We Are Constantly Under Attack!

Theologians tell a story to illustrate how Christ’s triumph presently benefits our lives: Imagine a city under siege. The enemy that surrounds they city will not let anyone or anything leave. Supplies are running low, and the citizens are fearful.

But in the dark of the night, a spy sneaks through the enemy lines. He has rushed to the city to tell the people that in another place the main enemy force has been defeated; the leaders have already surrendered. The people do not need to be afraid. It is only a matter of time until the besieging troops receive the news and lay down their weapons.

Similarly, we may seem now to be surrounded by the forces of evil—disease, injustice, oppression, death. But the enemy has actually been defeated at Calvary. Things are not the way they seem to be. It is only a matter of time until it becomes clear to all that the battle is really over.
-Uncommon Decency, Richard J. Mouw, pp. 149-150

We are constantly under attack by the god of this age, or Satan! He is always searching for a weak spot in which he can cast his influence on us. But, we don't have to stand idly by while under attack. We can fight back! How? First, we need to understand what we are up against. The better we understand our enemy, the better we can defend against him.

In fact, as you will see today, Satan isn't the only one with powerful weapons at his disposal...

When Paul wrote his second epistle to the Corinthians, he alluded to the possibility that Satan might take advantage of them: "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Informed Christians, however, need not be in a position to be caught off guard. Satan's advantage is based upon one being "ignorant of his devices." But if we are aware of the methods Satan uses to lead people astray, we can resist him successfully!

What are some of "The Devices Of Satan"? How can we defend ourselves against them? In today's message, we shall attempt to answer these questions. Let's begin by noticing a "device" of Satan that Paul described later in this same epistle.

Regarding this "device" of Satan, we are told there are some whom "the god of this age" has blinded (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The Spirit warned this would be done through "doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Today, many minds are blinded to the truth...

a. By the doctrine of ATHEISM - there is no God
b. By the doctrine of EVOLUTION - we are simply animals
c. By the doctrine of HUMANISM - man is the measure of all things, and in him alone is the solution to our problems.

Unfortunately, those who are so blinded are hindered from receiving the truth! On the other hand, we can fight back. Our best defense against it is actually a strong offense, involving a war for the "thoughts" of men (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Our greatest weapon is TRUTH, which can defeat the false arguments and free those who have been blinded into captivity (cf. John 8:32).

Thus the need for discussion and debate, in order to cast down "arguments" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Consider the example of Paul, who "reasoned" with others (Acts 17:2-3; 19:8-9). Other weapons involve CHRIST-LIKE ATTITUDES that are "mighty in God."

Here are a few examples of this: the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1-4); patience and humility in correcting others (2 Timothy 2:24-26). In "Speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), we can be defeat this "device of Satan"!

Another "device of Satan" is to get people hooked on "the things of the world." In regards to this device of Satan, I am referring to those things described in 1 John 2:15-17:

a. The lust of the flesh
b. The lust of the eyes
c. The pride of life

Satan used these tactics against EVE (cf. Genesis 3:6). Satan also tried these tactics in tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Today, Satan uses these tactics with a vengeance, tempting people through

a. Immorality (lust of the flesh)
b. Materialism (lust of the eyes)
c. Arrogance (pride of life)

Our best defense against it is to saturate ourselves with the Word of God! This is how Jesus overcame His temptations by the devil. Also, we must develop a strong love for the Father! (1 John 2:15; James 4:4) By saturating ourselves with God's Word and being strong in our love for Him, we will effectively submit to Him and be able to resist the devil, causing him to flee! (James 4:7)

Certainly, we can put up a pretty good fight, yet let's not think that Satan will give up easily; there are other "devices" up his sleeve, including persecuting those trying to do right! Now, regarding this "device" of Satan. Peter warned that the devil sought to devour Christians through persecutions (1 Peter 5:8-9). Paul worried that afflictions brought about by Satan might tempt the Thessalonians to give up (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5).

Even today, Satan persecutes Christians! Some literally, through great suffering as Christians. Others through social pressures that are often equally effective, such as:

1) Peer pressure
2) Ridicule
3) Ostracism, or exclusion

So how can we defend against this? We can encourage one another! (1 Peter 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Adopt the proper attitude: Rejoice! Knowing that trials can make us stronger (cf. James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-4) And, knowing that those who endure are blessed by God (cf. 1 Peter 4:12-14; Matthew 5:10-12).

Commit yourself to God in doing good (cf. 1 Peter 4:19). God is a faithful Creator. He takes note of our suffering, and will one day repay those who trouble us(including Satan himself!), and give us rest (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-8; Revelation 20:10)

There is another "device" of Satan, that often has deadly effect. This is to get people to enjoy evil company! Regarding this "device" of Satan, the wrong companions can defeat one's effort to do good (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:33) Today, many Christians are hindered in their spiritual growth by the company they keep and by the activities in which such company engages.

Our best defense against it is to: realize the danger of the wrong companions (cf. Proverbs 13:20), and heed the advice Paul made to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 6:14-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; 2 Corinthians 7:1).

Finally, let's look at one more "device" of Satan. This device is to discourage people through (un)Christ-like Christians! Now, regarding this "device" of Satan, this relates to Paul's concern in 2 Corinthians 2:6-11. A sinning brother was disciplined, and had repented. The need now was for the church to confirm their love and forgiveness. Otherwise, Satan might take advantage of this situation:

1) Defeating the church by their unwillingness to forgive.
2) Overcoming the weak brother by his being swallowed up in sorrow if forgiveness was not granted by the congregation.

Today, Satan sometimes wins many souls by this "device" through Christians who are unloving, unmerciful, and unforgiving. They become stumblingblocks to others. Christians who are apathetic, sluggish, in their service and devotion to God, adversely influence new Christians

Our best defense against this "device" is to place our ultimate faith in the Lord, not in brethren (cf. 2 Timothy 4:16-18). This is not to suggest that brethren can't be trusted; but brethren are fallible, the Lord is not! Remember that not all brethren set the proper example (3 John 9-12). Imitate the good examples. Don't let the bad ones discourage us!

In conclusion, this is not an exhaustive list, rather only a sampling of the "devices" of Satan. The Scriptures certainly reveal much more about how the "Great Deceiver" works. I do hope, however, that today's message has been sufficient to show that our adversary is indeed strong; that ignorance of his devices make us susceptible; and that if we are not diligent, he can indeed take advantage of us!

Prayer:

Lord, whenever sin beckons, draw me to Your side and protect me. Amen

May you have a blessed day!

Marcie