Three Ways the Devil Tries to Trick You

Ephesians 6:10-11 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Most times, when I read this verse and the surrounding pericope, I concentrate on the armor of God and the weapons God has provided me to fight in this battle against all things evil. God has given us His armor of offense and defense to fight and win battle after battle. But there is nothing wrong with taking a moment and thinking about the last phrase in this verse that mentions the “schemes of the devil” and meditating on what those might be. If we think about these schemes, we might be better prepared to face them when the serpent of old attempts to get us off track. Below are three ways the devil tries to trick you.

Trick Number One: He cultivates doubt and lies. (Genesis 3) One of the most significant doubts he plants in your heart is about how good God is. Satan will say, “How can a good God let something horrible happen to you?” Or, “Why would God make this difficult for you if He is loving?” Or one of His most used questions, “Why would a good God allow suffering?” However, God is a God of love and mercy and is the very definition of goodness. Psalms 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” 

Trick Number Two: He cultivates disunity and harmony among Christians (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Satan wants to come between you and me. He wants to sow division and conflict. He uses false teachers who initially seem to be in unity but only causes discord and hurt. We even have to be aware of the more minor conflict that sprouts up between brothers and sisters. The evil one is well-skilled at using misunderstandings to erode fellowship and spread discontent. We are stronger when we are together as one. Psalm 133 – Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

Trick Number Three: He cultivates sinful opportunities to get you off track. (1 John 2:15-16). Satan seeks out worldly things, situations, and actions to use as a distraction for you. We see new, shiny, and exciting things the world offers, and the devil wants us to be instantly gratified by all the material things. But it’s not just money or possessions that Satan uses. He also fosters a sense of hope, love, acceptance, and tolerance that the world has to offer. He uses politicians, celebrities, lifestyles, and worldly ambitions to lure you off the straight and narrow road. He makes you feel comfortable on the wide road that seems safer and smoother. Satan will use beautiful things, even good things, to draw your attention and devotion away from Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith”

These are not the only tricks Satan has. He has plenty from which to choose. And when one doesn’t work on you, he will attempt to use another.

But remember, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

~ Alexander Mills