Most of us know him by the more familiar names or titles that are attributed to him; Satan, the devil, Lucifer, the tempter, a liar, the father of lies, the ruler of this world, etc. Perhaps you know him best as the one described by the apostle Peter as the one who "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour". I have recently come to refer to him as the trapper and would suggest that you know him in this manner also.
Although the Old Testament contains many references to matters that were a snare to the people, the New Testament contains just a few references to this word. We find the apostle Paul making three such references to Timothy; twice in his first letter to Timothy and once in his second letter. In 1 Timothy 3:6-7, in regards to the selection of elders, Paul wrote, "and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil". In 1 Timothy 6:8-11 Paul was inspired to write, "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs". And lastly, in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 the apostle wrote, "with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will".
I suspect there are many believers who are currently caught up in one or more of the trapper's snares. Perhaps you find yourself in one of his snares . Although his snares may not all look the same, they share a common purpose. The trapper desires that you "be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ" spoken of by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:3 and that you not have the "undistracted devotion to the Lord" Paul wrote of in 1 Corinthians 7:35. I believe I have seen some of the trapper's snares along the way. Some I have seen up close. The snares of pride, anger, immorality, love of money, error, false teaching, selfishness, bitterness, malice, love for the world and the things of the world, etc. There seem to be less obvious snares as well, yet ones that many have walked into and find themselves caught up in. Such snares might include being too busy to walk in His good works, consumed with your job, your career or pursuing hobbies, recreation and other personal interests. And perhaps the one that has entangled far too many, the snare of religion. All to often we have turned our privileged personal relationship that we have as children of God in Christ into mere religious practice.
I would suggest that although the trapper has laid many snares for us to be caught up in, we must walk into them in order for them to ensnare us. He cannot force his snares upon us. His snares don't appear to be laid in the pathway where we have been called to walk. This is the pathway or walk that is "worthy of the Lord" or "worthy of the calling with which you have been called". Perhaps the One who set boundaries for the seas has trespassed the trapper from setting snares along the path where the Spirit leads us, the path of truth. But the pathway of the flesh, where "mere men" long to walk, seems laden with the trapper's snares. The believer is no longer bound to walk according to the flesh but he may choose to do so. In His strength may we "walk by faith", "walk by the Spirit", "walk as children of light" and "walk in newness of life" as we "walk in Him".
In 1 John 4:4, the beloved apostle of our Lord proclaimed one of the great truths of our faith when he wrote, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world". So it is when it comes to the trapper and his snares. In Psalm 124:6-8 the psalmist wrote, "Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; The snare is broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." And in Psalm 91:2-4 we read, "I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the Deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark".
Praise God that He is the One who "delivers you from the snare of the trapper"! Through the truth of His word, prayer and repentance, we can earnestly seek the Lord and His release from the trapper's snare. You may be in a situation where the Lord has opened your eyes to the snare that you are heading towards or perhaps you have one foot in already. James was inspired to write in James 4:7, "submit therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you". And in 1 Peter 5:9 the apostle Peter wrote, "resist him firm in your faith". Do not think that you can carefully maneuver through the snare or escape it according to your own strength and your own ways. Avoid it. Get away from it. It has no power over you lest you walk in it. Through His Son, submit yourself to God, to the truth of His word and the power of the Helper. May His word and our always present Helper keep us from walking in the snare of the trapper.
Father, we thank you that you have provided a way for your children to walk in truth. You are greater than the trapper and able to break his snares and deliver us. Help us to know you better, love your ways and desire the abundant life you give in Christ. Help us to be more discerning and sober-minded as we ought to be. I pray for those of your Church who are caught up in the trapper's snares. For the glory of your Son and the health of His Church, I ask that you draw each one to yourself and that according to your bountiful grace and mercy, each might look to you for deliverance from the trapper's snare. Help us to "walk by the Spirit" as "children of light" that the name of our Lord Jesus might be glorified in us.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Lessons From Faith
What a great portion of scripture we have in Hebrews chapter 11! It is often referred to as the "faith chapter" as it contains both a definition of faith and the names and examples of several people who lived by it.
