Beware of the Devil’s Snares!

“Come . . . out from the snare of the Devil.”​—2 TIM. 2:26.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What self-examination is needed if you are inclined to be unduly critical of others?

From the examples of Pilate and Peter, what can you learn about not giving in to fear and pressure?

How can you avoid the feeling of excessive guilt?

1, 2. What snares of the Devil will we consider in this article?

THE Devil stalks Jehovah’s servants. His goal is not necessarily to destroy them, as a big-game hunter kills prey. Rather, the Devil’s main goal is to capture his quarry alive and use the person as he sees fit.​—Read 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

² To catch prey alive, a trapper may use a snare of some sort. He may try to get the animal to come out into the open where he can capture it with a noose. Or he may use a hidden trap that has a trigger and takes the animal by surprise. The Devil uses similar snares to catch God’s servants alive. If we want to avoid being caught, we must be alert and heed warning signs indicating that one of Satan’s snares, or traps, is nearby. This article will consider how we can guard against three of the traps that the Devil has used with a measure of success. These are (1) uncontrolled speech, (2) fear and pressure, and (3) excessive guilt. The next article will consider two additional traps, or snares, of Satan.

QUENCH THE FIRE OF UNCONTROLLED SPEECH

3, 4. Failure to control our tongue could result in what? Give an example.

³ To flush animals out of hiding, a hunter may set a section of vegetation ablaze, catching the animals as they try to escape. In a figurative sense, the Devil would like to set the Christian congregation ablaze. If he succeeds, he can drive its members away from that safe haven right into his clutches. How might we unwittingly collaborate with him and thus be entrapped by him?

⁴ The disciple James likened the tongue to a fire. (Read James 3:6-8.) If we fail to control our tongue, we could start a figurative wildfire in the congregation. How might this happen? Consider the following scenario: At a congregation meeting, an announcement is made that a certain sister has been appointed a regular pioneer. After the meeting, two publishers discuss this announcement. One expresses joy and has good wishes for the new pioneer. The other questions the pioneer’s motives and implies that she is merely seeking prominence in the congregation. Which of those two publishers would you like to have as a friend? It is not hard to see which one is more likely to set the congregation ablaze through her speech.

5. To quench the fire of uncontrolled speech, what self-examination would we do well to conduct?

⁵ How can we quench the fire of uncontrolled speech? Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34) So the first step is to examine our own heart. Do we shun the bad feelings that fuel destructive speech? For example, when we hear that a brother is reaching out for some privilege of service, do we readily believe that his motives are pure, or do we suspect that he is driven by self-interest? If we have a tendency to be cynical, it is good to remember that the Devil questioned the motives of God’s faithful servant Job. (Job 1:9-11) Rather than being suspicious of our brother, we would do well to consider why we are critical of him. Do we really have good reason for being that way? Or has our heart been poisoned by the unloving spirit so prevalent during these last days?​—2 Tim. 3:1-4.

6, 7. (a) What are some reasons why we might be critical of others? (b) How should we respond if we are reviled?

⁶ Consider some other reasons why we might be critical of others. One could be that we desire to make our own accomplishments more noticeable. In effect, we may be attempting to look taller by pushing others down. Or we may be trying to excuse our own failure to take positive action. Whether pride, envy, or insecurity is driving us, the result is destructive.

⁷ It could be that we feel justified in speaking critically of someone. Perhaps we have been the victim of his or her uncontrolled speech. If that is the case, retaliating in kind is not the answer. Doing so only adds fuel to the fire and works in harmony with the Devil’s will, not God’s. (2 Tim. 2:26) We do well to imitate Jesus in this regard. When he was being reviled, “he did not go reviling in return.” Instead, he “kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously.” (1 Pet. 2:21-23) Jesus was confident that Jehovah would take care of matters in His own way and time. We should have the same trust in God. When we use our speech to heal, we help to preserve “the uniting bond of peace” in our congregation.​—Read Ephesians 4:1-3.

ESCAPE THE NOOSE OF FEAR AND PRESSURE

8, 9. Why did Pilate condemn Jesus?

⁸ An animal caught in a snare loses control over its freedom of movement. Similarly, a person who succumbs to fear and related pressure has given up at least some control of his life. (Read Proverbs 29:25.) Let us consider the examples of two very different men who yielded to pressure and to fear and see what we can learn from their experience.

