Jeanie Martin Ministries

Just as a Venus Flytrap seduces its prey with its sweet, sticky nectar, the enemy seduces mankind similarly. The enemy knows that we love pleasing our flesh. Therefore, he dangles seductive pleasures before our lusting eyes. He knows that the flesh finds sin attractive and that it’s difficult for us to subdue our flesh. Anything that appeals to our senses, the enemy knows that we will contemplate and investigate. If it looks good, sounds good, and everyone is doing it, satan knows that you will be tempted by it. “It” is that thing that takes you away from obeying God and coaxes you to sin.

The devil skillfully devises tactics to tempt us into following the world’s ways. He uses our fleshly desires as bait. He knows we lack self-control when denying our flesh; our flesh is our weakness.

satan’s method of using the lust of our flesh has proven successful since Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, there are many unbelieving believers who believe they can “have it their way” when it comes to serving God. But they forget that we have an adversary who sees us as pawns in a chess game. It’s been 2,000 years since the Garden, and he’s perfected his game. He’s a master at weaving webs of deception.

The world is satan’s domain. The kingdom of heaven belongs to God. Matthew 12:8 says, No man can serve both kingdoms; you will either love the one and hate the other. “Don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” (James 4:4). We are commanded to come out of the world. The world’s ways are not our ways. We are not to keep company with the wicked (Ps. 1:1-3). satan tempts us with the purpose of drawing us away from God. He is a master at distorting the truth. Christians must be aware of his power and his craftiness.

A Web of Deception.

Most of the content on television today promotes a worldly agenda that glorifies sin. Many popular shows like “Scandal, Revenge, and American Idol” (to name a few) give us a clear and precise clue of the program’s content just from their names. Their titles assure us of the subject matter, and the program rating usually does if the title does not clue you in. These shows do not glorify God. Instead, they celebrate satan’s kingdom.

Ratings

“PG” for “Parental Guidance” and “R” for “Restricted.” Restricted means adult content, “for adults!” Christians should verify the rating of the program before viewing it. Children should not be allowed to watch “PG” rated programs without their parent (s), and definitely, “R” means not for children. Do not invite children to partake of “satan’s web of deception.”

“Empire” is a popular TV show that many were talking about on social media (at this time, the first season had ended). This program entertains its viewers with a variety of glorified sins. As far as the writers are concerned, anything goes as long as the viewers keep watching. Many viewers can’t wait to view the next episode. Christians are rushing to their televisions to watch scenes of murder, adultery, hatred, jealousy, slander, and likewise. Many Christians plan their daily events around these shows. Some people make it the grand event of the day; they invite friends over to have drinks and watch these corrupt shows. They discuss their favorite characters, who brutally murdered the unsuspecting, and even talk about multiple sex partners. The language is disrespectful, but some people don’t mind if their children watch. After all, looking at sinful behavior is exciting and fun for our flesh!

Your flesh is satan’s bait.

To be tempted means that you are being enticed to sin against God. Temptation is not from God; satan is the tempter. His goal is to get us out of the will of God. He tempts us with whatever will bring us pleasure for the moment. The devil does not make us sin; we consciously choose to act against God’s will. The enemy sits back and notices every detail you share; his plan is to set you up to fall. He knows your mind is not on the above things, judging by your actions and conversation. You are operating on his level; therefore, he can access you. He lures you in with glamour and fame. He knows what you like because your lusting eyes reveal your innermost desires. But he will never warn you of the consequences of your sins. Judgment day is coming, and you are accountable for the deeds done in the body, and you will have to give an account for every idle word spoken; (Matt. 12:36).

“So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall?” (1 Cor. 10:12)

We all are venerable to satan’s attacks. The temptation warns us to walk carefully and “Say NO to sin!”

Wisdom for Victory:

• Identify your weakness and take responsibility; (1 Cor. 10:13).
• Mortify your flesh; (Rom. 8:13).
• Protect your gates, and guard your heart; (Prov. 4:23).
• Don’t envy the world; (Prov. 24:1; Ps. 73:3).
• Come out of the world; (2 Cor. 6:17).
• God is not mocked; (Gal. 6:9).
• Put your armor on before the battle; (Eph. 6:11-18).
• We war not against flesh and blood but against wicked evil spirits in high place; (Eph. 6:12-17).
• Teach your children godly morals and principles (Deut. 6:7; 11:19: Isa. 54:13).
• Protect your children by being an example.

I leave you to ponder the following quote:

“Sin will take you further than you’ll want to go, keep you longer than you’ll want to stay, cost you more than you’ll want to pay.”