DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (Part 3)

TITLE: DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (PART THREE)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 15:9-11 
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:29, James 3:6, Proverbs 6:16-19

INTRODUCTION 
In Parts One and Two, we explored the significance of identifying and driving away spiritual vultures—sins and negative habits that threaten to destroy our spiritual lives and offerings to God. These vultures include pride, anger, malice, tale-bearing, and dishonesty. In this third part of the series, we will examine additional "vultures" that seek to corrupt our spiritual journey, such as bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, slander, and negative speech. These are harmful forces that can defile our hearts and prevent us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. We must drive them away with the same fervor Abraham used to protect his sacrifice.

1. THE VULTURE OF BITTERNESS
 
a) The Root of Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can grow like a root and poison the soul. Hebrews 12:15 warns, "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Bitterness usually stems from unforgiveness and unresolved pain, and it can lead to a hardened heart.

b) Driving Bitterness Away
To drive away the vulture of bitterness, we must release our hurts to God and allow Him to heal our hearts. Ephesians 4:31 instructs us to “get rid of all bitterness.” Bitterness must be replaced with compassion and forgiveness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Example: 
Naomi in the Book of Ruth became bitter after losing her husband and sons, even calling herself "Mara," meaning bitterness (Ruth 1:20). Yet God restored her joy through Ruth's loyalty and the birth of Obed, showing that bitterness does not have to be the end of our story.

2. THE VULTURE OF UNFORGIVENESS 

a) The Chains of Unforgiveness 
Unforgiveness is a spiritual weight that prevents us from receiving God’s grace and peace. Matthew 6:14-15 emphasizes the seriousness of this issue: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Unforgiveness ties us to the past and blocks God's healing power.

b) Driving Unforgiveness Away
To drive this vulture away, we must embrace the forgiveness of Christ and extend it to others. Forgiveness is not optional—it’s a command. Colossians 3:13 says, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." We must let go of offense and entrust judgment to God.

Biblical Example 
Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers (Genesis 50:20) was key to fulfilling God's purpose in his life. His forgiveness allowed God to use him to save an entire nation during a time of famine.

3. THE VULTURE OF JEALOUSY
 
a) The Toxicity of Jealousy 
Jealousy is a vulture that destroys relationships and breeds discontent. Proverbs 27:4 says, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before jealousy?” Jealousy makes us covet what others have and blinds us to God’s blessings in our own lives. It creates division and strife among believers.

b) Driving Jealousy Away
To drive away jealousy, we must develop a heart of gratitude and contentment. James 3:16 warns that “where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” Gratitude for what we have and a genuine appreciation for others' blessings will eliminate jealousy from our hearts.

Biblical Example: 
King Saul's jealousy toward David (1 Samuel 18:7-9) caused him to pursue David relentlessly, even though David was loyal to him. Saul's jealousy blinded him to God's plan and ultimately led to his downfall.

4. THE VULTURE OF SLANDER 

a) The Destructive Power of Slander 
Slander is speaking false or damaging statements about others, and it is often rooted in jealousy, malice, or a desire to tear others down. James 3:6 warns, "The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity... it sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell." Slander destroys reputations and sows discord among believers.

b) Driving Slander Away
To drive away the vulture of slander, we must be intentional about speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and refuse to engage in conversations that harm others. We must also guard our hearts against allowing negative thoughts and judgments to take root.

Biblical Example
The false accusations against Jesus by the Pharisees and religious leaders (Mark 14:55-59) were slanderous lies designed to turn people against Him. Yet Jesus responded with silence, knowing that truth would ultimately prevail.

5. THE VULTURE OF NEGATIVE SPEECH 

a) The Power of Words
Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and negative speech can act like a vulture that picks away at our faith and spiritual vitality. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Speaking negatively can create an atmosphere of doubt, fear, and discouragement.

b) Driving Negative Speech Away 
We must replace negative speech with words of life and faith. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." By speaking God's promises and encouraging one another, we can drive away this destructive vulture.

Biblical Example
The ten spies who brought back a negative report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13:31-33) discouraged the Israelites and caused them to doubt God's promises. Their negative speech led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.

CONCLUSION 
In this third part of "Drive Away the Vultures," we have uncovered additional spiritual vultures that seek to defile our hearts and hinder our walk with God—bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, slander, and negative speech. Like Abraham, who drove away the vultures from his sacrifice, we too must take intentional steps to protect our spiritual lives from these harmful attitudes and actions. Through prayer, forgiveness, gratitude, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can drive away these vultures and live in the fullness of God's promises.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, remove every root of bitterness from my heart and fill me with Your peace. 

2. Father, give me the grace to forgive others as You have forgiven me. 

3. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of jealousy and help me to be content with what I have. 

4. Father, cleanse my lips from slander and help me to speak words of truth and love. 

5. Lord, teach me to speak words of life and faith, and guard my mouth from negativity. 

6. Father, help me to let go of past hurts and walk in the freedom of forgiveness. 

7. Lord, grant me a heart of gratitude for Your blessings in my life. 

8. Father, remove all malice and bitterness from my relationships, and help me to live in peace. 

9. Lord, help me to guard my tongue from speaking evil or tearing others down. 

10. Father, give me the strength to overcome every vulture that seeks to defile my spiritual sacrifice.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that every root of bitterness in your life is uprooted in Jesus' name. 

2. You will walk in the freedom of forgiveness, and the chains of unforgiveness will be broken. 

3. I decree that jealousy will have no place in your heart; you will be content and grateful for God's blessings. 

4. Slander and negative speech will not proceed from your mouth; your words will be filled with truth and grace. 

5. I declare that your lips will speak words of life and encouragement, and negativity will not dwell in you. 

6. Every vulture of unforgiveness that has held you bound is driven away now in Jesus' name. 

7. You will overcome the spirit of jealousy, and God will cause you to prosper in His time. 

8. I declare that your relationships will be free from bitterness, and you will live in peace with those around you. 

9. Every slanderous word spoken against you will be silenced, and God's truth will prevail in your life. 

10. You will live in victory as you drive away every spiritual vulture that seeks to devour your faith and testimony.