⁹ The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate knew that Jesus was an innocent man and apparently did not want to harm him. In fact, Pilate said that Jesus had done “nothing deserving of death.” Nevertheless, Pilate condemned him to death. Why? Because Pilate succumbed to pressure from the mob. (Luke 23:15, 21-25) “If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar,” cried those opposers, thus applying pressure in order to get their way. (John 19:12) Pilate may have feared that he would lose his position​—or possibly his life—​if he sided with Christ. So he allowed himself to be led into doing the Devil’s will.

10. What induced Peter to deny Christ?

¹⁰ The apostle Peter was one of Jesus’ closest associates. He publicly declared that Jesus was the Messiah. (Matt. 16:16) Peter remained loyal when other disciples did not grasp the meaning of what Jesus said and abandoned Him. (John 6:66-69) And when enemies came to arrest Jesus, Peter used a sword to defend his Master. (John 18:10, 11) Later, however, Peter succumbed to fear and denied even knowing Jesus Christ. For a brief time, the apostle was caught in the snare of fear of man and allowed it to restrain him from taking a courageous course.​—Matt. 26:74, 75.

11. We may have to contend with what negative influences?

¹¹ As Christians, we need to resist pressure to do things that would displease God. Employers or others may try to coerce us into being dishonest or may seek to induce us to engage in sexual immorality. Students may have to deal with peers who try to pressure them to cheat on exams, to view pornography, to smoke, to use drugs, to abuse alcohol, or to engage in sexual misconduct. So, what can help us to escape the snare of fear and of pressure to do what displeases Jehovah?

12. What lessons can we learn from Pilate and Peter?

¹² Let us see what we can learn from the examples of Pilate and Peter. Pilate had little knowledge about Christ. Still, he knew that Jesus was innocent and was no ordinary man. But Pilate lacked humility and love for the true God. The Devil easily caught him alive. Peter had both accurate knowledge and love for God. At times, though, he lacked modesty, became fearful, and succumbed to pressure. Prior to Jesus’ arrest, Peter boasted: “Even if all the others are stumbled, yet I will not be.” (Mark 14:29) The apostle would have been better prepared for the tests ahead had he taken the same position as that of the psalmist who put his confidence in God and sang: “Jehovah is on my side; I shall not fear. What can earthling man do to me?” (Ps. 118:6) On the final night of His earthly life, Jesus took Peter and two other apostles with him deep into the garden of Gethsemane. Instead of remaining alert, however, Peter and his companions fell asleep. Jesus awakened them and said: “Men, keep on the watch and praying, in order that you do not come into temptation.” (Mark 14:38) But Peter fell asleep again and later gave in to fear and pressure.

13. How can we resist pressure to do something wrong?

¹³ The examples of Pilate and Peter can teach us another vital lesson: Success in resisting pressure involves a combination of such elements as accurate knowledge, humility, modesty, love for God, and fear of Jehovah, not humans. If our faith is built on accurate knowledge, we will courageously speak about our beliefs with conviction. This will help us to resist pressure and conquer fear of man. Of course, we must never overestimate our own strength. Instead, we should humbly recognize that we need God’s power in order to resist pressure. We need to pray for Jehovah’s spirit and must let love for him motivate us to uphold his name and standards. Moreover, we need to prepare for pressure before we face a test. For instance, advance preparation along with prayer can help our children to respond effectively when their peers try to induce them to do something wrong.​—2 Cor. 13:7.a

AVOID THE TRAP THAT CRUSHES​—EXCESSIVE GUILT

14. Concerning our past mistakes, what would the Devil like us to conclude?

¹⁴ Sometimes an animal trap consists of a heavy log or stone suspended over a path where prey often move about. An unwary animal hits the trip wire, causing the log or stone to fall, crushing the victim. Inordinate feelings of guilt may be likened to that heavy load that crushes. When thinking about a past mistake, we may feel “crushed to an extreme degree.” (Read Psalm 38:3-5, 8.) Satan would like to have us conclude that we are beyond the reach of Jehovah’s mercy and are incapable of meeting His requirements.

15, 16. How can you avoid the trap of succumbing to excessive guilt?

¹⁵ How can you avoid this trap that crushes? If you have become involved in serious sin, act now to restore your friendship with Jehovah. Contact the elders, and ask for their help. (Jas. 5:14-16) Do what you can to right the wrong. (2 Cor. 7:11) If you receive discipline, do not become downhearted. Discipline is a sure sign that Jehovah loves you. (Heb. 12:6) Be determined not to repeat the steps that led to the sin, and act on that resolve. After you have repented and turned around, have faith that the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ really can cover your errors.​—1 John 4:9, 14.

