DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (Part 2)

TITLE: DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (PART TWO)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 15:9-11 
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 10:18, Leviticus 19:16

INTRODUCTION 
In Part One, we discussed the importance of driving away the spiritual vultures that seek to defile our lives, such as pride, sowing discord, and lying. These vultures represent the sinful attitudes and habits that try to rob us of our relationship with God. In this continuation, we will identify additional "vultures" such as anger, malice, tale-bearing, and dishonesty—sins that, if left unchecked, can destroy our spiritual sacrifice to God.

Just as Abraham physically drove the vultures away from his sacrifice, we must spiritually drive away these negative forces from our lives. We must be vigilant and intentional about removing any defiling habits that distance us from God and hinder our spiritual growth.

1. THE VULTURE OF ANGER 

a) The Destruction of Anger
Anger is a powerful emotion that, when left unchecked, can lead to sin. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul warns, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Anger opens the door for other sins such as hatred, bitterness, and even violence. It can lead us to make irrational decisions that dishonor God and harm others.

b) Driving Anger Away
To drive away the vulture of anger, we must exercise self-control and seek peace. Colossians 3:8 instructs us to “put away all anger, wrath, malice.” We must learn to forgive quickly and resolve conflicts in a God-honoring way.

Biblical Example: 
Moses’ anger in Numbers 20:10-12 cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Though he was frustrated with the Israelites, his outburst of anger led him to disobey God’s command.

2. THE VULTURE OF MALICE 

a) What is Malice?*
Malice is the desire to harm others or see them suffer. It’s a deeper form of anger and bitterness that harbors ill will. Malice leads people to plot evil and can result in destructive behaviors. Ephesians 4:31 urges us to get rid of “bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, along with all malice.” Malice corrupts the heart and prevents us from walking in love and forgiveness.

b) Driving Malice Away
The antidote to malice is love. In 1 Peter 2:1, we are commanded to “rid ourselves of all malice and deceit.” Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and it is only by walking in love and compassion that we can drive away the vulture of malice.

Biblical Example: 
Cain’s malice toward his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8) led to murder. His unchecked bitterness and jealousy defiled his heart and resulted in grave consequences.

3. THE VULTURE OF TALEBEARING 

a) The Dangers of Tale-bearing
Tale-bearing, or gossip, is a vulture that spreads discord, lies, and destruction. Leviticus 19:16 warns, “You shall not go around as a talebearer among your people.” Gossip destroys relationships and tarnishes reputations. It’s often rooted in envy or malice and leads to distrust within the community of believers.

b) Driving Tale-bearing Away 
To chase away this vulture, we must choose our words carefully and speak only what is edifying. Proverbs 10:18 says, “Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” We are called to be peacemakers and build up one another, not tear each other down with gossip.

Biblical Example: 
The spies who brought a negative report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13:31-33) spread fear and discord among the Israelites, causing them to doubt God’s promises and rebel against Him.

4. THE VULTURE OF DISHONESTY 

a) Dishonesty in the Heart 
Dishonesty is a vulture that comes to rob us of our integrity and the blessings of walking in the truth. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” Dishonesty includes lying, deceit, and withholding the truth for personal gain. It defiles our relationship with God, who is truth, and damages our witness as followers of Christ.

b) Driving Dishonesty Away 
To drive away the vulture of dishonesty, we must commit to living in the truth, no matter the cost. Colossians 3:9 urges, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” We must choose to be people of integrity, keeping our word and being transparent in all our dealings.

Biblical Example: 
In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit about the price of the land they sold. Their dishonesty led to severe judgment, as they fell dead for attempting to deceive God.

5. THE VULTURE OF ENVY 

a) The Poison of Envy 
Envy is the vulture that corrupts our hearts by making us resentful of others' success or blessings. James 3:16 says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Envy breeds dissatisfaction with what we have and can lead to bitterness and strife. It prevents us from celebrating others and trusting in God’s timing for our own lives.

b) Driving Envy Away 
To chase away the vulture of envy, we must develop a heart of contentment and gratitude. 1 Peter 2:1 encourages us to lay aside all envy. By focusing on what God has given us and trusting His plan, we can overcome the destructive effects of envy.

Biblical Example:
Joseph’s brothers were envious of the favor he received from their father (Genesis 37:11). Their envy led them to plot against him and sell him into slavery.

CONCLUSION 
In this second part of "Drive Away the Vultures," we have identified more spiritual vultures that seek to defile our lives—anger, malice, tale-bearing, dishonesty, and envy. These sinful habits and attitudes, if left unchecked, can rob us of God's blessings and hinder our walk with Him. Just as Abraham drove away the vultures that sought to defile his sacrifice, we must actively chase away these forces through prayer, self-control, and a commitment to live in accordance with God’s Word.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, give me the strength to overcome anger and walk in peace. 

2. Father, cleanse my heart from all malice and help me to love others sincerely. 

3. Lord, guard my mouth from tale-bearing and gossip; let my words bring healing, not division.
 
4. Father, grant me the integrity to live in truth and honesty in all my dealings. 

5. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of envy and help me to be content and grateful. 

6. Father, give me the grace to forgive those who have wronged me, as You have forgiven me. 

7. Lord, keep my heart free from bitterness, and help me to walk in Your love. 

8. Father, chase away every vulture that seeks to defile my life and destroy my relationship with You. 

9. Lord, protect me from the lies and deceptions of the enemy, and let me walk in Your truth. 

10. Father, fill me with the fruit of the Spirit so that I may reflect Your character in all that I do.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that every vulture of anger and bitterness is driven away from your life in Jesus' name. 

2. You will walk in love and forgiveness, and malice will have no place in your heart. 

3. I decree that gossip and tale-bearing will not take root in your life; your words will bring peace and unity. 

4. You will be known for your honesty and integrity, and dishonesty will not find a place in your life.