August 23, 2025

BE CAREFUL OF THE BAIT OF SIN

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:22 KJV – “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

CAREFULNESS IN OUR RACE: We are running a race that requires holy and patient carefulness. In your Christian race, you will encounter things that may seem uncertain as to whether they are sinful or not. But as the Word of God instructs us, we should abstain from all appearances of evil and seek the Spirit of God’s leading through God’s Word also. (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

DO NOT FALL: For us Christians, the appearance of evil, although not immediately obvious, can cause us to stumble and eventually fall into unknown sin. That is why God wants us to abstain from even the appearance of it—because Satan often camouflages his traps to look close enough to good, but they are not good! (2 Corinthians 11:14)

VIGILANCE: Vigilance is, therefore, our weapon. When we are careful, we avoid anything that could lead to or hint at sin. By doing this, we demonstrate the fear of God and ensure that our heavenly race is not run in vain. Steer clear of all appearances of sin in your life; Heaven is too precious to miss (Proverbs 4:14-15).

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, give me the spiritual sensitivity to know if something will eventually lead me to sin, help me to be vigilant and sort out my salvation with fear and trembling, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

REFLECTION:

1 PETER 5:8 KJV – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”