¹⁶ Some individuals continue to harbor guilt over sins for which they have actually been forgiven. If that is true of you, remember that Jehovah forgave Peter and the other apostles for abandoning His beloved Son in Jesus’ greatest hour of need. Jehovah forgave the man who was expelled from the congregation in Corinth for flagrant immorality but who later repented. (1 Cor. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:6-8) God’s Word speaks of gross sinners who repented and were forgiven by God.​—2 Chron. 33:2, 10-13; 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

17. What can the ransom do for us?

¹⁷ Jehovah will forgive and forget your past errors if you are truly repentant and accept his mercy. Never feel that Jesus’ ransom sacrifice cannot cover your sins. To do so would be to fall victim to one of Satan’s snares. Despite what the Devil wants you to believe, the ransom can cover the sins of all who have fallen into sin and have repented. (Prov. 24:16) Faith in the ransom can lift the burden of excessive guilt from your shoulders and can give you strength to serve God with your whole heart, mind, and soul.​—Matt. 22:37.

WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF SATAN’S DESIGNS

18. How can we avoid the Devil’s snares?

¹⁸ Satan does not care which trap ensnares us, as long as we are caught by him. Since we are not ignorant of Satan’s designs, we can avoid being overreached by the Devil. (2 Cor. 2:10, 11) We will not be caught in his snares, or traps, if we pray for wisdom to deal with our trials. “If any one of you is lacking in wisdom,” wrote James, “let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him.” (Jas. 1:5) We need to act in harmony with our prayers by engaging in regular personal study and by applying God’s Word. The Bible study aids provided by the faithful and discreet slave class shed light on the traps set by the Devil and help us to avoid them.

19, 20. Why should we hate what is bad?

¹⁹ Prayer and Bible study promote in us a love for what is good. But it is equally important that we develop a hatred for what is bad. (Ps. 97:10) Meditating on the consequences of pursuing selfish desires can help us to avoid them. (Jas. 1:14, 15) When we learn to hate what is bad and truly love what is good, the bait that Satan places in his traps repels us; it holds no allure.

²⁰ How thankful we are that God helps us so that we are not overreached by Satan! By means of His spirit, Word, and organization, Jehovah delivers us “from the wicked one.” (Matt. 6:13) In the following article, we will learn how to avoid two more traps that the Devil has found to be effective in catching God’s servants alive.

Stand Firm and Avoid Satan’s Traps!

“Stand firm against the machinations of the Devil.”​—EPH. 6:11.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How can a servant of Jehovah avoid being caught in the trap of materialism?

What can help a married Christian not to fall into the pit of adultery?

Why do you believe that it is beneficial to take a firm stand against materialism and sexual immorality?

1, 2. (a) Why does Satan not have compassion for the anointed and the “other sheep”? (b) What traps of Satan will be discussed in this article?

SATAN THE DEVIL has no compassion for humans, especially for those who serve Jehovah. In fact, Satan is waging war on the anointed remnant. (Rev. 12:17) Those stalwart Christians have spearheaded the modern-day Kingdom-preaching work and have exposed Satan as the ruler of this world. The Devil also has no love for the “other sheep,” who support the anointed and are in line for everlasting life​—a prospect that Satan no longer has. (John 10:16) No wonder he is wrathful! Whether we have the heavenly hope or the earthly hope, Satan certainly has no interest in our welfare. His goal is to make us his victims.​—1 Pet. 5:8.

² To accomplish his aim, Satan has set various traps, or snares. Since he “has blinded the minds” of unbelievers, they do not accept the good news and cannot see these traps. However, the Devil also ensnares some who have accepted the Kingdom message. (2 Cor. 4:3, 4) The preceding article showed how we can avoid three of Satan’s traps: (1) uncontrolled speech, (2) fear and pressure, and (3) inordinate guilt. Let us now consider how we can stand firm against two other satanic traps or snares​—materialism and temptation to commit adultery.

MATERIALISM​—THE TRAP THAT CHOKES

3, 4. How might the anxieties of this system of things lead to materialism?

³ In one of his illustrations, Jesus mentioned seed sown among thorns. He pointed out that a person may hear the word, “but the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22) Yes, materialism is one snare used by our enemy Satan.

⁴ When combined, two factors choke the word. One factor is “the anxiety of this system of things.” In these “critical times hard to deal with,” there is much that could make you anxious. (2 Tim. 3:1) With the high cost of living and rising unemployment rates, you may find it difficult to make ends meet. You may also be anxious about the future and wonder, ‘Will I have enough income after I retire?’ Because of such anxiety, some have been led to pursue riches, thinking that money will guarantee security.

5. In what way can the “power of riches” be deceptive?

⁵ Jesus spoke of the other factor​—“the deceptive power of riches.” That element combined with anxiety can choke the word. The Bible acknowledges that “money is for a protection.” (Eccl. 7:12) However, the pursuit of riches is not wise. Many have found that the more they struggle to acquire riches, the more materialism entraps them. Some have even become slaves to riches.​—Matt. 6:24.

6, 7. (a) How might materialism prove to be a danger at one’s place of employment? (b) What concerns should a Christian consider when the possibility of overtime work is presented to him?

⁶ The desire for riches may begin innocently. For example, consider this scenario. Your employer approaches you and says: “I have good news! The company has won a huge contract. This will mean working overtime quite often for the next few months. But I can assure you that the pay will make it well worth your effort.” How would you react to such an offer? Of course, the need to provide materially for your family is a serious responsibility, but it is not the only responsibility you have. (1 Tim. 5:8) There are several other concerns you have to take into account. How much overtime will be involved? Will your secular work interfere with your spiritual activities, including congregation meetings and your Family Worship evening?

⁷ In weighing your decision, what would you consider to be foremost​—how the overtime work would affect your bank account or how it might affect your spirituality? Would eagerness to make more money cause you to stop putting Kingdom interests first in life? Can you see how materialism would affect you if you were to neglect your own spiritual health and that of your family? If that is happening to you right now, how can you stand firm and avoid being choked by materialism?​—Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

8. Considering what Scriptural examples can help us to reappraise our lifestyle?

⁸ To avoid being strangled by materialism, periodically reappraise your lifestyle. Never would you want to be like Esau, who showed by his actions that he despised spiritual things! (Gen. 25:34; Heb. 12:16) And surely you should not be like the rich man who was invited to sell his belongings, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. Instead of doing so, the man “went away grieved, for he was holding many possessions.” (Matt. 19:21, 22) Ensnared by riches, that man lost out on a great privilege​—that of being able to follow the greatest man who ever lived! Be careful not to lose out on the privilege of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

9, 10. What would you say is the Scriptural view of material things?

⁹ To counteract undue worry about material things, heed Jesus’ admonition: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”​—Matt. 6:31, 32; Luke 21:34, 35.

¹⁰ Rather than fall victim to the deceptive power of riches, strive to adopt the viewpoint of the Bible writer Agur, who stated: “Don’t let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need.” (Prov. 30:8, Contemporary English Version) Clearly, Agur understood the protective value of money as well as the deceptive power of riches. Realize that the anxieties of this system and the deceptive power of riches can result in spiritual ruin. Undue worry about material things can consume your time, sap your energy, and leave you with little or no motivation to pursue Kingdom interests. Therefore, make it your resolve not to be caught in Satan’s trap of materialism!​—Read Hebrews 13:5.

ADULTERY​—A CLEVERLY CONCEALED PIT

11, 12. How might a Christian fall victim to adultery at his or her place of work?

¹¹ Hunters who want to catch a strong animal may dig a pit on a path often traveled by the prey. The pit is usually camouflaged with a thin covering of sticks and soil. One of Satan’s most successful temptations resembles that type of trap. It is the sin of immorality. (Prov. 22:14; 23:27) A number of Christians have fallen into that pit by letting themselves get into situations in which compromise is all too easy. Some married Christians have succumbed to committing adultery after developing an improper romantic relationship.

¹² An improper romantic relationship could develop at your place of employment. In fact, a secular study revealed that more than half of adulterous women and nearly 3 out of 4 adulterous men had illicit relations with a workmate. Does your secular work require that you associate with members of the opposite sex? If so, what is the nature of your relationship with them? Do you have boundaries in place that keep it professional and that do not allow it to become something more? For example, after repeated casual conversations with a male coworker, a Christian sister might make him her confidant, even telling him about her marital problems. In another situation, after becoming friendly with a female coworker, a Christian man might reason: “She values my opinion and really listens when I talk to her. And she appreciates me. I wish I got more of this kind of treatment at home!” Can you see how Christians in such situations could be vulnerable to committing adultery?

