Distraction, Addiction and Destruction: Satan's Schemes
05/12/10
We all experience pitfalls. Everyone of us. Including you! Two of Satan’s most formidable weapons wielded against believers are ignorance and deception. However, I have good news for you. If you have slipped into a pit, you can learn so much from your “pit” experience.
One of the most priceless gifts you can bring out of the pit is newfound knowledge. Simply put, you can be a whole lot smarter coming out than going in. You are no longer innocent, but you have the glorious opportunity to trade in your innocence for integrity.
Once we emerge from our “pit” we have the great opportunity to unmask Satan’s sinister lies in the lives of others. In I John 2, John writes that spiritual young men and women are strong, the Word of God abides in them and they have overcome the Evil One. The mature believer knows that the journey he or she travels is filled with pitfalls and mine fields. The apostle Paul exhorts us to put on the armor of God and to stand on the offense against spiritual attacks. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
When the Bible speaks of satanic schemes, it speaks of a well-contrived program based on a step b y step progressive plan. Though Satan cleverly tailors the specifics to fit individual weaknesses, I believe the Enemy’s plan remains consistent: distraction, addiction and destruction.
Satan’s definitive goal is to reap destruction, but that’s rarely his starting point. His usual opening is distraction. Scripture has a name for a small distraction that becomes a big distraction. It’s called a satanic stronghold. Scripture defines it as any and every “pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Strongholds usually begin with a place of vulnerability that becomes a pre-occupation. A friendship with a co-worker can easily become an emotional attachment. A fascination with material possessions can quickly become greed. Any fleeting temptation not kept in check and placed at the feet of Jesus can become addictive. We need “it” more than we need “Him.”
You see, a stronghold is something we have. A pit is somewhere we live. “Don’t live an longer like those who are darkened in their wunderstanding and separated from the life of god because of the ignorance that is in them dies to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.”
No matter how far you’ve slipped away from God, there is hope. Satan cannot destroy you. Wise up and let the Holy spirit reveal truth to you. don’t let the enemy capitalize on an area of ignorance and detour a healthy drive into a deep ditch.
The Word is your sword. Hold Onto your Savio and He will rescue you. You will emerge from the pit wiser, stronger and kinder.
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only god our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore." Jude 24
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