Contrary to Hollywood’s misrepresentation of the Devil holding a pitchfork and dressed in a red suit, the Bible describes him as one that masquerades himself as an “angel of light.” It is essential for Christians to understand the nature and work of our enemy- Satan. Great military commanders have understood the importance of studying their enemy’s tactics before engaging in battle. We as Christians are engaged in a battle against our “adversary the devil” (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we must understand his tactics in order to outmaneuver his evil ploy.
Many Christians fall prey to the tactics of Satan because they are looking for him in the wrong places. Many remember that he is a “roaring lion” with an insatiable appetite for the souls of man. He seeks to devour all people, but he is smarter than we often realize. Satan is the master con-artist. He is the master-deceiver. He is the father of lies. And he uses his deceptive tactics to keep lost men from coming to the truth but to also keep Christians from growing in their faith.
Satan minions are not relegated to the bar, the nightclub, or the casino. Satan’s dominion already reigns in those places. Rather, Satan moves beyond the regions of spiritual darkness and advances his tactics into the kingdom of light. Christians forget that Satan has his own churches, ministers, seminaries, denominations, and authors. This is what we see in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15- “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness…” Vance Havner once said, “Satan does far more harm as an angel of light than as a roaring lion.” He said, “Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition.”
“All that glitters is not gold” in the sphere of Christian profession. Christians need to be on guard. This comes by knowing the way Satan works against God’s program. It is becoming apparent that we are living in the times when men “will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Satan is using the medium of “Christian” bookstores, “Christian” radio, and “Christian” television to spread his lies that are robed in “truth.” That is why we must be like the Bereans who “…received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Anchoring ourselves to the truth of Scripture will keep us from being carried away with “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) that Satan uses to oppose God’s work and God’s people.
~Pastor Aaron Francis