13. How could an improper romantic relationship develop within the congregation?

¹³ An improper romantic relationship could develop within the congregation. Consider this true-life example. Daniel and his wife, Sarah,a were regular pioneers. Daniel was also “a never-say-no elder,” as he puts it. He eagerly accepted every privilege that came his way. As part of his ministry, Daniel conducted five Bible studies with young men​—three of whom got baptized. These newly baptized brothers needed considerable help. When Daniel was busy with his various theocratic assignments, Sarah often provided that help. Soon this pattern developed: Daniel’s former Bible students needed emotional support, and they received it from Sarah. She needed attention, and she got it from Daniel’s Bible students. A deadly trap had been set. “Months of my wife’s giving of herself drained her spiritually and emotionally,” says Daniel. “This, coupled with the fact that I had been neglecting her, led to a disastrous turn of events. My wife committed adultery with one of my former students. She had become spiritually weak right under my nose, and I was too concerned about all my privileges even to notice it.” How can you avoid such a tragedy?

14, 15. What factors can help married Christians to avoid the pit of adultery?

¹⁴ To avoid the pit of adultery, reflect on the meaning of marital commitment. Jesus said: “What God has yoked together let no man put apart.” (Matt. 19:6) Never think that your theocratic privileges are more important than your spouse. Moreover, be aware that frequently spending time away from your mate for nonessential activities may indicate a weakness in your marriage and can lead to temptation and possibly to serious sin.

¹⁵ If you are an elder, though, what about the flock? The apostle Peter wrote: “Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly.” (1 Pet. 5:2) Congregation members in your care certainly should not be ignored. However, you should not fulfill your role as a shepherd at the expense of your role as a husband. It would be pointless​—even dangerous—​to focus all your attention on feeding the congregation while your mate is “starving” at home. Daniel states, “There is much more to life than struggling to care for privileges to the detriment of your own family.”

16, 17. (a) What practical measures can married Christians take at the workplace to send a clear signal that they are not available romantically? (b) Give an example of published material that can help Christians to avoid adultery.

¹⁶ Much good counsel has appeared in the pages of The Watchtower and Awake! to help married Christians resist falling into the trap of adultery. For instance, The Watchtower of September 15, 2006, offered this advice: “In the workplace and elsewhere, beware of situations that might foster intimacy. For example, spending extra hours working closely with someone of the opposite sex can set the stage for temptation. As a married man or woman, you should make it clear by your speech and your demeanor that you are simply not available. As one who pursues godly devotion, you would certainly not want to invite undue attention by flirting or by being immodest in your dress and grooming. . . . Having photos of your marriage mate and children around the workplace will serve as a visual reminder to you and to others that you have priorities. Be determined never to encourage​—or even tolerate—​seductive overtures from another.”

¹⁷ The article entitled “Marital Fidelity​—What Does It Really Mean?” in Awake! of April 2009 warned against sexual fantasies involving someone other than your marriage mate. The article indicated that engaging in sexual fantasies will increase the likelihood of your committing adultery. (Jas. 1:14, 15) If you are married, it would be wise for you and your spouse to review such information together from time to time. Marriage is an arrangement instituted by Jehovah himself, and it is sacred. Setting aside time to talk to your mate about your marriage is a fine way to show that you value sacred things.​—Gen. 2:21-24.

18, 19. (a) What are the consequences of adultery? (b) Marital faithfulness results in what benefits?

¹⁸ If you find yourself tempted to develop an improper romantic relationship, meditate on the damaging consequences of fornication and adultery. (Prov. 7:22, 23; Gal. 6:7) Those who commit immorality displease Jehovah and hurt their spouse and themselves. (Read Malachi 2:13, 14.) In contrast, contemplate the benefits that come to those who maintain chaste conduct. Not only do they have the hope of living forever but they also enjoy the best life now, including a clean conscience.​—Read Proverbs 3:1, 2.

¹⁹ The psalmist sang: “Abundant peace belongs to those loving your [God’s] law, and for them there is no stumbling block.” (Ps. 119:165) So love the truth, and “keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons” in these wicked times. (Eph. 5:15, 16) The paths we follow are rife with traps set by Satan to ensnare true worshippers. But we are well-equipped to protect ourselves. Jehovah has given us what we need to “stand firm” and “quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles”!​—Eph. 6:11, 16.