Sermon # 6 - The Secret Schemes Of The Enemy Series

We read in Numbers 22:6, Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." (ESV)

As we continue to meditate on this portion of scripture we see that the people of Israel were strong, and progressing in their journey. Unknowns to them there was a king who observed their advancements and realized that if they continued the way they did, they would become a threat to his own kingdom.

We too as children of God will daily grow from strength to strength, we will multiply in numbers, and will be taken to greater heights. Let’s not assume that since we are abounding in strength that there will be no opposition or attacks on us. On the other hand we must bear in mind that the world around us is keenly observing us, and therefore there is sense of fear that grips them to see our progress.

The King of Moab watched the people of Israel increase and gain momentum, and he devised a plan to destroy them. He knew that he did not have the strength or courage to attack them directly, and hence he used a cunning plan to sabotage the growth and advancement of the Israelites.

Even today Satan always uses devious ways to attack God’s children.

The secret schemes of Satan

We will study and understand how we can identify these evil plots of the devil, and how we can overcome them.

Balak the King of Moab secretly invited Balaam who was a prophet of God. Balak knew that he could not defeat the Israelites who were too powerful, and hence he had a subtle plan to overcome them. He called for the Prophet Balaam to come, and curse the people of Israel. The only reason why Balak wanted the Israelites to be cursed was that they were mightier than him and his people.

When people cannot fight against us directly or physically, they will often use cunning, and underhand ways to do so. As long as we are struggling and are unblessed, no one will bother about us. However, when we are blessed, honored and when people know that the Lord is with us, we will find that Satan will instigate some people to rise up against us.

What are the secret weapons that enemy uses?

The Psalmist prayed this way in Psalm 64:2, Protect me from the secret plans of the wicked. Hide me from the gang of evil people. (ERV)

1. Secret surveillance

This is what happened to the people of Israel that as they progressed, they were being watched closely by the King of Moab. He was taking note of their strengths and weaknesses.

Every believer in Jesus will at some point face trials, hardships and opposition from various quarters.

Saul’s men watched David

We read in 1 Samuel 19:11, Saul sent men to watch David’s house. They stayed there all night. (ERV)

As David stayed in his house there were men who watched his house all night under the supervision of King Saul so they could finish him off if he came outside.

Be watchful of Satan

If you are wondering if this is true read 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)

Compare the above verse with the thought that I have been sharing. The devil is referred to as a roaring lion. A lion comes out to hunt, the only aim is to catch the prey and kill it. Have you watched how a lion hunts its prey? In a very cautious and subtle way it follows the prey until it can overpower it. When a herd of deer are together, and one of them notices a lion, it will give a warning call so that all other deer are aware, and move away from that spot. However, if some of those deer ignore that caution, they will become easy prey to the lion.

The comparison of the devil to the lion is made to help us realize that we as children of God should be alert and aware of the schemes of the evil one, and not fall prey to his cunning attacks on us. Satan is always scheming to find ways to trap and devour us. We may wonder as to how we can escape the darts of the enemy when we don’t even know where the attack will come from. Just imagine that if a deer was hidden from the vision of a lion then there would be no way that the lion could attack it.