DANGER AHEAD!

DANGER AHEAD!

2 Tim 2:24-3:1

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

          Ministers are often viewed as intruders in the affairs of men; walking about meddling in and frustrating the happy-go-lucky crowd of the unthinking and the self destructive. I plead guilty for we are those who “watch for your souls” according to Hebrews 13:17.

          Instead of being vigilant many are careless and unconcerned about the opportunistic Devil that ranges about cutting out the weakest of the flock. Below is a list of dangerous times that should demand extra caution.

1. When we are strong!

          Uzziah was strong and successful. Everything was going well and so he was filled with pride and carelessness. He went into the Temple to burn incense and thus usurped the authority of the priest. God smote him with leprosy!

2 Chron 26:16

16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

2. When we shirk our duties!

          King David was at the summit of his career when he decided to take a break from war and spend some time relaxing at home. While others were in danger he lounged upon privilege and spied Bathsheba bathing across the way. His sin with his neighbor changed his life and his kingdom forever. (See 2 Samuel chapter 11)

3. When we ignore Godly counsel!

          Jehoshaphat followed God closely for many years then he chose to ignore the prophet who warned him not to go to war. It cost him his life. (See 2 Chronicles chapter 18)

4. When we are stressed and weary!

          Immediately after a great victory over 450 prophets of Baal, Elijah became so depressed and discouraged that he asked to die.

1 Kings 19:4

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

1 Peter 5:8

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Dear Lord, Satan will be after me today. Let me stay close to you. Keep me vigilant. AMEN