The Enemy’s Greatest Trap: Making the Significant Seem INSIGNIFICANT
Have you ever made a small decision that seemed harmless at the time, only to realize later that it carried serious consequences? Perhaps it was a seemingly minor compromise in your faith, a simple conversation that led you astray, or a small indulgence that eventually ensnared you. The enemy of your soul is a master of deception, and one of his most effective tactics is making something significant appear insignificant—hiding the danger until it’s too late.
A Lesson from Bathsheba’s “Small Petition”
In 1 Kings 2:13-25, we find a striking example of this principle at work. Adonijah, Solomon’s older half-brother, had previously tried to take the throne for himself (1 Kings 1), but his rebellion was thwarted when David declared Solomon as king. After Solomon took the throne, Adonijah seemingly accepted his fate and submitted—at least outwardly.
But Adonijah wasn’t finished. Instead of directly challenging Solomon’s rule again, he came with a request—one that seemed harmless, even insignificant. He approached Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked her to request King Solomon’s permission for him to marry Abishag the Shunammite, a woman who had served King David in his final days. Bathsheba, not perceiving any danger, presented this as a “small petition” (1 Kings 2:20).
But Solomon saw what she did not—this was no small request. In ancient times, taking the former king’s concubine was a way of laying claim to the throne. This was a veiled attempt to challenge Solomon’s rule, and he immediately recognized it as treason. Solomon’s swift response was execution, not because he was petty, but because he saw the true nature of the request.
Satan’s Tactic: Masking Significant Dangers as Small and Harmless
Bathsheba likely had no malicious intent. She didn’t realize the weight of what she was asking. But this situation illustrates a spiritual principle: Satan often disguises significant dangers as small, harmless choices to lure us into sin or destruction.
We see this pattern throughout Scripture. Here are multiple examples where the enemy tempted individuals by downplaying the severity of the trap.
1. The Deception of Eve: “It’s Just a Piece of Fruit”
In Genesis 3, Satan deceived Eve in a similar manner. God had explicitly warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17). But when Satan approached Eve, he downplayed the significance of the command. He questioned what God had said and made the forbidden fruit seem like an insignificant thing:
“You will not surely die!” (Genesis 3:4)
Satan made the consequences seem smaller than they were while making the temptation alluring. He shifted Eve’s focus from obedience to desire, convincing her that this was just a small act with great benefits, an act that wouldn’t have the consequences that God said it would have… But the moment she ate, the reality of sin and separation from God came crashing down on humanity.
2. The Temptation of Jesus: “It’s Just a Small Bow”
In Matthew 4:1-11, Satan used the same strategy against Jesus. After fasting for forty days, Jesus was physically weakened, and Satan approached Him with three temptations. One of the most striking was when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and said:
“All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9)
At first glance, this might have seemed like a minor act. One quick bow, and Jesus could claim authority over all the kingdoms without having to suffer the cross. But Jesus recognized the deception—this was no small compromise. It was a direct violation of God’s command to worship Him alone. Jesus rejected the offer, saying, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” (Matthew 4:10).
Unlike Eve and Bathsheba, Jesus saw the hidden danger behind what seemed like a small decision.
3. Samson and Delilah: “It’s Just a Secret”
In Judges 16, Delilah persistently tried to get Samson to reveal the secret of his strength. Each time, she made it seem like a harmless request:
“Please tell me where your great strength lies, and with what you may be bound to afflict you.” (Judges 16:6)
Samson treated it like a game at first, giving false answers, but over time, he let his guard down. When he finally revealed his secret, it cost him everything—his strength, his freedom, and eventually his life. The temptation seemed insignificant at first, but the true danger was hidden until it was too late.
4. Ananias and Sapphira: “It’s Just a Little Lie”
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and secretly kept part of the money while pretending to donate the full amount. It might have seemed like a small deception—just a little financial dishonesty—but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, exposed the lie:
“Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 5:3)
Their “small” lie cost them their lives.
We Need God’s Help to Overcome These Traps
Above any steps we can take to protect ourselves against falling for temptation, we desperately need God’s constant intervention, strength, wisdom, and insight. We are never immune to Satan’s tactics, and we are never strong enough on our own. Our own willpower is too weak to resist temptation without God’s help.
This is why Jesus included this vital petition in the Lord’s Prayer:
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)
Jesus knew that we are all vulnerable to the enemy’s traps, and He taught us to pray daily for God’s protection. Without God’s help, we will fall. But with His strength, we can resist temptation and walk in victory.
How to Guard Against the Enemy’s Deception
To avoid falling into Satan’s trap, we must:
- Seek God’s Wisdom – James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.”
- Know the Word of God – Jesus resisted Satan by quoting Scripture. The more we know God’s Word, the less likely we are to fall for deception.
- Pray for Deliverance – Jesus taught us to ask God daily for protection from temptation and the evil one.
- Remain Humble – 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” We are all vulnerable, and we must depend on the LORD and the inner help by His Spirit.
Don’t Fall for the “Small” Trap
The enemy’s goal is not just to get you to take one small step off course—it’s to lead you far away from God. Stay vigilant, stay prayerful, and most importantly, seek God’s constant help to recognize and resist the enemy’s traps.
What stood out to you most from this message? Have you ever experienced a time when something seemingly small turned out to be a major spiritual battle? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections in the comments, and let’s encourage one another to stay vigilant against the enemy’s subtle traps.
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