deceptive traps is when we trade intimacy with Jesus for checking religious boxes. For example, the Pharisees knew scripture better than anyone; yet, they missed the Messiah standing right in front of them. Why? Because they were blinded by religious pride, not led by relational love.
There are Spiritual Traps the Enemy Sets, and with biblical knowledge, we can avoid these and stay free. The first trap is we have to do “stuff” in order to gain a better position in God’s kingdom. We must perform something to get something. We joyfully do things in Christ’s kingdom out of free will and love - no coercion. Example, "If I pray enough, serve enough, give enough… THEN I’ll be worthy." The absolute truth is all is given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We can’t earn things, but we must accept His gifts. You are already loved and accepted through Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV).
The next trap is self righteousness. We believe like the brother to, the prodigal son that if we do what is right, refrain from doing evil, and follow the rules, God owes us. In reality, “God desires mercy not sacrifice, (Hosea 6:6 KJV).
The next fallacy is the feeling of shame because we have done evil things, so we aren’t worthy of any good gift God has for us. We can never be worthy, but Jesus paid the price and is worthy of having us join Him in this adventurous life. “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 KJV).
If none of the above works for our demise, then we face the trap of comparison that we aren’t as good as someone else. The truth is, there will always be someone better in various ways. However, God has a purpose for each of us to serve in the body of Christ. If we miss our position, we make His body sick and less functional. That’s why we haven’t won the world for Christ yet. We don’t understand our power to achieve what God has ordained for us to do. (Galatians 6:4-5 KJV)
The truth is Jesus didn't come to start a religion—He came to restore the relationship between us and the Father. When we walk with Him, not just work for Him, we begin to experience: freedom from guilt and striving (Galatians 5:1 KJV), peace even when life is hard (Philippians 4:7 KJV), joy that isn’t based on circumstances (John 15:11 KJV), and finally victory over sin and fear (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).
Declaration:
“I will not be trapped by religion. I walk in freedom through my relationship with Jesus. I am loved, chosen, and equipped to live a victorious life. I put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Amen!”
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for setting me free from the traps of religion, fear, and performance. Help me to draw closer to You daily—not just in rituals but in relationship. Open my eyes to the lies of the enemy and strengthen me with Your truth. I choose freedom, I choose love, I choose You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
