July 30
THE THREE GREAT TRAPS
-After much reading and studying of the Bible, I think you will agree that there are things that we are to guard
against. There are “traps”, if you will, that we are to avoid falling into. These are things that the Bible warns
us to stay away from. I am convinced that the three most dangerous things that the Bible speaks of are:
1. PRIDE
2. BITTERNESS
3. ISOLATION
-These three traps will ruin a life, a relationship, and our witness for God. They are to be viewed as a spiritual
cancer that eats away at the very essence of God’s life within us. "Pride", "isolation", and "bitterness" will surely
cause us to be a clogged vessel, leaving us in a condition that will always frustrate the grace of God.
-The Bible continually urges us to humble ourselves, not being lifted up in "pride". Proverbs 6:16,17 tells
us that GOD HATES "PRIDE"! The words “proud look” in verse 17 speak of "pride", referring to one who is lifted
up and exalted in and of themselves. The Bible is very clear on this issue. Everyone who exalts himself shall be abased; and
he that humbles himself shall be exalted ( Read Luke 18:9-14 ).
-Ephesians 4:31 and Hebrews 12:15 tell us to guard against a "root of bitterness". The word “bitterness”
speaks of being harsh and disagreeable, showing intense hostility, being resentful or cynical. Psalm 1:1 calls it the "SEAT
OF THE SCORNFUL". "Bitterness" is a result of "pride", being a more harsh form of "pride". "Bitterness" then leads to "isolation".
-Matthew 5:13-17 tells us that a believer is salt and light to the world, and that we are to let our light shine
before men. "Isolation" is the final and most deadly form of "pride", for it says, … I NEED NO ONE BUT MYSELF!
It is a celebration of self, which leads to spiritual death! It is a recipe for disaster!
-"Pride", "bitterness", and "isolation" are, without a doubt, the three greatest stumbling blocks that stop
people from entering into the Kingdom of God. Not only do they hinder the one whom they have attached themselves to, but they
hinder others as well. Let us be on guard for these three deadly traps. We must …
-HUMBLE OURSELVES!-
