THE LITTLE FOXES

THE LITTLE FOXES

Memory verse:

Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes.

(Song of Solomon 2:15).

Texts:

(Heb. 12:1-12; Gal 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-9).

INTRODUCTION

At the point of salvation (when we got Born Again), God did not only save us from sin and its power and consequences, but, He infused His lifestyle (character) into us. Though, our salvation is by Grace through Faith in Christ Jesus, it is expected that we maintain it through a conscious daily walk with God.

We must realize however, that just as God helps us grow in our relationship with Him, the devil, whose kingdom, we were delivered from, does whatever he can to try to bring us back to himself. At times, he comes with offenses (sins) that look irrelevant, little or negligible but which have the capacity to ultimately pull us away from God.

May God help us to note and overcome this strategy of our common enemy (the devil). Let’s consider some of the so called “little sins”.

1. LIE. (COL 3:9)   

Many Christians have joined the bandwagon of telling lies as a way of life. Some do it for economic gains or some other reasons. Yes, agreed that there is economic melt-down which has affected different areas of our society, but a Christian must strive to be different from the world. This seamless little sin is controlled by an evil spirit, (1 King 22:22, “And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so”). God enjoins us to avoid this sin which consequence is hell, (Rev 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”).

      2.  LUST. (1 JN 2:15-17)

Our flesh is ever with us as long as we live in this world. The flesh is an enemy of the Spirit of God, and therefore, must be subdued by God’s Spirit. Verse 16 of 1 John 2, categorizes lust into three; lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life. These talk about ungodly craving for unholy sexuality, uncontrolled appetite for what the eyes see, and trusting in self or self elevation/aggrandizement. You would notice that lust is not a physical thing but relates with the heart. Therefore, we must guard our hearts with all diligence, (Pro 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life”). Inordinate affection, lasciviousness, envy are also part of lust.

3. VARIANCE AND TRUCEBREAKER: (Gal 5:20).

This is a state of misunderstanding between parties involved in an agreement or understanding, wherein a party involved knowingly acts as if there was no initial understanding. It might be in business, marriage or some other forms of relationship. As God’s children, we should try and keep to agreements, but where it becomes difficult; we should try and explain to the other parties involved.

4. HATRED AND UNFORGIVENESS: (Gal 5:20).

A Christian may be wrongfully hurt by another involved in a relationship, whether in marriage, business/work, politics, church/fellowship departmental work/services, etc. The bible admonishes us to forgive and live at peace with all men, as much as it lays in our hands, (Eph. 4:32; Mat. 6:14; Col. 3:13; Romans 12:18). At times, you may need to involve others in the pursuit of peace. Let’s not live in bitterness against anyone.

 

Let’s also consider some habits that may not be sinful in themselves, but are weights, according to the bible, and therefore have the capacity to lead to sin.

5. BAD FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATIONS: (1Cor. 15:33).

Bad friendship or evil association or communication is a term used for generally being in contact with an ungodly thing or an ungodly person or an ungodly group or people. Yes, we must interact with unbelievers in our daily activities; but must be careful not to allow them influence our thoughts/decisions, especially on issues that contradicts the position of the bible. It’s better to answer bad names by our friends because of our stand on the side of God, than to compromise the bible standard in other to maintain friendship with the world, (James 4:4, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”).

6. LAZINESS AND PROCRASTINATION: (Pro. 24:30-32.)

The Holy Spirit condemns slothfulness, laziness and sleeping too much. One might argue that this is not sinful. But considering that it leads to poverty, in line with our study, this might progress to little sins, here and there, which might eventually lead to prayerlessness and backsliding, (Pro. 15:19 “The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain”).

7. LATENESS AND UNSERIOUSNESS: (Matt 25:1-13.)

Many Christians do not take time seriously in most of their engagements. God, through His word, encourages us to be time conscious and serious with our dealings both with Him and man. Hardening of the heart may lead to lateness, unseriousness and missing of essential blessings, (Heb. 3:15 “Hebrews 3:15 “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation”).

CONCLUSION

Little sins if not checked have the capacity of accumulating/developing into something more serious. Let’s avoid them. A constant self-evaluation will help us.

QUESTIONS

• How does pride develop; and what are the consequences?