THE DEVICES OF SATAN
"Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." II Corinthians 2:11
We are not immune from Satan’s attacks against us, either within or without. Often we leave the door open to Satan by our spiritual weakness or lack of faith. Peter’s admonition leaves no doubt as to the warfare in which we are engaged: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8.
Paul encourages us to "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11.
Satan is a master at his evil craft. To know the things we need to beware of will strengthen our position in the battle. The old adage still holds true: “To be forewarned is to be fore-armed!” Here are some of Satan’s devices, schemes, and wiles. We dare not take any one of them lightly.
I. DECEPTION
"…God has said, ’You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ Then the serpent said to the woman. ’You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:3b-5.
But God says: "The wages of sin is death…" (Romans 6:23) and "The soul who sins shall die." Ezekiel 18:4, 20.
II. DIVERSION
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." I John 2:15.
Jesus said: "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24.
"Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." II Timothy 4:10
III. DOUBT
"And He said unto them, ’Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts." Luke 24:38.
When Peter began to sink as he walked on the water, Jesus said to him: "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31
IV. DISCOURAGEMENT.
“Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way.
“And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread." Numbers 21:4-5 (NKJV)
V. DELAY
"Now as Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, ’Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." Acts 24:25.
