Our enemy, the ancient foe has been around since the beginning, tempting, deceiving, and trying to stop the movement of the gospel. He's been learning our weaknesses, and is highly experienced in his tactics.
Paul tells us repeatedly in this passage to stand firm. In warfare, it's essential to know your opponent's strategies, and tactics.
In studying this subject, I've identified 11 schemes of Satan that we need to be aware of.
Dishonors God: Above all, Satan's aim is to dishonor God. He wants to prevent God from receiving the glory due His name.
Seeks to Dethrone God: Satan desires to usurp God's authority, trying to establish his own kingdom in opposition to God's.
Blinds the Minds of Unbelievers: As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel.
Persecutes the Church: Satan persecutes God's people in various ways, sometimes through governmental systems or societal pressures, and even through those closest to us.
Tempts Believers: Though he cannot take away our salvation, Satan actively tempts us to distrust, dishonor, and sin against God.
Accuses Believers: Satan accuses us before God, trying to sow doubt about our standing in Christ.
Distracts Christians: Satan often distracts us from our mission with lesser, though sometimes necessary, things.
Dilutes Doctrine: He mixes truth with error, confusing people and leading them away from sound teaching.
Divides the Church: Satan seeks to create division within the body of Christ, undermining our unity and witness.
Devours: As Peter warns, Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy believers.
Discourages: Satan tries to discourage us, |
