Avoiding the Enemy’s Trap

 Introduction: Understanding the Nature of a Trap

Before we explore today’s message, we must first understand what a trap is. Without clarity, we may not recognize why vigilance is necessary.
What Is a Trap?
A trap can be understood in several ways:
·It is a device designed to capture and hold—allowing entry but preventing escape.
·It is a hidden scheme or ambush meant to lure a person into acting against their own interest.
·It is a difficult and unpleasant situation from which escape is not easy.
Spiritually, life is surrounded by traps—not only those set by the enemy, but also those we create through ignorance, carelessness, and deliberate disobedience to God.
Who Is the Enemy?
At this point, we must ask: who is the enemy that sets these traps?
The enemy is not just one figure—it is a combination of forces working against your soul and destiny.
First, the enemy is the devil—the unseen adversary who seeks to lure, deceive, and destroy.
John 10:10 — “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Second, the enemy is the world system—the patterns, values, and pressures around us that normalize sin and make compromise appear attractive.
Ayé kì í ṣe ọ̀rẹ́ ẹni tí ó fẹ́ rìn pẹ̀lú Ọlọ́run
(The world is not a friend to the one who chooses to walk with God.)
1 John 2:15 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Third, the enemy is the flesh—our own inner weakness.
Ọkàn ènìyàn lè dà bí ọ̀tá sí ara rẹ̀
(A man’s heart can become his own enemy.)
Galatians 5:17 — “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another.”
Finally, the enemy may sometimes work through people—knowingly or unknowingly.
Ephesians 6:12 — “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Prophetic Insight
Ọ̀tá kì í kọ́ ilé láì rí ilẹ̀ tí yóò gbé e lórí
(The enemy does not build a snare without first finding a ground to place it.)

The Trap of Ignorance and Disobedience
Consider cigarette smoking: warnings are clear yet often ignored. When consequences come, people seek relief—but ignoring warnings does not cancel consequences.
Only those who love God and walk carefully avoid snares.
Matthew 6:34 — “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

The Trap of Idleness and Sexual Sin: David
2 Samuel 11:1 — “…at the time when kings go out to battle… David remained at Jerusalem.”
Idleness opened the door to temptation.
2 Samuel 12:7 — “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’”
Judgment followed.
Ọkàn tí kò ṣiṣẹ́, ibi ni yóò ṣiṣẹ́
(The idle mind will engage in evil.)

The Same Trap, Different Response: Joseph
Genesis 39:9 — “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
Joseph’s fear of God preserved him.
Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

The Trap of the Love of Money: Judas
Matthew 26:15 — “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 27:5 — “Then he threw down the pieces of silver… and went and hanged himself.”
In contrast:
Acts 8:20 — “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!”
Proverbs 13:11 — “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.”

The Trap of Alcohol: Noah and Lot
Genesis 9:21 — “Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent.”
Genesis 19:32–33 — Lot’s daughters made him drink wine, leading to grave consequences.
Proverbs 23:32 — “At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper.”
The Trap of Wrong Association
Psalm 41:9 — “Even my own familiar friend… has lifted up his heel against me.”
Exodus 34:12 — “Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant… and it become a snare in your midst.”
Ẹni tí o bá bá rìn ni yóò pinnu ibi tí o ń lọ
(Those you walk with will influence your destination.)

Traps Set for Jesus
Luke 14:3 — “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
They could not answer.
Luke 14:4 — “…And He took him and healed him, and let him go.”
Acts 10:38 — “God anointed Jesus… who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.”

How to Escape the Enemy’s Traps
Ephesians 5:16 — “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
·Walk in wisdom
·Fear the Lord
·Avoid compromise
·Reject dishonest gain
·Choose associations carefully
·Stay spiritually alert
Psalm 57:6 — “They have prepared a net for my steps… but they themselves have fallen into the midst of it.”
Psalm 141:9 — “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me.”
Psalm 91:3 — “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler.”

Conclusion
The enemy sets traps daily—but God provides escape.
Psalm 39:6 — “Surely every man walks about like a shadow… he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.”
The fear of the Lord is your greatest protection.

Final Prophetic Charge
Ẹ má ṣe jẹ́ kí ilẹ̀ ọkàn yín di ibi tí ọ̀tá ti ń gbin ẹgẹ́
(Do not allow your heart to become ground for the enemy’s traps.)

Prayer
Father, I thank You for delivering me from every hidden trap. Open my eyes to discern every snare. Fill me with wisdom, discipline, and the fear of the Lord. Keep my feet from falling and preserve my destiny.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.