The best way to get defeated by an enemy is to misunderstand his tactics. That is true of armies as well as athletics. We fall for the enemies’ tactics when we don’t recognize them. We are looking for one thing to happen but instead he attacks from a different direction and we are unprepared and even unaware. Here are some ways we need to be watching for:
HE PRETENDS TO BE LIGHT. Satan doesn’t mind when we picture him as evil, darkness and blackness. He works in those realms and loves them. But he also uses them as camouflage because he is more successful when he pretends to be light. “…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, that his very servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). One reason is he likes to counterfeit Gods light and holiness. Another reason is because he is often more successful when he acts as the light then darkness. Just like with Eve, deception often works much better than direct attack. So, he throws in enough truth to make it seem like all he promotes is true. Putting in a little rat poison in good food makes it all the more appealing but it’s just as deadly. Eve took the bait and often we do too.
Some of the most damaging lies come from within the church, from false prophets and false teachers. They are much more dangerous than those who attack the church from without. Satan masquerades behind things that appear good, that seemed to be something helpful and something we would like. But unless it is what God wants it is deadly.
When faced with a lie or temptation that may appear good at surface level, some questions to ask ourselves are: Does this contradict a command or another truth I’ve read in God’s Word? Does following this path elevate myself above God? Is God’s Spirit inside warning me against this? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then stop and pray. When in doubt, don’t. Proceed with caution and talk to God about it until you have a clear answer. He is more than willing to give wisdom to those who ask.
HE KNOWS THE BIBLE. Satan is not ignorant about God’s word. He probably knows it better than any of us. When Jesus answered with Scripture, Satan was ready with another scripture to counter He knew just what scripture to use to tempt Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4). He appealed to His physical needs, His hunger. He appealed to His pride. He offered an easier way for Him to face what was coming. Everything was geared to make life easier and better. Why would we think he doesn’t do the same today? We are always looking for an easier and better way of life. He just offers what we want and throws in a little scripture to justify it. We can even justify our sin by saying “It’s not that bad”, “It’s too much for me to resist,” “My situation is an exception to what God says” or “I’ll confess and it’ll be OK again.”
On our own we are no match for Satan. Although none of us will ever know God or his Word better than Jesus, the good news is this: He sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit. And when we’re in doubt about whether something is true, he will help us. He gives us discernment and is the voice in our ear, pointing us to the right or the left (Isaiah 30:21).
It is imperative to accurately and thoroughly know God’s Word. Spend time reading the Bible, not just books about the Bible!!! If someone has a new twist or slant to things, something that sounds interesting and appealing but isn’t 100% what you’ve been taught, be VERY careful before believing it. We swallow lies because we want them to be true. We are looking for a better and easier way in life – but there is none.
HE DISTRACTS, NOT DENYS. Satan doesn’t tell us to deny or reject God, he just says we can do it later because now we are occupied with something else. One of our enemy’s main goals is to distract us from our purposes here on earth — to glorify God, enjoy Him, and to help lead others to Him. And we don’t have to look very far to see that distractions are endless. Some of these distractions may even seem good on surface level. How often do you ask people how they are doing and they say, “busy?” We have become a culture that equates business with happiness and importance.
Our distractions don’t have to be something sinful; it can even be good things – just not the very best that God has for us. Many of our activities are fine in themselves, but when they keep us from spending time with God or doing the things He wants us to do, they are wrong. Hobbies, exercise, work, studying, raising children, even helping others are all good in their place. When out of their place they become an idol and therefore sin. “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4)
The lies of the enemy are too numerous to name, but we can be sure of this: He’s always telling them. Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44). So, anything that comes out of his mouth is meant to steal, kill and destroy. While it’s important to recognize his tactics, our best defense will always be to know the One who defeated him. Because he is greater, and he will lead us to victory. Let’s start there, today and every day’ So don’t be so busy watching out for dark evil that you miss the more subtle, deceptive ways Satan works. That’s where the real battle is fought.
2 Corinthians 2:11: “…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes”.
Which of these deceptions are you most open to?
Do you spend more time reading or listening to people talk about the Bible than you do reading the Bible itself?
What distractions are most effective in coming between you and time with God?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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