matters of sexual immorality, O Lord.

2.  LORD God Almighty, by Your Spirit I resist every form of sexual advances thrown at me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.