Ephesians 6:11-12 provides us with some details on the Christ-follower’s enemy: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Who is the devil?
The devil or Satan is an angel. He was created by God, to worship and serve God. But God allowed Satan to choose whether he would serve and worship God. We know his choice from Isaiah 14:12: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!”
Isaiah 14:13-15 gives further details regarding Satan choosing to reject God: “You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”
From these verses we learn that Satan’s pride was his downfall. Instead of honoring and respecting God, he attempted to ascend higher than God. He could not, and can never attain his Creator’s place. He incites people to worship him through idols, which are false gods.
At the cross, Jesus defeated Satan. However, he is still described in the Bible as the prince of the air. The Amplified Version states it this way in Ephesians 2:2: “You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].”
What are Satan’s tactics/maneuvers he uses to try to discredit God’s people by luring God’s people into sin?
These are a few of his “techniques”:
Deceit
Divisiveness
Denial
Self-centeredness
Deceit/lies – Satan showed this trait when he lied in the Garden of Eden to Eve. Why do people get caught up in lying? I think it is because lies seemingly serve our immediate purpose. Lying is only a temporary “fix”. But God knows, and He will reveal the truth in His timing. Satan is a liar and a murderer. John 8:44 states this clearly: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Divisiveness – Satan wants people to be divided. Competition lends itself to division. Unity protects, but division results in turmoil, distress, and in so many other ungodly behaviors. Matthew 12:25 gives us understanding of the results of division: “Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.”
Denial – What’s the old line – “The devil made me do it!” This was Adam and Eve’s line to God in Genesis 3:11-13: “And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done? The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
God was looking for truth. Truth frees us, denial entangles us, and leads us further away from God.
Self-centeredness – This was another aspect of the devil’s interaction with Eve. He wanted her to think all about herself. He wanted her to think God was selfish. But God is never selfish. He always seeks to do good for people. Jeremiah 29:11 states: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
How do God’s people discern Satan’s tactics?
God’s people need to be intentional students of the Word of God. Remember, the Word is a Person – Jesus. John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
From the study of God’s Word we learn how Jesus handled life. We learn from His teachings, and those in the entirety of Scripture what God approves and what He disapproves. The more we know the truth of God’s Word, His character and commands, the more equipped we are to discern the devil’s schemes.
Satan can come as an “angel of light” – 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” But God, through His Holy Spirit will equip His people to discern and respond in a God-honoring manner to the devil’s tactics.
When we study and know God’s truth, the lies of the devil become obvious.
How well do you know the Word of God? Do you have a personal, living and abundant relationship with Jesus so that you can discern between the work of God and the lies of Satan? If not, will you seek someone you can study the Scriptures with so you can be discerning?
I’d be glad to talk with you about a true relationship with Jesus. Perhaps you want to discuss the topic of this writing further? Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.
Living for Jesus, Donna
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Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.
Copyright 2025 Donna Shappy All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.