How To Avoid Becoming A Prey To Seducers

 

 

You do not have to be a prey to the seducers of this world.

There is a definite way to avoid becoming one. 

This message will explain how.  

 

First of all, who qualifies as a victim for the enticers of this world?

 

The answer can be found in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 which says - "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

 

They are the people who do not love the truth. They prefer any lie to the truth of God's Word...easily imbibe error...reject any sound doctrine...derive great pleasure from ungodliness...prefer sin to holiness and strong delusion to the pure and simple Gospel.

 

These are the ones who are definite "prey" for the various seducers who are inhabiting the earth today.   

 

On the other hand, who are the ones who are able to stand against men of corrupt minds and lives who use fraudulent methods to maintain their immoral and unjust schemes and plans?

 

The Scriptures characterize them as follows -

 

1. God's Law Controls Their Heart And Mind

 

Proverbs 2:10 - "When wisdom entereth into thine heart..."

 

They live in the Fear of the Lord which is "the beginning of wisdom"(Psalm 111:10). It fills their minds with devout ideas and influences and empowers their lives to operate after a godly sort - bringing their affections and passions under its rulership.

 

2. The Knowledge Of God's Word Is Their Chief Entertainment

 

Proverbs 2:10 - "...knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul."

 

They find great pleasure in a life of serious godliness - with its restraints, rules, and practices of virtue.

 

3. They Enjoy Wisdom's Benefits

 

Proverbs 2:11 - "Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee."

 

Because wisdom possesses them - they are kept out of harm's way - preserved from all evil, corrupt, and profane men and principles.

 

4. They Love God's Commands 

 

Proverbs 8:17 - "I love them that love Me..."

Psalm 119:97- "O how love I Thy law..."

 

With a great intensity and fervor of emotion, their hearts follow after divine teachings - while they give themselves entirely to God - without any reservations. The more they love Christ and His Word, the more they are loved by Him.

 

5. They Seek Wisdom Earnestly

 

Proverbs 8:17 - "...those that seek Me early shall find Me."

Psalm 119:27 - "Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts..."

 

Before anyone or anything - other pursuits or pleasures - they seek an acquaintance with the Lord Jesus. Above all, they desire to know their duty - to have a deep insight into the practical meaning of the Word.

 

6. They Are Hearers And Doers Of The Word

 

Proverbs 8:32 - "Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children..."

 

They attend to God's Instruction found in His Word and readily comply with its commands and demands - rectifying anything that is amiss in their hearts and lives.

 

7. They Love Reproof

 

Proverbs 12:1 - "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge..."

 

They consider discipline and correction to be a way to knowledge. Hence, they value instruction which brings improvement or progress in their lives - even if it includes strict and stern discipline.

 

8. They Are Separated From The Frivolous And The Foolish

 

Proverbs 18:1 - "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom."  

 

They separate themselves from all secular, trifling, superficial, or trivial pursuits and mingle themselves with essential knowledge. They realize that the attainment of wisdom will bring great advantage so they take whatever pains are necessary to acquire it.  

  

9. God's Word Consumes Their Thoughts

 

Psalm 119:97,98, & 99 - "O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation."

 

It is not an excusable matter that the day is filled with business or the nighttime is a time set aside for rest - these people set their thoughts continually on the Scriptures - "...they are ever with me." In other words, the Law of God is always in their eye and mind. Hence, they are vastly superior to their foes and far more improved in practical skill than their instructors.

 

10. They Honestly Endeavor To Do What Is Right

 

Psalm 119:100 - "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts."

 

Because they have treasured up wisdom, they have a desire to keep the commandments of the Lord.

Because of their obedience, He reveals more hidden wisdom to them - giving them the advantage over their elders.  

 

As you look around you, you can see seducers of all kinds - looking for their next victim.

Will it be you?

 

You do not have to become their next prey.

The Scriptures imply that if we will love Wisdom - God's Word - and hate all unrighteousness - enough to rid our lives of it completely - then we will never fall to their evil devices and traps.

 

Do you have a love for the Truth?

Is your life lining up with it in all areas?

That will be the determining factor as to whether or not you will become some enticer's next victim.

 

Remember - "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom..." (Proverbs 4:7)