DISCERNMENT OF SATAN’S DEVICES: Take Heed-Arm Yourselves Against Satan’s Traps 

The theme for this week’s Devotional is DISCERNMENT OF SATAN'S DEVICES. Our God has bestowed upon us the spiritually intellectual ability to comprehend beyond what our natural eye sees, beyond face value. Oh what a gift and our team of writers will encourage your hearts through God’s Word and their testimonies!

SCRIPTURE: “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For, If I indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ. 11 Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." II Corinthians 2:10-11

Disorder and undisciplined Saints are crucial matters in the body of Christ; of such that the church must deal with it  to prevent infecting the whole Church. (Matthew 18:15-17) -knowing about ones’ disobedience and turning a blind eye to it, (within the church family) allows the church to fall in the influence of the “wicked one.” He loves to incite disunity in individuals as well as the Church. His design is to destroy unity among God’s elect. He will tempt you to ignore sin, refuse to forgive, and become stones for stumbling. When there is unforgiveness among us, we give him the opportunity to become stones for stumbling. Forgiveness is not conditional, nor is it earned. It is unconditional.  “Let the redeemed say so”!

Discernment of Satan’s devices is to recognize and resist his schemes, he who is an enemy of God. Satan, in the Bible is referred to by multiple names. Each name is associated with his deceptive character. Roaring lion depicts his way of prowling about (I Peter 5:8, Ezekiel 22:25); Day Star indicates his fall from Heaven (Luke 10:18, Isaiah 14:12); tempter refers to his ability to lead people to sin (Matthew 4:3); Father of lies references his natural deceptive ability to lead people astray (John 8:44); Devil denotes him as a slanderer or accuser (Hebrews 2:14, Ephesians 4:27); Serpent involves his cunning behavior (Genesis 3:1-6); The name Dragon reveals his power and ferocity are among the many names to referenced the evil one. His crafty design is meant to find you unaware. Believers ought not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices in warfare, because they demonstrate that he hates you, wants to hurt us, desires to make life hard, separates us from God and eventually destroys our relationship with Him. Do not underestimate his power. We must be aware of the weapons and tactics; understand his traps and how these weapons are used to interrupt our lives (individually and corporately) …because our spiritual life depends on it.

Every written devotional should drive readers to God’s Word to acknowledge for themselves what ”thus says the Lord God (Jeremiah 14:10-12).” Know the Word of God that you may test everything by it. The Word is living, powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and it equips us for good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, the Holy Bible (God’s Word) warns us to be sober-minded and watchful for Satan sneaks about aiming to devour those who are unaware of his tactics (I Peter 5:8). Combat him by putting on the whole armor of God, so that you can stand against his tactics (Ephesians 6:11). That armor includes the helmet of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

 Don’t forget to “pray for one another (James 5:16).” Ask God for wisdom. For, your God ”will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). We have the Holy Spirit; (the Spirit of Truth) to lead us into all truths, and convict of sin (John 16:13-14). Guard against Satan’s tools of envy, pride, lust of forbidden pleasures. You should resist the devil, by submitting yourselves to God; follow Him, and live a life to the glory of the Lord God.

Prayer: Lord, I have come to glean from Your Word that discernment of Satan’s devices is important for every Christians; for, we engage in spiritual warfare- against forces of darkness. Therefore, we need not be ignorant, but wise- relying on Your power and grace to overcome. With You, all things are possible. You, ”give us victory through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).” In Jesus’ name. Amen, Amen!
By: Sis. Novella D Carpenter