2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

When Satan presents the bait, he hides the hook. He presents the sweet, the pleasure, and what we may consider profitable, but he hides the shame, guilt, wrath, loss and misery that will certainly follow the committing of sin.

Overcoming Satan’s device of baiting the hook:

1.     Keep the greatest distance from sin.

a.     Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. –  ‘Abhor’ means we are to hate sin.

b.     Proverbs 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

c.     1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

d.     1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

2.     Consider that sin may taste sweet at first glance but turn bitter. Examples:

a.     Esau’s pottage of lentils that he gave his birthright for – Genesis 25:33-34

b.     The Israelites’ quails ended in a bitter sweet. Many who complained and lusted died in the plague.

c.     Adonijah’s feast turned bitter sweet. He promoted himself to be king instead of his brother Solomon. 1 Kings 1.

d.     Note: You can’t dance and dine with the devil and sup with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

3.     Realize that sin will bring the greatest and saddest losses upon our souls, including the loss of God’s favor, peace and joy.

a.     Proverbs 12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

b.     Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

c.     1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

4.     Even knowing all the above we must realize that sin is very deceitful. Samson’s demise began with Delilah’s smile. Sin gives Satan power over us. It gives him the advantage. “BE NOT DECEIVED” Galatians 6:7.

a.     Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

b.     Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.



Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry