THE DEVIL'S STRATEGIES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Peter 5:8
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:11-12, John 10:10
INTRODUCTION
The devil is a master strategist who seeks to deceive, distract, and destroy the children of God. His ultimate goal is to keep people far from God, bound in sin, and lost for eternity. The Bible warns us to be vigilant and not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). In this sermon, we will examine the major strategies the devil uses to keep people away from God and how we can overcome them.
1. THE STRATEGY OF SPIRITUAL LUKEWARMNESS
a) Making People Comfortable in Sin
The devil normalises sin, making it acceptable and no longer shameful (Isaiah 5:20).
b) Promoting a Shallow Faith
Many see Christianity as a mere tradition rather than a relationship with God (Matthew 15:8).
c) Reducing Commitment to Prayer and Fellowship
The enemy keeps people busy and distracted so they neglect spiritual disciplines (Luke 10:40-42).
d) Discouraging Bible Study
He makes the Bible seem outdated or difficult to understand (Hosea 4:6).
e) Biblical Example: The Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:15-16)
This church was neither hot nor cold, and God was ready to reject them.
2. THE STRATEGY OF DECEPTION
a) Spreading False Teachings
The devil introduces misleading doctrines that mix truth with lies (2 Peter 2:1).
b) Making People Doubt God's Existence
He promotes atheism, agnosticism, and secular humanism (Psalm 14:1).
c) Confusing People with Many Religions
He deceives people into thinking all religions lead to God (John 14:6).
d) Corrupting the Gospel
He shifts the focus to prosperity and self-love instead of repentance and holiness (Galatians 1:6-9).
e) Biblical Example: Satan Deceiving Eve (Genesis 3:1-5)
The devil twisted God’s word to lead Eve into sin.
3. THE STRATEGY OF SIN AND ADDICTIONS
a) Encouraging Secret Sins
He makes people justify and hide their sins instead of confessing them (Proverbs 28:13).
b) Promoting Immorality
He floods the world with sexual sin, pornography, and perversion (1 Corinthians 6:18).
c) Making Sin Look Fun and Rewarding
He packages sin as pleasure and freedom while hiding its consequences (Romans 6:23).
d) Encouraging Addictions
He enslaves people through drugs, alcohol, gambling, and entertainment (1 Corinthians 6:12).
e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Weakness for Delilah (Judges 16:1-21)
His uncontrolled desires led to his downfall.
4. THE STRATEGY OF DIVISION AMONG CHRISTIANS
a) Encouraging Church Conflicts
He makes believers fight over doctrine, leadership, and money (1 Corinthians 3:3).
b) Promoting Unforgiveness
He keeps people bound in bitterness, preventing spiritual growth (Matthew 6:14-15).
c) Spreading Gossip and Strife
Tale-bearing and slander weaken the unity of the Church (Proverbs 16:28).
d) Creating Fake Ministers
He raises false prophets who lead people astray (Matthew 7:15).
e) Biblical Example: Paul Warning About Divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
The early church struggled with internal conflicts.
5. THE STRATEGY OF WORLDLY DISTRACTIONS
a) Making Materialism Their God
He ensures people chase money, fame, and success over God (1 Timothy 6:10).
b) Promoting Pride and Self-Sufficiency
He makes people believe they don’t need God (Proverbs 16:18).
c) Keeping People Distracted with Entertainment
He floods their lives with social media, TV, and worldly pleasures (Luke 8:14).
d) Using Suffering to Turn People Away from God
He convinces them that a loving God wouldn’t allow pain (Job 2:9).
e) Biblical Example: Demas Forsaking Paul (2 Timothy 4:10)
Demas loved the world more than the things of God.
CONCLUSION
The devil’s strategies are subtle, but as believers, we must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). We must remain spiritually alert, grounded in God's Word, and filled with the Holy Spirit. The victory over Satan is found in Christ, through faith, obedience, and a strong spiritual life.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, open my eyes to the enemy’s deception.
2. I reject every form of lukewarmness in my walk with God.
3. Father, fill me with a hunger for Your Word and presence.
4. Every false doctrine and deception in my life, be exposed and destroyed.
5. Lord, deliver me from secret sins and hidden faults.
6. I break every addiction in my life in Jesus’ name.
7. Father, heal every division in the body of Christ.
8. Lord, help me to focus on eternity and not worldly distractions.
9. I receive grace to overcome trials and challenges.
10. Holy Spirit, guide me in truth and righteousness.
