Sin Ties You Up!
When I was teaching Children’s Church, I used a mummy to illustrate how sin ties us up.
A local merchant donated a mannequin torso for “mummification.”
Strips of muslin were torn and soaked in starch then wrapped round and round the torso.
After wrapping, I put coffee in a spray bottle and misted the cloth making it look old.
Still needing that ‘ancient’ look, I sprinkled cocoa powder on the mummy then gently smudged it. The kids in my class named our mummy, “Billy Bob the Mummy Dude.”
I asked the children what could be learned from this lesson illustration.
Little Bruce solemnly said, “the debil ties us up and rubs dirt on us?” While not exactly right for that particular lesson, his explanation actually was–a good point–.
Satan doesn’t stop trying to ‘tie us up’ with sin when we get ‘saved.’ None of us are exempt from temptation. (I Corinthians 10:13) Jesus, Himself, was tempted, but He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
The scriptures give us guidelines for detecting sinful behavior (Galatians 5:19-21) as well as revealing how temptation starts (James 1:12-16).
Satan’s main goal is to ruin our relationship with each other, with Jesus and steal the blessings of God (John 10:10).
When we read God’s Word faithfully, it is much more difficult for satan to deceive us. That’s why it’s so important to be diligent in daily Bible reading and prayer. (II Timothy 3:16)
We must be vigilant to apply Biblical principals to every area of our life; relationships, activities, goals and attitudes.
I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Prayer: Father, help me to be aware of how the devil tries to trap me. Show me by your Holy Spirit and through your Word how to break free from the things of the world that tie me up. I love you. Amen.
Scripture References:
I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
James 1:12-16 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness