On Guard | 2 Corinthians 2:11

“Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT)

 

Last month, we focused on the topic of revival, beginning or re-energizing a personal relationship with Christ. But we need to be aware that revival never goes unopposed. If the devil sees the embers of a spiritual awakening or renewal, he will do everything he can to douse them. So, in the next few weeks, we’re going to look at ways to protect ourselves from his attacks. 

The first thing we need to know about our enemy is that he tends to use the same tactics over and over again. I suppose he operates by the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He has used the same techniques and plans since the Garden of Eden, and they have worked with great effect to bring down countless people. Therefore, he just keeps bringing them back, generation after generation.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that we know how to plan for them. That’s why the apostle Paul wrote, “Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT).

The devil’s strategies are no mystery to people who study Scripture. The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). Paul wrote, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14 NLT). And Jesus Himself said, “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NLT). Because he’s a master of disguise and a skilled liar, we must always be on guard.

One of his go-to moves is to catch you off guard with a temptation that exploits a vulnerable area of your life. He’ll make the temptation as enticing as possible while downplaying its harmful potential. He’ll whisper things like, “Trust me on this. Stop resisting and give in to your desires. Live a little. Quit thinking about the consequences. You can get away with it. Who’s it going to hurt?” So, you take the bait and give in to temptation.

And that’s when the devil shouts, “What a hypocrite! Do you think God would ever hear your prayers after what you’ve done? And don’t even bother showing your face in church again!” Sadly, many people fall for his routine and allow their guilt and shame to separate them from God, His Word, and His people—the things they need most.

Just remember, no matter what you’ve done, no matter what temptation you’ve given in to, no matter what sin you’ve committed, God is always ready to forgive you if you’ll turn away from your sin and return to Him. Don’t let the devil isolate you from God’s Word and God’s people, because that’s exactly what he’s trying to do. Don’t let the devil outsmart you.

 

Reflection question: What tactics does the devil use to tempt you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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