The writer was inspired to begin the 11th chapter with the following definition of faith; "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." The writer then goes on to note many who "by faith" did various things in their lives. In this article I would like to consider just three of the examples given by the writer. Each represents an old testament account but it is what the Hebrew writer says about them that I want to focus on.
I will start with the one that often strikes me as being perhaps the greatest example of someone exercising their faith in God. In fact, it is so profound that I often find myself unable to grasp the level of faith that it speaks of. It is found in verses 17-19 and involves Abraham, the one described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians simply as "the believer". It says, "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type."
Over the years I have heard people make various comments regarding this account of Abraham offering his son, Isaac. One of the most common thoughts was that Abraham trusted that God would intervene before he actually slayed his son. This thought takes the position that Abraham's faith was believing that God would stop him from sacrificing Isaac. I will grant you, that if that were so, it would still be a great demonstration of faith. But through the Hebrew writer I have come to believe that what happened was much greater than that. I will not go back and retell the whole story of the account but just take a closer look at what the Hebrew writer says regarding this act of faith.
Abraham had been given a promise from God that in Isaac, his descendants would be called. But when called upon to do so, we find Abraham prepared to sacrifice this son in whom the promise had been given. The Hebrew writer says that Abraham "considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead". No, Abraham's faith was not in a belief that God would prevent him from sacrificing his son. He believed that after he sacrificed Isaac that God would raise him from the dead and still fulfill His promise! Wow! That is faith. This will always remain a striking example of one who had "the assurance of things for, the conviction of things not seen".
The second example that I would like to consider is that involving Moses. The writer uses six verses to summarize his life of faith, but its verses 24-26 that I want to look at. It says, "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." What a lesson for the believer to learn. The "passing pleasures of sin". A lesson as applicable today as it was in the day that Moses lived it. How true it is. The pleasures of sin pass away. They are short lived. They are of limited duration.
But there is another lesson of great importance that joins with this truth that we must acknowledge and consider. Although the pleasures of sin pass away, their consequences can last a lifetime. What a contrast. The consequences of sin can last and last, effecting the lives of many. In fact, their impact can reach to the next generation. The law of sowing and reaping must be acknowledged and considered sober mindedly. I fear members of the body of Christ have ignored or taken lightly this truth. The passing pleasures of sin are not being forsaken and our churches and the families that attend them are suffering for it. As members of the body of Christ, members one of another, may we consider our actions more carefully, remembering that our sins are against Him and that they impact not only our own lives but the lives of others.
The last example that I would like to consider is actually the first one given by the writer to the Hebrews. In the 4th verse we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous. God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." In this reference to Able, we find a lesson that demands our attention and consideration. I will summarize it this way. We have the privilege and opportunity to speak of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ after we have left this earth and are home with Him! This is truly amazing. I really believe that what is said of Able is true for each of us. We will all "speak" after we are dead. But what we speak after we are dead will be determined by the lives that we live. Each member of the body of Christ can be assured that a life lived by faith now, will continue to speak of the "author and finisher of our faith" long after we are dead and gone. Praise the Lord for such a blessing and privilege.
The 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews has been written and I will never be named amongst those listed within it's content. I will not be mentioned alongside of Luther, Tyndale, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon or Wesley. But I would like to look at a verse of scripture we find in Paul's second letter to Timothy. In this pastoral letter of encouragement, instruction and exhortation, we find the following words in verse 5 of the first chapter. "For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." I don't suppose that these two women were considered by most to be "greats of the faith". Neither held titles of consideration. "Mother" and "grandmother" were their titles but "sincere faith" was their way of life. By His strength and according to His will, may we live lives that are marked by sincere faith. To His glory and for His name's sake, might we be mentioned alongside of Lois and Eunice.
Lord, you are worthy to believe in and to trust. You are always faithful. We desire to be people who live by faith; who like Timothy, his mother and his grandmother, have sincere faith dwelling within us. We thank you for the men and women of faith you have raised up through the centuries to be vessels of honor to you. We ask that the author and finisher of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, might empower us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. How we desire and pray that we might be among those who speak of a life of faith in you even after we are dead.
