THE WILES OF THE DEVIL

Wiles = a trick or deceit Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph. 6:11
Balance in our beliefs about Satan

Why is Satan a master at deceit?

1. He belongs to a higher order than man ⁷ You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. Hebrews 2:7

2. He has greater experience than man

3. He can transform himself in many ways ¹⁴ And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Satan’s Plan

To counterfeit God’s plan ¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Isaiah 14:14

Satan’s Devices
1. Mimic God’s work

2. Open opposition

3. Discouragement

4. Sidetracks

5. Temptations

6. Stagnation

7. Any device to keep believer from normal and proper maturity

Our defense

¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- Ephesians 6:1-24

1. Intercession of Jesus ²⁵ Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

2. Truth

3. Righteousness

4. Readiness to do the will of God

5. Faith

6. Helmet of salvation

7. Sword of the Spirit

8. Prayer

Christ lives in me, greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world, He will never leave me nor forsake me.

*Gal. 2:20,1John 4:4, Heb. 13:5

The above lesson is based on the book by Charles Ryrie, Balancing the Christian Life