The following article appeared in our March 2006 Newsletter. As we continue to intercede for one another and for this world, we would do well to remember how our enemy works.
Recently, Christine and I watched The Exorcism of Emily Rose. I don’t normally care for horror movies, but this one is fascinating and thought-provoking. It is loosely based on a true story and directed by a Christian man. In fact, the main point of the movie is to get the audience to wrestle with the reality of the spiritual world (both good and evil). And to that end, it does the trick. After watching this film, we stayed up an extra hour processing what we had just seen.
Even so, I have mixed feelings about this kind of portrayal of the devil. On the one hand, the Bible is very clear that demon possession is a reality in this world and Jesus and His disciples encountered many demons in their time. Likewise, we cannot deny that exorcism is a biblical practice (Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17), though it certainly may be misapplied (Acts 19:13-16), and it’s good for us to take the spiritual world seriously.
On the other hand, much of what we “know” about the devil, we get from horror movies, and these movies neglect to even mention the “normal” activities of the evil one. Believe it or not, the Prince of Darkness has quite a lengthy to-do list that goes well beyond tormenting young girls and terrifying priests. In fact, when you search the Scriptures to see all that he’s really doing, it’s enough to make your head spin! (Sorry…couldn’t resist.)
As we begin our study of spiritual warfare (based on Ephesians 6:10-18), we must seek a more accurate understanding of the devil’s work in the world and in the church. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11 not to be outwitted by the devil. To avoid this trap, we must become aware of his schemes, many of which are not all that sensational. The following is a list out just 10 of Satan’s typical activities so that we can recognize them and be ready to battle against them:
THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES IN THE WORLD
1) He blinds the eyes of people so that they cannot understand and believe the Gospel. (Mark 4:15, Luke 8:12, 2 Cor. 4:4)
2) He spreads lies about God and His people in order to turn others from the faith. (John 8:44, Acts 13:10, Rev. 2:9, 12:9)
3) He inspires unbelievers to kill and persecute God’s people in an attempt to oppose the progress of the Gospel. (John 8:44, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Revelation 2:10)
4) He performs miracles and wonders in the world to lead people astray. (2 Thessalonians 2:9)
5) He uses physical infirmities to hold people captive (Luke 13:16) NOTE: He is also used by God to keep us humble through these same infirmities (2 Corinthians 12:7)
THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES IN THE CHURCH
1) He tempts us to sin, particularly sins of greed, sexual immorality, anger, pride, malicious gossip, unbelief, bitter envy, selfish ambition, anxiety, hatred and apathy. (Acts 5:3, 1 Cor. 7:5, Ephesians 4:26-27, 1 Timothy 3:6-7, 5:14-15, 2 Timothy 2:26, James 3:15, 4:7, 1 Peter 5:6-8, 1 John 3:8-10)
2) He accuses us of sins that have already been forgiven and tries to convince us that God could never accept someone as filthy as us (Zechariah 3:1-4, Revelation 12:10)
3) He keeps us from forgiving and fully restoring believers who have repented from their sins (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
4) He plants false teachers in the church to lead us astray (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)
5) He tempts believers to put our own comfort and well-being ahead of the work of the Gospel (Matthew 16:23)
A bit overwhelming is it not? You can understand why Martin Luther wrote of our Ancient foe: “His craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate. On earth is not his equal” And this is why Paul exhorts us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power so that we may stand! (Ephesians 6:10-11) With all this in mind, let’s be aware of the devil’s schemes and be in fervent prayer against them for ourselves, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the countless souls held captive to his will.