OVERCOMING EIGHT STRATEGIES OF SATAN
Satan would like you to think that God does not require the same type of obedience under the New Covenant as He did under the Old Covenant, but he is a liar. All acts of disobedience are sin, regardless of how small or large. It is through our obedience that we enter into a relationship where we become one with God.
Jesus said if we obey His teaching, He and the Father will come and live within us. If we obey, we will be saved and inherit eternal life. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” (John 8:51).
It is reverent submission and obedience to God that rewards us with the ultimate victory over Satan. Jesus said:
“Not every one who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly – disregarding My commands.” (Matthew 7:21-23, TAB)
Paul told the Romans:
For it is not merely hearing the Law (read) that makes one righteous before God, but it is the doers of the Law who will be held guiltless and acquitted and justified. (Romans 2:13, TAB)
There are eight basic strategies Satan employs to lead you step by step into rebellion and disobedience against God:
- He will cause you to doubt God and His Word.
- He will tempt you to murmur against God.
- He will cause you to turn away from God.
- He will cause you to reject God’s voice and His Word.
- He will steal the fear of God out of your heart.
- He will cause you to fear man more than you fear God.
- He will cause you to reject God’s will and follow your own self-will.
- He will deceive you into compromising what God has spoken to you.
If you allow even one area of disobedience to God or His Word to remain, Satan has a stronghold he will use to lead you further into disobedience.
Examine each of these eight areas in your own life as you wait in the presence of God today.
Make this declaration:
Through God’s power, I will not doubt Him or His Word. I will not murmur against God, turn away from Him, or reject His voice, His Word, or His will. I will not fear man more than I fear God. I will not compromise.
