SATAN’S GAME PLAN
It’s much easier to defeat an opponent if you know their game plan. That’s true in sports, business and warfare. Those following Jesus find themselves in a war with an enemy who is trying to destroy them. Unfortunately, many Christians live in sin and defeat, but they don’t have to. God has revealed Satan’s game plan to alert us. He also gives us His power to have victory. Let’s make sure we understand what that game plan is.
1 John 2:16 reveals weapons Satan uses to attack and defeat us: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.” This is the same 3-pronged attack Satan used on Eve (Genesis 3:1-7) and Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). He uses it on us today as well.
- Cause a craving for physical gratification. People today are preoccupied with sex, drugs, alcohol, food or anything that brings physical pleasure. Eve was tempted to eat fruit which “was good for food” (Genesis 3:3b). Jesus was tempted with bread after fasting for 40 days (Matthew 4:3-4). God gives us good things to please us, but when we go outside God’s intended purpose for these things, they become sin. What temptations for food, drink, sex, etc. are most effective against you?
- Cause a desire to accumulate money & possessions. Satan tempted Eve by showing her what was “pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6c). He showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and told Him He could have them all (Matthew 4:810). He still flashes the newest, biggest, flashiest possessions the world has to offer before us. He wants us to think we have to have them; we can’t be happy until they are ours. But they are like drinking salt water. They don’t bring satisfaction, just a desire for more. What ‘things’ most tempt you? What do you feel you must have to be happy?
- Causse boastful pride, focusing on themselves. The final weapon of Satan’s used against Eve and Jesus, and us, is focus on status and significance. Satan tempted Eve by promising knowledge that would make her like God (Genesis 3:4-5). He tempted Jesus to avoid the cross by jumping off the highest point of the temple and having angels save Him in front of all the watching people so they see how great he was (Matthew 4:5-7). Satan tempts us to elevate ourselves over others as well. We want to be noticed and recognized, seen as successful and important and have others impressed with us. We don’t want to yield, submit, serve, apologize or humble ourselves. That’s all pride. Where is your biggest battle with pride? Under what circumstances do you most often give in? What must you do to have victory?
It’s not a question of “if” Satan will tempt you, but “when” and “how.” It will happen. Knowing his game plan for defeating you gives you and advantage in being able to block his attacks.
1 John 2:14-15 I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
Take a moment to write down the temptations to which you are most vulnerable. Under each write what you need to do to block the attack.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE TRAINING: Past blogs, articles, books and training courses for spiritual warfare are available on my web site: https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/ Scroll down and click on “Spiritual Warfare.” If you have questions or if I can help you please email me at jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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