Know Your Enemyنموونە

DAY FOUR

More Evil Schemes 

“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what have I forgiven- if there was anything to forgive- I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV

It is very important for us to be aware of Satan’s schemes. So, we continue to look at who our enemy is and how he works.

Satan is the Tempter

When most of us think of the devil we quickly think of temptation. He tempted Adam and Eve to not believe God and eat the fruit. He tempted Jesus to not believe God and throw Himself off a tower. Whenever we have sinned we can easily say, “The devil made me do it.”  I think this is tied to the way he lies to us. He paints a picture that our lives are incomplete, discontent and puts something in front of us more appealing. 

OUR DEFENSE—First of all, you must realize that Satan has no power over you. He cannot force you to sin. James puts it bluntly: “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14 NIV

Later in James, he goes on to say: “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 NIV

Paul encourages us: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV   

I know what Paul is talking about! I can think of several times when I was being tempted, and something or someone interrupted my thinking which kept me from sinning.

We know Jesus quoted God’s Word to Satan when He was being tempted, so we must know and use God’s Word for our defense.  

Jesus also told His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NIV

Hebrews 2:18 NIV also encourages us that Jesus will help us:  “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Satan is the Destroyer

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10 

Job seems to be the greatest example of how Satan can attack a life. Here’s what happened (Job 1 and 2):

Satan prompted the Sabeans to steal his oxen and donkeys and kill the servants.

Satan incited the Chaldeans to steal Job’s camels and kill those servants, as well.

Satan inflicted Job with painful sores from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.

Satan can wreak havoc! We’ve all seen Satan’s handiwork of destruction: marriages destroyed, lives destroyed by addictions, bodies decaying by disease, futures destroyed by choices, churches destroyed by division. 

OUR DEFENSE—We MUST remember that Satan can DO NOTHING to us that God does not allow, even when we do not understand it. Job had no knowledge of the conversation between Satan and God. We must trust the Lord. He has the last word. 

“Resist him (Satan), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:9-10 NIV