DEVICES

Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his DEVICES – 2 Corinthians 2:11

On this Prophetic Adventure into Victory, we must unmask the devils’ DEVICES and unveil Satanic strategies. Many good, faithful, zealous children of God do not know the tactics of the enemy, and end up being victims, rather than Victors. Lack of knowledge of the enemy’s devices has caused many believers to fall or fail (Hos.4:6a). Many open the trap doors of calamity, destruction, and even death by not knowing the enemy’s wiles. Others end up as casualties in spiritual warfare. Although Jesus did not exalt the devil by discussing him, He exposed him by teaching the disciples of his devices. We have a mandate from God to know our enemy’s devices if he is not to get an advantage or an upper hand over us. Exposing the devil is not our priority; knowing God is. But anything that hinders our relationship with God or attempts to abort His Victory plan in our lives must be dealt with decisively. Our Lord Jesus exposed Satan’s lies and dealt openly with him and his demons, teaching and demonstrating to us our dominion over them (Lk.10:17-20).

As believers, we enter into the benefits of Christ’s finished work of Redemption; but the new birth does not automatically eliminate demonic influences or attacks. The Lord Jesus Himself personally confronted the devil throughout His ministry (Lk.4: 1-11; Acts 10:38). The disciples also had to stand against the schemes of Satan in their lives (Mt.16:20-22; 26:33-34). The devil will attempt to put his devices to work no matter the level of maturity we walk in (1Cor.10:12). And Ignorance gives ground and entrance to the schemes of the devil. It gives him freedom to pursue and conquer without being noticed.  Satan’s devices are also referred to as his wiles (Eph.4:14). The myriad of activities of Satan and his demons, which are becoming more modernised and sophisticated by the day, may be classified into Seven main areas, namely:

Temptation: this is aimed at bringing people – believers specifically and mankind in general – under his control. If Satan could tempt our Lord Jesus Christ, who else can he not attempt to tempt? (Mt.4:1-11; Mk.1:13; Lk.4:1-13). To be tempted is not sin. Falling into temptation is sin. God assures His children of a way of escape in every temptation (1Cor.10:13).

Sin: this is rebellion against divine authority (Ephe.2;2; 1Jh.3:8).

Deception: this is the most pervading strategy of Satan. It was the first weapon used on humanity (Gen.3:1-4, 13). It is the devils last day weapon on the nations (2The.12:9).

Accusation: Satan is the “Accuser of the brethren” (Rev.12:10). He accused Joshua the high priest (Zech.3:1-2)

Afflictions and Oppression: demons hold people captive (1Tim.3:7; 2Tim.2:26); trouble people (1sam.16:14); oppress people (Acts 10:38); vex people (Acts 5:16); bind people (Lk.13:16); and torment people (Lk.9:42). Demonic fear, for example, has torment (1Jh.4:18).

Opposition: Satan and his hosts are involved in a great spiritual war against God and His Kingdom. They oppose God’s ministers (Mt.13:19; 2Cor.1:8). Demons buffet people (2Cor.12;7); and they resist the saints (Zech.3:1-3).

Possession and Death: death is the ultimate manifested power of Satan; but Jesus has conquered death through His resurrection (Heb.2:14; 1jh.3:12). Possession is a form of temporary death. It denotes demonic occupancy and in some cases “ownership” of a person; allowing indwelling control, and bondage at will.

We must however be re-assured that Satan’s activities are limited by God, especially towards God’s children (Lk.22:31). Satan could not touch Job without divine permission (Job 1:6-12). Though the devil is powerful, he is not all-powerful. Though he is wise, he is not omniscient. He is like a wild dog that is held on God’s chain and can only go as far as permitted. Our Father has not told us to be afraid of these devices, but to be aware of them (2Cor.2:11).