The Enemy's Plot

It is no secret that Satan targets Christians. We are a threat to him simply by our association to Jesus Christ, and the enemy will do all he can to defeat us emotionally, mentally and spiritually while we're on this earth.

He can't have your soul, but he can try his hardest to steal your joy.

If you don't study Scripture and understand the enemy's plot — his tactics for warfare against you — there is no way to stand against him. He wants to keep you ignorant and confused so you'll be useless to the Lord and His plan. God has given us the weapons, and now it's up to us to see the devil's schemes for what they are.

* He will provoke you to do things you wouldn't normally do. (1 Chronicles 21:1)

* He wants to sow tares into the field of the world. (Matthew 13:37-39)

* He will hinder the word of God any chance he gets. (Mark 4:15)

* He will work for a while, then leave for a season before returning. (Luke 4:13)

* He wants nothing more than to bind you. (Luke 13:16)

* He is nothing but a murderer and there is no truth in him. (John 8:44)

* He comes only to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)

* His target is your heart. (John 13:2)

* He speaks nothing but lies, to you and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5:3)

* His favorite tool is oppression. (Acts 10:38)

* He uses subtlety and mischief to get his way. (Acts 13:10)

* He turns people away from light and toward darkness. (Acts 26:18)

* He wants to see the destruction of flesh. (1 Corinthians 5:5)

* He will tempt you away if you are not consistent. (1 Corinthians 7:1)

* He is always looking for an advantage into your life. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

* He will hinder you any way he possibly can. (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

* He will gladly turn you aside from the Lord. (1 Timothy 5:15)

* He is continually on the prowl to see who he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8)


But there is so much hope.

* He knows he has a short time left. (Revelation 12:12)

* He has already been cursed to everlasting fire, prepared just for him. (Matthew 25:41)

* He will spend eternity in torment. (Revelation 20:10)

* We have been given power over him by Jesus Christ Himself. (Luke 10:19)

* He can't have a place in your life unless you give it to him. (Ephesians 4:25)

* The armor God gives us will stand against the devil's wiles. (Ephesians 6:11)

* Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7)


The mighty Lord we serve has come to bring us life more abundant. We're not bound to the misery and subtlety of the enemy because God has provided us with ways to defeat him time after time. I encourage you today to recognize the lies of Satan, turn to God's word for truth and stand firm in your faith. He is a conquered foe, and we can live a joy-filled life that is pleasing to God despite the enemy's best efforts. What a promise!

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