Pastor Seyi Osanyinbi
God’s desire is that we should be free from our enemies. There is a particular characteristic of this enemy of ours- he is the accuser of the brethren (that is, resisting men in the place of judgement). We need to understand that this is the way Satan works. He attacks us in the place of judgement.
Everything about our lives rest on the issue of legality. God sits on the throne and what emanates from His throne is judgement. The basis of that judgement is legality. Sometimes God won’t relate with you as Father, but as Judge. We cannot assume that God loves us and therefore, will deliver us when we face certain situations. Mercy is not given on a platter of gold, we must go up and ask God for it.
Another aspest of the devil is that of a fowler which entraps men. The different means through which the fowler entraps or ensnares men are:
• Relationships ([biblegateway passage=”Exodus 34:12″ display=”Exodus 34:12″]; [biblegateway passage=”Deuteronomy 7:16″ display=”Deuteronomy 7:16″])
A person who does not pay attention to the kind or relationship he gets into can open the door to an entrapment. Wrong relationships can turn one’s heart away from God. We see this in the lives of Solomon and Samson. It is easy for a man to fall, rather than be built up in God (Romans 12:2). Ungodly relationships open up an opportunity for the fowler. Take care not open your heart to the wrong people.
• Wrong religious practices ([biblegateway passage=”Judges 8:27″ display=”Judges 8:27″])
We must be careful the kinds of practices we follow. Just because something is adopted by a minister and it works doesn’t mean we have the right to copy them or that those things should become a practice. A minister who is ever ready to place curses on people is himself a snare. False religious practices open doors for the fowler to ensnare us.
• Adulterous Relationships ([biblegateway passage=”Proverbs7:1-27″ display=”Proverbs7:1-27″]; [biblegateway passage=”1 Corinthians 6:18″ display=”1 Corinthians 6:18″])
Many strong men and women get ensnared through adultery. Don’t think you are too strong to fall. Flee from fornication and adultery. Don’t let your head lack oil. Don’t allow your garments to be taken away.
• Wrong Timing ([biblegateway passage=”Ecclesiastes 9:11-12″ display=”Ecclesiastes 9:11-12″])
Sometimes rather than recognizing our opportunities, we see them as problems. The problems of the society are sudden shifts which have the tendency to push men up or down and a lack of preparation positions many for defeat. Understanding times and seasons is needful for believers, otherwise they will end up being tossed about by every wind and wave. The phrase ‘winds of doctrine’ as mentioned in the scriptures does not just refer to teachings about God’s Word but also economies. Understanding the times is essential as it will help believers not just follow after every and any business venture others seem to be rushing at because it looks profitable in the now.
God does not forget one’s labor of love.
• Spoken Words ([biblegateway passage=”Proverbs 6:1-2″ display=”Proverbs 6:1-2″])
Out of anguish and desperation, men sometimes ensnare themselves by their own words ([biblegateway passage=”James 1:14″ display=”James 1:14″]). Speaking carelessly and foolishly are entrances through which the fowler could ensnare people.
In conclusion, God is our Deliverer from whatever kind of snare the fowler has entrapped us with. Though we might have been ensnared due to our carelessness, the only one Who is able to save is God ([biblegateway passage=”Psalms 91:1-4″ display=”Psalms 91:1-4″]; [biblegateway passage=”Psalms 124:1- 8″ display=”Psalms 124:1- 8″]).