Snares

Daily Devotions with Pastor Chuck

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As the new day begins let us make note of what the Scripture says regarding “snares,”

“And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snares of the devil.” (I Timothy 3:7 – NASB)

The English word “snares” means, “anything serving to entrap, entangle, or catch unawares; trap.” The Greek word used here is pagis, of which Zodhiates writes regarding this particular text, “Metaphorically, the trap of the devil means snare of the devil, I.e., his wile, stratagem.”

The word is used five times in the New Testament. It speaks of traps Satan uses to trip-up unwary human beings. There is,

“The snare of worldly involvement” – (Luke 21:34-35 – translated “trap” in the NASB and “snare” in the NKJV)
“The snare of rejecting God’s Word and the living Word” – (Romans 11:9, a quote of Psalm 69:22, written as Israel repudiated Christ)
“The snare of riches” – (I Timothy 6:9)

Satan has many “schemes,” or “devices” (II Corinthians 2:11) by which to entrap us. No one in the body of Christ is immune, not even an “overseer” (I Timothy 3:1), as the context for our text so notes.

Our responsibility in all of this?

“. . . the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition . . . that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” (II Timothy 2:24-26 – NASB)

Paul wrote,

“for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (II Corinthians 2:11 – NASB)

And so, we are not “ignorant of his . . . snares,” or we shouldn’t be. We must be aware of and avoid the “snares of the devil,” and seek to assist those who are ensnared and “held captive by him.”

Have a good day brethren . . . and as you walk be in the Word of God so that you will not be one who is ignorant of Satan’s snares.