Avoiding Santan's Snares

I. Don’t Stray

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word” (Ps. 119:67).

A. Christians sometimes neglect their prayer life, and they fail to study God’s Word as they should. When they do this, they begin to stray.

B. Some lack the courage to say no to non-Christian friends. They yield to the old life and become victims of Satan’s snares.

C. We must guard our devotional life diligently, drawing near to God daily. We must take our stand boldly for God, staying away from Satan’s territory (James 4:7, 8).

II. Don’t Strut

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).

A. Some Christians lack humility. They desire the praise and honor of people, rather than the approval of God (John 12:42, 43).

B. Jesus, our example, was humble. He declared that He could do nothing by Himself, but He depended on the Father. He pleased His Father. (John 8:28, 29).

C. We must be humble too. We avoid Satan’s snares by doing those things that are pleasing to God and by giving Him first place in our lives (James 4:10).

III. Don’t Stoop

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).

A. The morals of our world are at an all-time low. Violence, illicit sex, alcohol and drug abuse, dishonesty and corruption in government bear this out.

B. Millions have relaxed their moral standards because they are spiritually slack. Christ will lift and restore those who repent and forsake their sins.

C. Christians must not condone evil, “but overcome evil with good.” Assisting the less fortunate and sharing Christ with the lost will help us avoid Satan’s snares.

IV. Don’t Stop

“But he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22).

A. Some have made a good start but have come to a bad stop in the Christian life. Satan attracts, distracts, and attacks through his subtility.

B. No problem is too difficult, no trial is too severe, no burden is too heavy for the Christian, because God’s help and grace are sufficient.

C. God is more than a match for Satan, and we are more than conquerors through Him (Rom. 8:37–39).