Daily Devotional – Monday, September 5, 2022
…and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:26 (NKJV)
2 A thirteen year-old girl was kidnapped on her way from school. The middle-aged criminal took her to an underground hideout. For weeks, the kidnapper abused the girl he had stupefied with drugs.
With time, though, the criminal became comfortable, believing the girl could not escape. One day, when he was out buying food, the girl fled. This brought to an end days of physical, psychological and emotional abuse for the youngster.
Escaping From the Trap of the Devil
Like the kidnapped girl, opponents of the gospel are captives of Satan. He has stupefied them to believe in his lies. Meanwhile, he continues to abuse and oppress them. Concerning this group, Paul instructs Timothy:
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26).
How to Free the Devil’s Captives
The devil is cunning. He sets traps for believers and non-believers alike. Only by teaching people Biblical truth can we help them escape the Satan’s snares. Because the Word of God is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), it will break the chains binding people to sin.
However, the best way to lead people to repentance is by inculcating the truth gently. Persuasion, not coercion, wins souls for Jesus. God promises that the work of saving souls will be accomplished, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6). Will you cooperate with God today to free a soul ensnared by the devil?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make me Your agent for emancipating souls from the devil’s captivity.
Amen.
Indeed true that satan uses many snares and traps to deceive and enslave human beings. He tricks people into doing his will by giving them alluring temptations. He enhances our natural desires, pride and selfishness. And he even convinces people that his evil ways are actually good which at the end leaves us broken and stressed. He traps us with hooks, imprisons us,but we must ourselves be free from his wills and set other free. For he is a defeated kidnapper.
Amen, Doc.