Satan’s Trap
We’re living in a time when many in church leadership are crying out “peace and safety.” Paul warned of such a time when he wrote “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” (1 Thess. 5:3; NKJV). It seems that there are always the prophetic voices that want to keep people in their employ by assuring them that times are not as bad as they think and that peace and safety is just around the corner.
My message is not “peace and safety” but a warning that peace and safety may allude us in these days in which Satan’s worldly net is catching many of us unaware. Satan has been steadily setting a final trap for God’s people in preparation for a last end time attempt to destroy God’s elect. His plan has developed steadily over the years but recently has been put on a fast track due to the reticent attitude of the organized church. Satan recognizes the compromise and weakness of the church as his opportunity to strike with a vengeance.
Paul told us many years ago what this would look like:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all (2 Tim. 3:1–9).
Read through that list and see if any of it sounds familiar and ask yourself if there has been a recent escalation in Satan’s attack on the lives of earth dwellers. I think the answer is obvious. We have been bombarded with his authoritarian tactics as he has used weak, unscrupulous leaders who have gained power through manipulation and deceit.
An authoritarian push is being realized throughout the world. There is a noticeable trend toward governments that favor socialism, Marxism and even communism. Our own government is being pushed far to the left by radical progressives who do not see the value in freedom of speech, and religious freedom with open debate concerning moral issues. Our God-inspired moral values are being replaced by secular values inspired by nihilism and demonic values from the pit of hell. Many pastors of evangelical churches are remaining silent concerning these obvious trends and this passivity is being adopted by many Christians who forget that God’s people are salt and light to the world (Matt. 5:13,14).
But there is a wonderful ending to that passage that tells us more about our God. Paul ended this negative diatribe with these uplifting words: “…but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all” (v. 9). In other words, the world is going to go to hell in a handbasket as the age comes to a close but God will have the last word. “They will progress no further” he declared. Their folly will be revealed for all to see. A remnant will rise from the ashes of this destruction and win the day in God’s power. That’s why we need to heed the words “Come out of her my people” (Rev. 18:4). All of this evil stemming from fallen humanity will come to a sudden devastating end as the Lord God puts down His foot and says, “Enough already!” Then, out of the ashes a refined remnant church will arise and fulfill the promises of God.
In the meantime, people of God, do not fall for this trap set by the liar who comes only to steal, kill and destroy. He has made a world system so enticing that many will be sucked into it and will go down with it when the judgment comes. Food, clothing, drink, houses, cars, and other luxuries too numerous to mention are drawing us away from our love of God and settling us into a life of lukewarm dependence on self and fake godliness.
Paul warned us “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). So, you want to know and live in the will of God? Then reject the world’s conforming, compromising, snare-laden tactics and allow the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to renew your mind bringing it into alignment with His will and purpose.
Start asking God how to react to this word. The Holy Spirit will come along side of you and give you guidance and power. You can’t do it on your own but in His strength you can accomplish all things that he calls you to.
