“Do not give the devil an opportunity.” – Ephesians 4:27
Be self-controlled and alert
“Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 5:9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. ”
—1 Peter 5:8-9
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
—2 Thessalonians 3:3
(John 17:15; James 4:7)
“Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! ”
—2 Corinthians 2:11
Satan tries to control my perspective, manipulate my thinking and exploit my foundational desires.
Deception
- With total lies that have been dressed up to look like the truth.
- With lies that have been mixed in with the truth.
- With misrepresentations of truth because it has been taken out of context.
Temptation
- With sensual pleasures.
- With money and possessions.
- With fame and power.
Accusation
- By condemning me of past sins that have already been confessed to God and forgiven.
- By creating false guilt about things for which God does not hold me responsible.
Distraction
- With entertaining diversions.
- With strategic crises.
Affliction
- Through mental and emotional torment.
- Through physical illness and disease.
Discouragement
- Through hopelessness.
Doubt
- By questioning God’s motives and character.
Division
- By focusing on differences in others.
- By being suspicious of the motivations of others.
- By harboring bitterness and unforgiveness toward others.
- By committing offenses against others or God.
Intimidation
- Through fear of failure.
- Through fear of rejection.
- Through fear of the unknown.
- Through fear of persecution.