That ancient serpent called Satan has succeeded on several occasions by deceiving humans. He is still playing tricks luring people into eternal destruction. It’s time to know about his deceptive schemes so that you don’t become a victim.
This post aims to expose some of the things or ways Satan uses to deceive people. I believe this write-up will help everyone to not live in ignorance. I will share with you Biblical truths that will help you stay alert and be aware of the crafty schemes of the devil.
Ignorance is a painful ‘disease’ so Paul said we are not ignorant of the Devil’s crafty schemes. He said:
“That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
This sounds very interesting. I believe, as believers —sons and daughters of the Light, we must always shine to drive out every darkness in our lives and around us.
Satan is known as the father of lies. (John 8:44) He is the grandmaster of deception and anyone who delights in deception is a son or daughter to Satan.
He has a big mission of misleading the world into eternal destruction. He knows very well that if he tells people the truth they will reject him.
Humans who have carnal minds also have tickling ears. A little whisper of lies makes them happy and submissive to the schemes of the Devil.
Now let me remind you of what happened in the garden of Eden. Satan succeeded in lying to Adam and Eve. This brought curses on both; Satan, Adam, and Eve, and even the land we till before we eat.
This accursed creature has no truth in him and there is no redemption for him. He has vowed to oppose the good things of the Lord. Thankfully, there is redemption for humans through Jesus Christ.
After deceiving humankind in the garden, this father of lies tried his tricks on Jesus too. What happened then? On three consecutive times, he failed. He couldn’t deceive Jesus, the Son of God. (Luke 4)
How The Devil Deceives People
Before I talk about some of the things or how the devil deceives people, let me enlighten you about the nature of Satan.
If you call yourself a Christian, you are always on the radar of Satan. Oh Yes, he would try so hard to pin you down with his forklift without you realizing that the devil has imprisoned you.
It’s quite unfortunate that many Christians are in spiritual prisons because the devil has deceived them. Don’t be a victim. Let me help you to stay alert all the time.
Do you think the devil is wise? No, he is not wise. If you are in Christ Jesus then you are wiser than the devil.
Many have mistaken Satan as a wise creature. I think that is inappropriate to call him “wise.” The most relevant word for him is “cunning” or “crafty.”
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Satan doesn’t have the fear of the Lord so he lacks wisdom. That is why he does sinful things and abominations in the sight of the Lord. Jesus Christ is the source of wisdom. He is our Provider, Protector, and everything.
By saying wisdom, I mean heavenly wisdom. Yes, wisdom from above is what the Lord gives to His children so that they can live wisely in this crooked world.
“Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15 – 17)
Now get ready to learn about how the devil deceives people.
Things Satan Uses To Deceive
The Bible calls this ancient foe god of the world. He is ruling this world through deception. This father of lies knows how to trick his children into sinning against God.
1. Money
Surely, I have to start with money. Money is powerful. King Solomon once said money answers all things. In 1 Timothy 6:12, it reads: “The love of money is the root of all evils.”
Those who fail to love God by pursuing righteousness fall into Satan’s trap of using money to lure them. These victims develop an insatiable taste for money. They put their faith and trust in money —hence idolizing it. The love of money is idolatry.
The Bible reminded us that you can’t serve two masters. You can’t serve mammon (god of money) and the Supreme God at the same time.
“Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Because of the greed for money, many are going to perish on the dreadful day of the Lord. The Bible has commanded all Christians to be content with what they have.
2. Sex (Immorality)
Sex is a sacred thing that must be honored by married couples. This is one major thing the devil is using to deceive people into destruction. Look around, our society has given much attention to perverse lifestyles calling it “normal.”
Immorality comes from fleshly desires. This satisfaction leads to eternal destruction. Sexual sin grieves the Holy Spirit. There is no valid excuse for anyone who indulges in immoral life. The best thing is to repent and break free from the devil’s power.
1 Corinthians 6:9 – 10 and Galatians 5:16 -25 talk about living by the Spirit so that you don’t fulfill the desire of the flesh which satan is using as a tool to destroy people.
Sadly, some of the women in this world have commodified their bodies. With their provocative dressing and multimillion-dollar advertisement deals push them to expose part of their bodies which leads people to sin against God.
The youth today also find this normal and this is ruining our generation because the devil has taken control. Sexual sin begins in the heart. Wake up children of God!
3. Internet/Social Media/TV
Many Christians fall into this category. In the first place, making use of the Internet or social media is not a sin. But how you use it will decide. Satan being so crafty knows how to capture the minds of vulnerable Christians by presenting to them addictive programs that don’t glorify God.
Instead of a Christian feeling ashamed of watching nude photos or videos on screens, he/she will laugh in excitement. You can’t be a serious Christian.
If you can’t capitalize on technology to spread the gospel, study the word of God, and share valuable information that helps build you and others up spiritually then you are tripping.
Think again and don’t let social media take the place of God in your life. How many minutes do you spend with God a day? Compare this to the minutes you spend doing ungodly things through technology.
It’s sad to know about the number of Christians addicted fo pornography. The devil has used it to win their minds and souls.
Pornography has mental, physical, and spiritual effects on people. Demonic forces come into play… The devil would be controlling your soul. Break free!
On social media, YouTube, TV, etc, erotic scenes are common to both adults and children. These explicit videos including pornography are leading people into deep sin that results in addiction.
4. Material Wealth
I don’t want to elaborate on this point because it relates to money in point number one. Satan told Jesus to bow down to him so that he gives him the kingdoms of th world.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their grandeur. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You are to worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” (Matthew 4:8 – 10)
He is still telling the children of God to bow down to him in exchange for material wealth. We have heard people confess they have sold their souls to the devil in exchange of wealth and other perishable materials.
The Bible sent a big caution to us by asking; what will you gain if you get everything in this world and lose your precious soul? (Mark 8:36)
Your soul is priceless so don’t sell it at a cheap price for the devil. Seek salvation for your soul through Christ. Never allow Satan to deceive you with these things.
If you are in any of these categories, it is time you repent and hold onto the true faith for Christ is coming for his children.
In fact, there are several other ways the devil uses to deceive and some are through fame, power, false promises, fake miracles, signs and wonders, etc
You would never be happy to hear him say:
“… ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels!” (Matthew 24:41)
Thanks for reading through. I welcome your comments and contributions. If need more spiritual lessons about this feel free to send me a message via the contact page. May the Lord guide us through the path of righteousness. Amen!
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