One thing we are not as Christians is perfect. We all battle with sin, temptation, guilt, and shame. What makes us different is that we recognize that we need Jesus to fight the good fight.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
The essence of life is not in living but rather in knowing that life without God is meaningless. Every day, you have the choice to live a self-centered or God-centered life. You could rely on your own strength and abilities to get by, or you could allow God to prepare you and equip you for what He has called you to do.
“Real Christianity is not merely a religion; it is a relationship with a person.”
(Blackaby et al., 2007)
When we acknowledge that knowing God doesn’t come through a program or a method but rather by having a real, personal, unique relationship with a person, we begin to see that spiritual matters can only be understood by those who have the Spirit of God dwelling within them. And you better believe that where there is purpose, it will be met with opposition from the devil.
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Why the devil attacks
So, why should you know how the enemy attacks? First, you need to know who your enemy is. You have three: the world, your flesh, and the devil. Secondly, you need to know that the enemy only attacks what is valuable.
The verse that comes to mind to best explain this is 1 Peter 5:8–9 NIV. “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 suffering.”
Most people think of enemy attacks as big catastrophes, but they’re usually more subtle. I particularly love this verse because it tells you to be alert, stay ready, and be on your guard.
This is important because the devil likes to isolate us. Not only does he isolate you, he makes you feel worthless and crazy, especially when you give into temptation and sin. You are so saddled with guilt, shame, and regret for your actions that you think you are the only one who does this. You believe that you are a failure.
But 1 Peter 5:8–9 tells you that you are not alone. You are not the only Christian who struggles with sin. You know that the devil is a liar, a manipulator, a murderer, and so much more.
This is why you must be aware of the enemy’s schemes so that you can defend yourself against them. So that you can speak truth over yourself, your life, and your situation. After all, how can you expect to beat an enemy you can’t even identify?
How the Devil Attacks
Doubt
Satan uses doubt to undermine God’s authority and sovereignty over all things. When we are riddled with doubt, we begin to question God’s character and the promises He has made us. He likes to exploit moments of weakness and confusion.
The truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) When you do this, you can counter the devil by recalling God’s faithfulness and clinging to His love, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God.
Distraction
The devil is good at diverting our attention from God’s purpose and His will. He tempts us with worldly pursuits and pleasures and our fleshly desires. In this world, distractions are abundant, and he capitalizes on this by playing with our ambitions and worries, steering us away from God.
The truth: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) When you are focused on God, you prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures. Cultivate a habit of seeking God’s kingdom first, and the allure of the world won’t be so tempting.
Discouragement
The devil wants to magnify your failures, hardships, and setbacks. By doing this, doubt will begin to creep in. Your trials and tribulations are not something you should feel ashamed of. Don’t let your failures, weaknesses, and disappointments cause you to lose sight of God’s promises.
The truth: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Rely on God for strength and encouragement during difficult times. The assurance we have is that God will renew our strength and will work all things together for those who love Him, offering hope.
Defeat
So, the devil has you feeling overwhelmed, believing that you will never be victorious in your Christian walk. Well, I’m here to remind you that you’re an overcomer. Although you may struggle with sin and feel like the temptation is insurmountable, you can still surrender those feelings of hopelessness.
The truth: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Remember that we fight from victory, not for victory. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we’ve already won. Jesus won the ultimate victory over sin. So, don’t give up on your faith or give in to sinful desires. Continue to resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Delay
Procrastination and complacency are tools of the devil. He often employs these tactics to prevent you from fulfilling God’s purpose or following His commands. If you are constantly delaying taking action when prompted to do so or if you are put off by obedience, you may be under attack from the devil.
The truth: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36) Trust in God’s timing. Trust that greater is He who lives in you than He who is in the world. Persevere, and you will be richly rewarded.
Division
The devil seeks to sow seeds of discord and division among believers, causing strife, conflict, and disunity within the church and among fellow believers. Disunity weakens the body of Christ. By instigating conflict, gossip, and misunderstanding, he can hinder the spreading of the gospel.
The truth: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) If we hope to succeed, we must thwart the attempts of the enemy to sow division. Instead, practice humility, learn to forgive, and ask for forgiveness. Love others as you were instructed to do.
Deception
Satan is the father of lies. He will distort the truth and lead people astray. He doesn’t care what you do as long as you don’t serve and worship God. And if he has to, he will ensnare you in sin and falsehood.
The truth: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) By studying and meditating on the Word of God, you will be able to discern deception and stand firm in truth. He might be a master deceiver, but our God is greater.
Now that you know his tactics, you can begin to build a strong foundation in biblical truth. You can rely on God for his guidance and strength and commit to resisting the enemy’s schemes by praying and speaking scripture. Surround yourself with others who walk in obedience and who are anchored in their faith.
As Christians, we acknowledge our imperfections and the battles we face, but what sets us apart is the recognition of our need for Jesus to see us through. Jesus said that we should deny ourselves daily to take up our cross and follow him. So, arm yourself with truth; this way, no tactic that the devil employs will cause you to stumble.
I hope you can navigate the spiritual battleground with confidence, knowing that the victory ultimately belongs to God.
I’d love to hear from you! What tactics have you recognized the devil using in your own life, and how have you countered them? Comment down below.
Source Reference (s): Blackaby, H., Blackaby, R., & King, C. (2007). Experiencing God (Revised and Expanded) [Softcover]. LifeWay Press.