The writer was inspired to begin the 11th chapter with the following definition of faith; "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." The writer then goes on to note many who "by faith" did various things in their lives. In this article I would like to consider just three of the examples given by the writer. Each represents an old testament account but it is what the Hebrew writer says about them that I want to focus on.
I will start with the one that often strikes me as being perhaps the greatest example of someone exercising their faith in God. In fact, it is so profound that I often find myself unable to grasp the level of faith that it speaks of. It is found in verses 17-19 and involves Abraham, the one described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians simply as "the believer". It says, "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type."
Over the years I have heard people make various comments regarding this account of Abraham offering his son, Isaac. One of the most common thoughts was that Abraham trusted that God would intervene before he actually slayed his son. This thought takes the position that Abraham's faith was believing that God would stop him from sacrificing Isaac. I will grant you, that if that were so, it would still be a great demonstration of faith. But through the Hebrew writer I have come to believe that what happened was much greater than that. I will not go back and retell the whole story of the account but just take a closer look at what the Hebrew writer says regarding this act of faith.
Abraham had been given a promise from God that in Isaac, his descendants would be called. But when called upon to do so, we find Abraham prepared to sacrifice this son in whom the promise had been given. The Hebrew writer says that Abraham "considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead". No, Abraham's faith was not in a belief that God would prevent him from sacrificing his son. He believed that after he sacrificed Isaac that God would raise him from the dead and still fulfill His promise! Wow! That is faith. This will always remain a striking example of one who had "the assurance of things for, the conviction of things not seen".
The second example that I would like to consider is that involving Moses. The writer uses six verses to summarize his life of faith, but its verses 24-26 that I want to look at. It says, "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." What a lesson for the believer to learn. The "passing pleasures of sin". A lesson as applicable today as it was in the day that Moses lived it. How true it is. The pleasures of sin pass away. They are short lived. They are of limited duration.
But there is another lesson of great importance that joins with this truth that we must acknowledge and consider. Although the pleasures of sin pass away, their consequences can last a lifetime. What a contrast. The consequences of sin can last and last, effecting the lives of many. In fact, their impact can reach to the next generation. The law of sowing and reaping must be acknowledged and considered sober mindedly. I fear members of the body of Christ have ignored or taken lightly this truth. The passing pleasures of sin are not being forsaken and our churches and the families that attend them are suffering for it. As members of the body of Christ, members one of another, may we consider our actions more carefully, remembering that our sins are against Him and that they impact not only our own lives but the lives of others.
The last example that I would like to consider is actually the first one given by the writer to the Hebrews. In the 4th verse we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous. God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." In this reference to Able, we find a lesson that demands our attention and consideration. I will summarize it this way. We have the privilege and opportunity to speak of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ after we have left this earth and are home with Him! This is truly amazing. I really believe that what is said of Able is true for each of us. We will all "speak" after we are dead. But what we speak after we are dead will be determined by the lives that we live. Each member of the body of Christ can be assured that a life lived by faith now, will continue to speak of the "author and finisher of our faith" long after we are dead and gone. Praise the Lord for such a blessing and privilege.
The 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews has been written and I will never be named amongst those listed within it's content. I will not be mentioned alongside of Luther, Tyndale, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon or Wesley. But I would like to look at a verse of scripture we find in Paul's second letter to Timothy. In this pastoral letter of encouragement, instruction and exhortation, we find the following words in verse 5 of the first chapter. "For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." I don't suppose that these two women were considered by most to be "greats of the faith". Neither held titles of consideration. "Mother" and "grandmother" were their titles but "sincere faith" was their way of life. By His strength and according to His will, may we live lives that are marked by sincere faith. To His glory and for His name's sake, might we be mentioned alongside of Lois and Eunice.
Lord, you are worthy to believe in and to trust. You are always faithful. We desire to be people who live by faith; who like Timothy, his mother and his grandmother, have sincere faith dwelling within us. We thank you for the men and women of faith you have raised up through the centuries to be vessels of honor to you. We ask that the author and finisher of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, might empower us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. How we desire and pray that we might be among those who speak of a life of faith in you even after we are dead.
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