DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (PART 1)

TITLE: DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (PART 1)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 15:9-11 
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 6:16-19, 1 Peter 5:8, James 4:7-8

INTRODUCTION 
In Genesis 15:9-11, we see an interesting moment in Abraham's life. After God gave him specific instructions on what sacrifices to offer, Abraham prepared the sacrifices and laid them before God. However, vultures came down to try to devour the sacrifices, and Abraham had to chase them away. These vultures represent forces that try to defile or destroy what we have offered to God in our lives—our faith, worship, and commitment. Just as Abraham did not allow the vultures to desecrate his offering, we must chase away the spiritual vultures that try to invade our lives.

In today’s world, many “vultures” try to defile our spiritual lives. These vultures come in the form of sinful habits, negative attitudes, and destructive behaviours. As Christians, we must identify these vultures and drive them away to maintain the purity of our faith and our relationship with God.

1. THE VULTURE OF PRIDE 

a) What is Pride? 
Pride is a deadly sin that elevates oneself above others and, worse, above God. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” It is one of the key things that God hates because it defiles our humility and dependence on Him. Pride makes us resistant to correction, blinds us to our faults, and leads us to trust in our own abilities instead of God’s grace.

b) Driving Pride Away 
We must actively chase away the vulture of pride from our lives by embracing humility. James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” To chase away this vulture, we need to submit to God’s authority, recognize our need for His guidance, and remain teachable.

Biblical Example:
King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride in Daniel 4:30 led to his downfall. He boasted about his power and kingdom, but God humbled him until he acknowledged that God alone is sovereign.

2. THE VULTURE OF SOWING DISCORD 

a) Discord Among Brothers 
Sowing discord among brethren is one of the seven things God hates (Proverbs 6:19). This vulture causes division, hatred, and strife within the body of Christ. Gossip, backbiting, and stirring up quarrels can tear apart relationships and hinder the unity that God desires among His people.

b) Driving Discord Away 
To drive away this vulture, we must promote peace, unity, and love within the Church and among believers. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” We should avoid speaking negatively about others and work to reconcile differences rather than exacerbate them.

Biblical Example: 
In Acts 6:1-7, when discord arose over the distribution of food, the apostles quickly addressed the issue by appointing deacons to ensure fairness. This act of wisdom helped maintain unity and prevented division in the early church.

3. THE VULTURE OF LYING 

a) The Deception of Lies 
Lying is a vulture that destroys trust and integrity. Proverbs 6:17 lists "a lying tongue" as one of the things that God hates. Satan, the father of lies, uses deception to lead people away from the truth. Lies, no matter how small, have the potential to ruin relationships, defile one’s character, and hinder God's blessings.

b) Driving Lies Away 
We must make a commitment to live in the truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” As followers of Christ, we must reflect His truth in all our dealings. Honesty is a foundation for trust, and when we speak the truth, we align ourselves with God’s nature.

Biblical Example: 
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) lied about their offering, and as a result, they faced severe judgment. Their dishonesty defiled their sacrifice and led to their destruction.

4. THE VULTURE OF HYPOCRISY
 
a) What is Hypocrisy? 
Hypocrisy is pretending to be something we are not, especially in the spiritual sense. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27), as they outwardly appeared righteous but were inwardly full of wickedness. Hypocrisy is a form of deception that leads others astray and dishonours God.

b) Driving Hypocrisy Away 
To chase away the vulture of hypocrisy, we must live with authenticity and transparency. God desires truth in the innermost being (Psalm 51:6). We should not pretend to be more spiritual or righteous than we are. Instead, we should be honest with God and others about our weaknesses and seek genuine transformation.

Biblical Example: 
In Matthew 6:1-6, Jesus warned against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. Hypocritical acts, such as giving or praying for show, are void of heavenly reward.

5. THE VULTURE OF SHEDDING INNOCENT BLOOD 

a) Innocent Blood and its Consequences
Innocent blood refers to the unjust taking of life, either through physical violence or character assassination. In Proverbs 6:17, hands that shed innocent blood are an abomination to God. This vulture destroys the sanctity of life and causes unimaginable suffering.

b) Driving It Away
We must be advocates for justice, life, and mercy, standing against violence in all its forms. We should also avoid character assassination by refusing to engage in slander or false accusations against others. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus equates anger and insults with murder, reminding us of the seriousness of our words and actions.

Biblical Example:
The story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-10) shows how shedding innocent blood brought judgment upon Cain. His jealousy led him to murder his brother, but God heard Abel's blood crying from the ground.

6. THE VULTURE OF UNFORGIVENESS 

a) The Dangers of Unforgiveness 
Unforgiveness is a vulture that defiles the heart and blocks our access to God's mercy. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches that if we do not forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us. Holding grudges and refusing to forgive leads to bitterness and can spiritually cripple us.

b) Driving Unforgiveness Away
We must forgive others just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). To chase away this vulture, we need to let go of past hurts, offenses, and grudges. Forgiveness is not only for the benefit of the offender but for the healing of our own hearts. It frees us from the chains of bitterness and opens the door for God's blessings in our lives.

Biblical Example: 
Joseph exemplified forgiveness when he chose to forgive his brothers who sold him into slavery (Genesis 50:19-21). His act of forgiveness allowed God’s plan to be fulfilled in his life, leading to the salvation of many.

CONCLUSION 
Just as Abraham had to drive away the vultures that came to defile his sacrifice, we too must be vigilant in driving away the spiritual vultures that seek to defile our lives and hinder our relationship with God. Whether it is pride, lying, sowing discord, hypocrisy, or unforgiveness  these vultures must be chased away with determination and persistence. Only by doing so can we live lives that are pleasing to God and experience His full blessings.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, give me the wisdom to identify the vultures that seek to defile my life. 

2. Father, help me to overcome the spirit of pride and walk in humility before You. 

3. Lord, chase away every vulture of discord and strife from my relationships. 

4. Father, give me the grace to live in truth and honesty in all my dealings. 

5. Lord, remove the vulture of hypocrisy from my life and help me to live with authenticity. 

6. Father, protect me from shedding innocent blood, either physically or through my words. 

7. Lord, grant me the strength to forgive others as You have forgiven me. 

8. Father, keep me vigilant and spiritually alert, ready to drive away every vulture that threatens my walk with You. 

9. Lord, cleanse my heart from any form of bitterness or unforgiveness. 

10. Father, let my life be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable before You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that every vulture seeking to defile your life is driven away by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

2. You will walk in humility, and pride will have no place in your life. 

3. I decree that peace and unity will reign in your relationships, and discord will be far from you.
 
4. The spirit of truth will guide you, and lies will not find a foothold in your life. 

5. I declare that hypocrisy is broken off your life, and you will live with transparency and authenticity. 

6. Your hands will be innocent, and no weapon of violence or slander will prosper against you.