Three Traps for Believers: Walking in the Spirit to Avoid Destruction

Traps are things that happen which should not have happened. As believers, we are called to walk in holiness, reflecting the character of God. But there are pitfalls that can cause us to stumble, leading us away from maturity in Christ.

The Bible warns us about these traps, and Galatians 5:26 specifically highlights three major ones that every believer must guard against:

  1. Self-glory – Seeking Illegal Recognition
  2. Provoking Others – Stirring Up Anger
  3. Envy – An Evil Eye That Destroys

These are not minor issues. If we fall into these traps, they can consume us, injure us, and even destroy our faith.

Jesus – The True Standard of God's Character

In Hebrews 1:3 (KJV), it says:

"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."

Jesus is the perfect display of God’s character. If we claim to follow Him, we must reflect Him in character, conduct, and love. Just as a tree produces fruit that reflects its nature, we must bear the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

God told Abraham in the Old Testament:

🔹 Genesis 17:1 (KJV) – “Walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

Jesus echoes this command in the New Testament:

🔹 Matthew 5:48 (KJV) – “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

This means maturing in love and righteousness. And to do that, we must recognize and avoid the three dangerous traps that keep us from growing in Christ.

🔴 Trap #1: Self-Glory – Seeking Illegal Recognition

Galatians 5:26 warns:

"Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."

Self-glory is dangerous. It is seeking recognition that does not belong to you. It is prideful, boastful, and attention-seeking. When a believer seeks to glorify themselves rather than Christ, they are not walking in the Spirit but in the flesh.

🔹 Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

🔹 Matthew 6:1 (KJV) – "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."

When believers seek illegal recognition—whether in ministry, status, or influence—they are in dangerous territory. True greatness in the kingdom is servanthood (Matthew 23:11-12).

🔴 Trap #2: Provoking One Another – Stirring Up Anger

Galatians 5:15 warns:

"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another."

This is spiritual friendly fire—believers attacking one another instead of fighting the true enemy. This happens when people provoke one another through:

✔ Harsh words
✔ Unforgiveness
✔ Gossip and slander
✔ Creating division

Paul warns that if we keep fighting each other, we will be consumed!

🔹 Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) – "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

🔹 James 1:19-20 (KJV) – “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Maturity in Christ means learning to control our emotions and responses. Stop stirring up anger. Grow up in love and walk in the Spirit!

🔴 Trap #3: Envy – The Evil Eye That Destroys

One of the most dangerous traps is envy. It is wanting what others have and resenting their blessings. Envy is a poison that destroys the heart.

🔹 Matthew 27:18 (KJV) – “For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”

Jesus was crucified because of envy. The religious leaders hated that He had power and influence. They were jealous of Him, and their envy led them to murder.

Envy is not a small sin—it is a spirit that can drive people to destruction. The Bible calls it an "evil eye":

🔹 Proverbs 14:30 (KJV) – “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

🔹 James 3:16 (KJV) – “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

If you are constantly comparing yourself to others, counting their blessings instead of your own, you are trapped in envy.

The solution? Gratitude. Humility. Trusting in God's plan for your life.

🔥 Breaking Free: Walk in the Spirit 🔥

Paul tells us that if we walk in the Spirit, we will not be controlled by the flesh.

🔹 Galatians 5:16 (KJV) – "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

This is very serious. If we continue to fall into these traps, we are walking in the flesh—not in the Spirit.

  • Self-glory leads to destruction.
  • Provoking others leads to broken relationships.
  • Envy leads to bitterness and hatred.

But when we walk in the Spirit, the power of the flesh is broken!

🛑 A Call to Self-Examination 🛑

Are you trapped in one of these sins?

✅ Do you seek recognition for yourself instead of giving glory to God?
✅ Do you stir up anger and strife instead of being a peacemaker?
✅ Do you envy others instead of trusting God for your own blessings?

If so, repent today.

🔹 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) – "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves."

The enemy wants you stuck in these traps—but God is calling you higher. He is calling you to mature in love, to grow in grace, and to reflect His character.

🙏 Closing Prayer 🙏

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You, asking for Your grace to walk in the Spirit. Lord, reveal any area in my heart where I have fallen into the traps of self-glory, provoking others, or envy.

🔹 Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) – "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Father, I renounce self-glory, I reject division and strife, and I cast out envy from my heart. Fill me with Your Spirit, so I may walk in love, humility, and holiness.

🔥 In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen. 🔥

🚨 Share this message with others. Warn them of these traps, and let us all grow in Christ together. 🚨

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Ways to Hear God Speak to You

Hearing from God is a transformative experience that deepens one's faith and spiritual understanding. Here are five key practices supported by Scripture that can help you tune in to God's voice: 1. Remain Pure "Purity of heart leads to a clearer vision of God," as Jesus states in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." To remain pure, one must strive to live a life free of sin and full of grace. Other verses that emphasize purity include: Psalm 51:10 : "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 1 John 3:3 : "All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." These verses remind us that purity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but actively seeking renewal through God's grace. 2. Have a Relationship with God Through Prayer Building a relationship with God is akin to nurturing a friendship; it requires communication and intimacy. Matthew 6:6 advises, ...
Read more

The Biblical Definition of an Ungodly Man

The Book of Jude offers one of the most vivid descriptions in Scripture of ungodly men and their destructive influence within the church. Jude’s letter warns believers to recognize and stand firm against such individuals while trusting in God’s judgment upon them. Let us explore what the Bible reveals about ungodly men, with a specific focus on Jude’s teachings. Who Are Ungodly Men? Jude describes ungodly men as those who: Lack reverence for God. Reject His authority. Follow sinful passions. Lead others astray through deception. These individuals infiltrate the church to corrupt the faithful, turning grace into a license for sin, and leading lives marked by rebellion and self-centeredness. Jude warns against their behaviors, using both historical examples and vivid metaphors to emphasize their danger and inevitable judgment. Characteristics of Ungodly Men in Jude 1. They Secretly Infiltrate the Church (Jude 1:4): “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ord...
Read more

Co-Laboring with the Creator

As believers, we are called into a deep and profound relationship with God, one that goes beyond merely believing in Him or following His commandments. This relationship is a partnership—a divine collaboration between humanity and our Creator. God doesn’t just work on us; He works through us. We are invited to co-labor with Him, bringing His purposes to life on earth. Understanding What It Means to Partner with God At the core of partnering with God is the idea that we are not passive recipients of His grace but active participants in His mission. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, the apostle Paul writes, "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building." Here, Paul emphasizes that we are co-laborers with God, working in His service to fulfill His purposes. This partnership is not one of equals. We rely entirely on God's wisdom, strength, and guidance. Our role is to be obedient, humble, and willing vessels for His work. In John 15:5, Jesus say...
Read more