LITTLE FOXES THAT DESTROY THE VINE

LITTLE FOXES THAT DESTROY THE VINE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Song of Solomon 2:15

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9; Ecclesiastes 10:1; Matthew 13:25; Hebrews 12:15

INTRODUCTION:
In many cases, great destructions do not begin with obvious explosions or visible calamities—they begin subtly. In the church today, the spiritual vineyard of God, the most dangerous threats are not always external attacks, but small internal compromises. These are what the Bible refers to in Song of Solomon 2:15 as “the little foxes that spoil the vines.” Foxes, though small in size, are notorious for sneaking into vineyards to destroy the tender grapes and root systems. Similarly, it is the seemingly minor sins and unchecked behaviours that eat away at the root of spiritual growth and fellowship.

Today, the church is losing its strength, not because of obvious enemies, but because of tolerating "little" sins—unforgiveness, envy, gossip, compromise, spiritual laziness, and disunity. These are often ignored because they appear insignificant. But just like a small spark can ignite a great fire, these little forces can ruin what God has built over time. The danger lies in their subtlety—because they don’t look dangerous, they are not resisted or confronted.

We must arise and be vigilant. Just as a farmer must chase out the foxes before they destroy the vineyard, we must deal with every small sin and attitude that weakens the body of Christ. It is not the big storms that destroy the vine first—it is the little foxes within. Let us examine what these little forces are, and how to drive them out of our spiritual vineyards.

1. THE DANGER OF COMPROMISE

a) Small compromises open the door to greater sin (Galatians 5:9)
What starts as “not a big deal” often becomes a major problem. A little lie, a small bending of truth, or tolerating worldliness will soon grow into open rebellion.

b) Tolerating sin reduces spiritual sensitivity (1 Corinthians 5:6)
Sin that is not addressed begins to dull our sense of conviction. The more we justify the little faults, the more our hearts grow cold.

c) Compromise affects others around us (Ecclesiastes 10:1)
Just like dead flies ruin perfume, small corruptions can ruin the testimony and influence of a believer or even an entire church.

d) God demands holiness in all things, not just in big matters (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Our lives must reflect God's nature—pure, holy, and set apart. There is no room for “little sins” in a holy life.

Biblical Example: Lot’s Compromise in Sodom (Genesis 13:10-13, 19:1-29)
Lot’s small choice of settling near Sodom eventually led to living in the midst of corruption, losing his family and legacy.

2. THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING PERSONAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH

a) Spiritual laziness leads to decay (Proverbs 24:30-34)
A neglected vineyard becomes overgrown. A neglected spiritual life becomes dry, unfruitful, and vulnerable to attack.

b) Little prayerlessness leads to powerlessness (Luke 18:1)
Missing a day or two of prayer may not seem serious, but over time, it weakens spiritual strength and creates gaps for the enemy.

c) Inconsistency in Bible study opens the door to ignorance (Hosea 4:6)
The Word is our sword; when we abandon it, we lose the power to resist temptation.

d) A life without discipline loses divine direction (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Without personal discipline, even the strongest believer can become disqualified.

Biblical Example: Samson’s Gradual Decline (Judges 16:1-20)
Samson did not fall suddenly. Small steps of disobedience led to his final downfall.

3. THE DANGER OF DIVISION AND OFFENCES

a) Small offences lead to broken relationships (Proverbs 18:19)
What starts as a minor misunderstanding can escalate into deep resentment and separation if not handled.

b) Gossip and backbiting weaken the body of Christ (James 3:5-6)
A few careless words can cause a wildfire of division and damage.

c) Pride and competition among brethren create strife (Philippians 2:3-4)
When people focus on position and comparison, the unity of the church is lost.

d) Unresolved offences hinder prayers (Mark 11:25)
God expects us to forgive. Holding grudges, even secretly, can block spiritual progress.

Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas' Dispute (Acts 15:36-41)
A sharp disagreement caused a split in their partnership. Though they later reconciled, the ministry was affected.

4. THE DANGER OF INDIFFERENCE AND CARNALITY

a) Spiritual coldness starts subtly (Revelation 3:15-16)
Lukewarmness doesn’t arrive overnight; it starts with indifference, spiritual boredom, and compromise.

b) Familiarity with sacred things reduces reverence (1 Samuel 2:12-17)
When we no longer value prayer, worship, or God's Word, we lose touch with God's presence.

c) Worldliness slowly creeps in through entertainment and fashion (1 John 2:15)
The love for the world replaces the hunger for God when unchecked.

d) Carnality reduces spiritual authority (Romans 8:6-8)
A carnal believer cannot please God and cannot walk in power.

Biblical Example: The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)
Their lukewarm state made God want to "spew them out"—they did not even know how far they had fallen.

CONCLUSION:
The vine of the Lord is holy, fruitful, and meant to flourish. But when little foxes are allowed in—small sins, secret habits, tolerated attitudes, and spiritual negligence—they ruin the vine. We must not underestimate the power of small things. The cracks that destroy great buildings often start as hairline fractures. The same is true of the church and our spiritual lives.

Let us therefore arise and chase out the little foxes. Let us examine our hearts, cleanse our ways, restore our altars, forgive our offenders, and pursue holiness in all things. What you call little today may become the cause of spiritual collapse tomorrow. May God give us grace to watch and to overcome.

PRAYER POINTS:
1.  Lord, deliver me from every hidden sin destroying my spiritual life.

2.  Father, open my eyes to identify the little foxes in my life and in the church.

3.  Lord, restore my spiritual fire and passion in Jesus’ name.

4.  Every seed of compromise in me, die by fire in Jesus’ name.

5.   Father, heal every broken relationship caused by offence or gossip.

6.  O Lord, uproot every root of bitterness from my heart.

7.  Holy Spirit, keep me spiritually sensitive and alert.

8.  I reject spiritual laziness; I receive grace to be disciplined.

9.  Father, purge Your church from secret sins and silent destroyers.

10.  Lord, preserve the vine of my life and my church for Your glory.