Vol. 16.3.14
Easy entanglement has to do with being easily carried away by the
things and ways of the world. Though we are in the world but not of the world,
as such there should be a distinction between a Christian and the world. (John 17:14). The world has it ways/culture. What is
acceptable in the world is not acceptable in our home (heaven). Therefore the
devil uses his weapon of easy entanglement to bring Christians into bandage.
The weapon of entanglement could be anything that easily hold one
back from moving forward or fast enough according to the initial speed present
in the individual towards spiritual growth and it is called sin. The initial
speed will decrease when entangled as a result of sin. Sin is the way of the world
as that is what is acceptable to the world. Sin develops from little things
considered to be irrelevant but soon becomes an unwanted weight that draws you
back and slows you down in the Christian race. According to Hebrews 12:1, Paul enjoin Christians to lay (put) aside the
sin that easily hold us back from running effectively the race set before us.
The sin that easily entangles us (i.e. the particular sin one can
easily be tempted with) is particular to each individual, and varies from one
individual to the other. It often start from a simple stage of allowing or
entertaining evil suggestions from the devil or self to create a sinful desire
for this particular sin which will lead to conception (just like pregnancy, it
can actually be stopped by aborting or putting an end to further processing
that enhances the growth), then the man processes what has been conceived
(planning on how to carry out the evil thought) until it's fully matured (fully
planned), this gives birth to sin (carrying out the plan) and after this is
death (James 1:14-15).
As a Christian, instead of focusing on growing the spiritual life,
if the above process is allowed, the attention would inadvertently be diverted
to growing something that leads to the end of the life of God in us. 2Peter 2:20 (KJV) says;
For if after they have escaped the
pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse
with them than the beginning.
Therefore, as Soldiers of Christ, who is in a battle with the
devil and self, and ad an athlete running this Christian race, we shouldn't
entangle ourselves with extra weight (of sin) that would endanger our lives and
slow us down and prevent us from overcoming and winning the eternal prize awaiting
us. Our purpose is to please the one who called us. (2 Timothy 2:4-5,
Hebrew 12:1, 2 Corinthians 9:24-25)
WAY
OUT OF ENTANGLEMENT
High
Resistance: To resist the devil may not be easy as it is the weakness of the
individual, so, there will be need to resist firmly, disallow and oppose the
devil especially with the word of God and in the name of Jesus in prayers. (1Peter 5:9, Ephesians 6:13)
Pray
Now: The best time to pray is now. This means to pray ahead before you
are being tempted. Jesus prayed for Peter ahead of the time of his trial (Luke 22:32). Pray now that you should not be led into
temptation (Mathew. 6:13).
Flee:
Flee all appearances of evil, never wait, never try to listen, do not be
interested,just flee (2Timothy. 2:22; I Thessalonians.
5:22).
Feed
on God's word always: Your mind can never be vacant, it's always hungry for something,
let your mind feed on the word of God not worldly movies, magazines, programs,
chats and so on, that encourages your sinful urge; this increase the risk of
being tempted. Increase and meditate in the knowledge of God and you shall find
how easy it will be to lay aside the sin that easily entangles you. (2Timothy 2:15, 2Timothy 3:14-17)
Be
Serious: there is need to let the devil know you are serious by exercising
your authority in Christ, turning him down in every corner and focusing the
whole of your attention on Jesus. Also, taking your personal relationship with
God so seriously.
As we celebrate the death and resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ,
we shouldn't let go of the reason for the season, the salvation of our souls (2 Thessalonians 5:9; Hebrews 5:7-9) and let's not forget
to work out our salvation with fear and trembling through obedience and the
grace of God will be sufficient for us. (Philippians 2:12).
Therefore, let us hold on to the charge Hebrews 12: 1 (NIV):
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by
such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with patience the race marked
out for us,”
Author information:
Adetunji Solomon.
(tunegwins@yahoo.com)
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
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