The Snare of Sin
The Snare of Sin
3/18 Reading Portions: Exodus 29; John 8:12-59; Proverbs 5; Galatians 4
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
3/18 Reading Portions: Exodus 29; John 8:12-59; Proverbs 5; Galatians 4
Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.
The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. Proverbs 5:22
GILLNET
When the gills of a fish are caught in a net, the more the animal struggles to get free, the more securely the fish becomes ensnared. Fallen man is likewise in the grip of sin and iniquity. The more he struggles in the power of his corrupt flesh, the more his sin and iniquities are confirmed and manifested. Repentance then becomes even further from his reach. Jesus uttered the same thing in a different way when He said,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” John 8:34
This biblical truth informs us that sinful man cannot save himself. He has neither the power nor capacity to do so. He is held fast in the cords of his sin. As he is “held fast” with the bindings (cords) of his sin, the original Hebrew word conveys that he is retained by sin, maintained in sin, and secured to sin. He needs the sharp two-edged truth of God (Heb 4:12) to cut his cords; and this sword must be wielded by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 8:31-32).
The principle of this truth is eternal. When we commit a single sin, though we have been saved by God’s grace in Christ, we cannot find freedom from that sin in the power of our pathetic and corrupt flesh. The struggle will ensnare us since
“the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:17
We must seek strength from outside ourselves. We need a heavenly and eternal power which comes from the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice alone. Therefore, if
“we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Sin is a snare which binds a man
Within his sin, and yet
Christ can save with His nail-pierced hand
And free him from the net.
