Satan's Tactics Against The Godly

As followers of Christ, we are not immune to the attacks of the enemy. In fact, the Bible warns us that Satan seeks to destroy our faith, our families, and our witness. When we live a godly life, we can expect opposition from the forces of darkness. In this sermon, we will explore why, when, and how Satan sends people to assassinate our character, falsely accuse us, lie against us, and blame us.

Why Satan Attacks the Godly

Satan hates God and everything that represents Him. When we live a godly life, we reflect the character of Christ, and this is a threat to Satan's kingdom. Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy our faith and lead us away from God.

• "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

When Satan Attacks the Godly

Satan often attacks when we are most vulnerable or when we are experiencing spiritual growth.

• "And the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.'" (Luke 22:31)

How Satan Attacks the Godly

Satan uses various tactics to attack the godly, including:

1. Character Assassination: Satan may use people to spread lies and false rumors about us to damage our reputation.

• "For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you not to be such as I wish, and that you may find me not to be such as you wish; lest perhaps there may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;" (2 Corinthians 12:20)

2. False Accusations: Satan may use people to falsely accuse us of wrongdoing to discredit us.

• "And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Him to death, for they feared the people." (Luke 22:2)

3. Lies and Deception: Satan is the father of lies, and he may use people to deceive and mislead us.

• "Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)

4. Blame-Shifting: Satan may use people to shift the blame from themselves to us.

• "And the man said, 'The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.'" (Genesis 3:12)

5. Intimidation and Fear: Satan may use people to intimidate and fear us into compromising our faith.

• "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

6. Discouragement and Despair: Satan may use people to discourage and despair us into giving up our faith.

• "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

7. Division and Strife: Satan may use people to create division and strife among believers to weaken the church.

• "Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

8. Persecution: Satan may use people to persecute us for our faith.

• "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

Conclusion

As followers of Christ, we must be aware of Satan's tactics and be prepared to face opposition. We can stand firm in our faith by:

• Putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

• Praying for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5)

• Surrounding ourselves with supportive believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Focusing on our eternal reward (Matthew 5:12)

Remember, Satan's attacks are a sign that we are living a godly life. Let us stand firm in our faith and continue to reflect the character of Christ, no matter what opposition we may face.