Snakebite (Part 1)

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

It's almost snake season here in South Carolina. When the weather gets warm those creatures come out. I don't like them and don't want to be around them at all. I can't always see them, but I watch carefully where I am walking because I know they are there.

Satan is compared to a snake or serpent in the natural world. Consider the spiritual application of the following natural principles:

(1) The venom of poisonous snakes falls into three categories:
a. Neurotorins which affect the nerves.
b. Hemotorins which affect the blood.
c. Cardiotorins which affect the heart.

Satan affects your nerve (courage), your heart (to attack your worship and service of God), and tries to prevent the work of the blood of Jesus (salvation, healing, deliverance) in your life.

(2) Snakes protect themselves by:
a. Disguise-Some snakes are very hard to see because they look like the dirt or trees in which they are found.

b. Imitation-Some snakes protect themselves by imitation. One example is the African tree viper which "freezes" itself and sticks its neck out like a twig on a
tree.

c. Increased size-The puff adder protects itself by blowing itself up as big as possible.

d. Frightening sounds-Some snakes hiss or rattle, making frightening sounds to scare you away. Your spiritual enemy comes disguised as an "angel of light" and imitates the things of God. He also tries to frighten you by appearing large and threatening.

(3) Snakes capture their food in four different ways:
a. Strike-A swift attack.

b. Constriction-Where the snake wraps itself around the target and slowly squeezes out its life.

c. Throwing weight around over the prey to overcome it.

d. Biting and holding the target in its fangs while slow poison paralyzes the target.

Sometimes the snake's teeth are broken off in the struggle, but snakes are constantly developing new teeth. The most dangerous part of a snake is its mouth. It shoots enough venom to paralyze, then devours its prey.

Do you see how these methods parallel those used in the attacks of Satan? Sometimes he attacks with swift and deadly strikes. Other times he constricts your spiritual life with the cares of the world and sinful weights and entanglements. He is always trying to "throw his weight around" to terrorize you, and he loves to hold you in bondage while paralyzing you with his deadly venom.

Snakes locate their prey by picking up dust on their tongue which relays information to their brain. If you stand still, a snake cannot locate you. Satan spots you best when the dust is stirred up and you are running in confusion and fear. When the dust is settled and
you stand against him fearlessly, just like snake, he cannot strike you. This is why the Bible says "stand still.”..and "keep on standing."

In a panic situation, a snake will shoot all of its venom at once and is then rendered defenseless for awhile until it can produce more venom. It is possible that this is what
occurred in the wilderness temptation when Jesus used the Word of God against Satan's attacks and caused Satan to "depart from him for a season."
Here are some ways to avoid snake bite in the natural world as well in the spiritual realm: 

1. Recognize poisonous snakes-Know your enemy.
2. Wear protective clothing-Your spiritual armor.
3. Avoid known snake territory-Do not go into areas of known temptation or Satanic activity.
4. Have a friend with you-This illustrates the importance of being part of the Body of Christ.
5. Avoid walking after dark or in darkened areas. Snakes avoid direct sunlight. As believers, we no longer walk as children of the dark but as children of light!
6. Do not put your hands or feet into places you cannot look-Guard your fleshly senses.
7. Do not sit down without looking around carefully because stationary targets are easier to hit than moving targets.
8. Do not go out of your way to kill a snake. Thousands of people are bitten each year because they try to kill them without knowing anything of their habits or
habitats. We are to resist the Devil when we encounter him, not go looking for him.
9. Know what to do in case of snakebite. Keep the Word of God in your heart.