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.

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. 

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.