STAY ABOVE THE SNAKE LINE
Isaiah 40:25-31
INTRODUCTION: There is an invisible line that is fixed, at a given altitude above sea level—known as “the snake line.” Above the snake line no snake can live. Security of mankind against snakes is set by God and is purely a matter of altitude. Scriptures suggest a line similar to the snake line in the spiritual realm. There is a place of quiet rest above the spiritual snake line where that old serpent the Devil cannot molest: James 4:7-10. Below the spiritual snake line there is spiritual poverty, spiritual depletion, and sinful life styles. Above the spiritual snake line there is spiritual renewal, spiritual abundance and security. Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 3:1-3; Isaiah 57:15. It is when we chose to live above the spiritual snake line that God does His great work in our hearts: Isaiah 40:28-31. We must learn to trust our Lord during the times of testing so that we will receive His blessings: Isaiah 40:31.
- THE PERILS OF THE LOWER ALTITUDE!
Living the Christian life at lower altitudes leads to drifting away from our Lord: Hebrews 2:1; Genesis 13:5-13. As Lot moved below the snake line he began to live by sight instead of by faith: Genesis 13:10-13; Genesis 14:12; Genesis 19:1; Genesis 19:15-16. The company we chose will affect the people we become: 1 Corinthians 15:33-34; Genesis 19:26. Lot and his two daughters continued to live below the snake line: Genesis 19:30-38. Lot and his family lived among the snakes so long they became like them in many ways.
2. THE SECURITY OF THE UPPER ALTITUDE!
The way to deal with our many sins is not to struggle with each one singly, but to bring them al into the light of our Lord: John 3:19-21. The way to gain Christ-like character is to bring our entire life above the snake line and set our hearts on living by the power of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:16-25. The breakdowns that are so common below the snake line of being led by our fleshly desires are no problem if we choose to live above the snake line by being led by the Spirit of God. 2 Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:4-9. Remember it is spiritual altitude that makes the difference in the Christian life.
3. HOW DOES ONE GET TO AND STAY ABOVE THE SNAKE LINE?
The answer to living above the snake line consists of remaining and growing in the three gifts of the Spirit of God which are still available to each and every saint of God today: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13: It is in walking close to our God in faith, hope and love that keeps us above the snake line. Isaiah 26:3-4; Psalm 37:4-6; 2 Chronicles 16:9.