SUCCESSFUL TRICKS OF SATAN TODAY
Satan’s whole purpose is to oppose God and his people on earth. He is very good at deluding and defeating millions. Look at the world today and you’ll see how successful he is. How does he do it? What’s the secret of his accomplishment? Understanding how he works helps us better defend against those things in our life and family.
1. He convinces us he doesn’t exist. “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist” is a line from the 1995 movie “The Usual Suspects.” It is also a central theme of apologist and theologian C.S. Lewis’ famous book, “The Screwtape Letters.” The world, even many believers, don’t believe he really exists. That allows him to work undetected, never getting blamed for what he does. People blame the evil around us on culture, the economy, poor parenting, even Christianity for pointing out sin, but never of the real source.
2. He lies. The Bible tells us that lying is fundamental to the corrupt, bankrupt character of the devil (John 8:44). He cannot tolerate truth. The only time he uses it is to cover for a deeper lie. His unbiblical world view, self-centered motives, selfish priorities, hatred, lust, fear and greed rule the world today. The ideas, values, goals and actions of unbelievers all come from him. Three times Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Other passages of Scripture call Satan “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), informing us “that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).
Additionally, we believe lies about ourselves, as the devil seeks not only to separate us from God but from one another. Low self-esteem abounds, leading to many different problems. Children are being bullied like never before, suicide rates abound and human cruelty seems to be at a frightening height in societies all around the globe.
3. He offers riches and status. Money, possessions, power, social position, pleasure and popularity are sought by most people today. These become idols, substitutes for God in people’s lives. They dull the natural longing in people for real meaning and purpose in life, which only God can give. As substitutes, they fail for they ultimately bring emptiness, meaninglessness and hopelessness. Satan offered these things on Jesus when he tempted Him (Matthew 4:1-11) but Jesus countered them with the truth of God’s Word by saying “it is written….”. They worked on Adam and Eve in Eden, though (Genesis 3:1-7).
To resist and have victory, we must understand how he works and be alert for it in our own lives (1 Peter 5:8-9). Also, we must stay close to Jesus and be growing in our faith so we can resist his tricks and traps (James 4:7). God promises victory if we follow Him (Isaiah 54:17).
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Which of Satan’s tricks and traps are most successful against you?
What must you do to have better victory over them and him?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
Copyright © 2022