Satan’s Devices

2 Corinthians 2:11 KJV
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Satan is our enemy. He’s lurking around trying to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). That’s a pretty sobering thought. Thanks be to God, “greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world (satan)” (1 John 4:4).

But what devices does Satan use to try and devour (italicize) us? Primarily, pain and pleasure.

When we look at pain, think of Job. He suffered more than any of us would ever care to in this life. He lost his wealth, his kids, and his health in the passing of just a few days.

But Job kept his faith saying, “blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Do we blame God or praise Him in the storm?

Storms eventually pass. God only allows Satan to tempt us for a season before giving us a reprieve (Matt 4:11), and Job eventually gained double of everything he lost because (italics) he remained faithful to the Lord.

But if Satan can’t get us through pain, he’ll use pleasure.

Premarital sex, alcohol, drugs, pornography, adultery - these are the things that come to our mind when we think of the pleasures Satan likes to use. And he does use that entire list, but he uses more...

• That job that pays so well you neglect your family for it - Satan’s device.
• That run you took that made you sacrifice your daily devotional - Satan’s device.
• That hobby that has you spending too much time with a *friend* of the opposite sex - Satan’s device.

We think it’s only the bad (italics) stuff, but Satan is subtle - he’s an angel of light after all (2 Cor. 11:14).

We must be on guard and keep our heart and eyes centered on Jesus, so we can fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12).

Corresponding Sermon: Phil Fulton 9/20/2020

Recommended Reading: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis