Understanding the Traps of Sin! By David Oyedepo
Topic: Understanding the Traps of Sin!
Welcome to another exciting week! I hope you were blessed by the last teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Understanding the Traps of Sin!
From scriptures, we discover that the cheapest way to solving problems is to be accustomed to examples. As it is written: Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16).I have always said you don’t have to be intelligent to be a mathematician; just understand the example, then go ahead and use it to solve the problem. If we don’t mind examples, we will end up in shambles. From examples in scriptures, I located three traps of the enemy against the end-time Church as stated in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. These are all the things the enemy will be bringing to defile the saints. They are the principal traps by which the enemy is set to destroy great destinies. In the midst of the upcoming glorious hour, perilous times will arise for some people. Although we have been talking about the glorious hour; it is good to also talk about the perilous times. Some people will experience the glorious hour while some the perilous times.
What, then, are the Traps of Sin?
1. Immorality: Sin is not just sin. Sin is in categories. When Israel left Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land, the highest number that was slain came by sexual immorality. Paul in his writing told us that 23,000 men fell in one day because of fornication (1 Corinthians 10:8). If we check through Bible history, this was the highest rate of calamity throughout their journey from Egypt to Canaan. Immorality will take its toll among people this end time. It is therefore important to choose this day where we want to be. For instance, Samson, the strength of Israel in his time was slain as a result of immorality. He was the treasure of heaven on earth but was turned to a toy. He was the gift of God but became a curse on the earth. Samson lost his throne to a woman. They plucked out his two eyes and made him dance the dance of Israel among sinners (Judges 16). All by the trap of immorality! Also, it is written: Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent (Proverbs 6:27-29; see also Proverbs 7:26). Many people are dying as slaves today because this sin has not been put under check. This end time, there will be a lot of seduction that will lead many into immorality.
Also Read: Understanding Our right to Health in Redemption! By David Oyedepo
2. Financial Corruption: Another trap of the devil this end time is that which claimed the second highest number of lives –the sin of financial corruption (Exodus 32:26-28/31). Three thousand men died, holding on to their gold! Also, remember the story of Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, concerning him the Bible records: But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments (2 Kings 5:20-22). When he came back from his trip of covetousness, see what happened: But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow (2 Kings 5:25-27). Friends, why must we carry the leprosy of Naaman, when our destiny is to have twice the unction of Elisha? Why must we let covetousness purchase leprosy for us? It’s over to you!
3. Rebellion: This is another nature of sin that claimed the third largest number of souls in the Church in the wilderness. It claimed an entire household. Look at the account in Numbers 16:1-2: Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they paid dearly for it! (Numbers 16:23-33). And that was how Dathan, Korah and Abiram and 250 others and all their families perished! Rebellion destroyed an estimated one thousand people in one day! Friends, rebellion is of the devil, don’t go for it!
In summary, instructions are to be obeyed, not to be discussed. The obedient makes the greatest mark in the Kingdom. So, go for obedience and leave rebellion alone. Our opinion is our greatest trap into rebellion. So watch it! However, it is very easy to fall into the trap of sin if you are not saved. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so.
Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”
For further reading, please get my books:Walking in the Newness of Life, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph and Dynamics of Holiness. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you.
Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin
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David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel