Satan's Devices

"...for we are not ignorant of his devices." (II Corinthians 2:11)

If you want to know what Satan will do, find out what he has done. We are blessed to have a book that tells us what he is up to. The book of Nehemiah tells the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah and the people came to Jerusalem with a clear mandate from God. They said, "Let us arise and build" for they "had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 2:20) But when God's people have a mind to work, Satan has a mind to wreck; when God's people seek to build, Satan seeks to blast. Just look at some of the darts Satan threw at these people as they began to build.

1. The dart of derision. Their enemies laughed them to scorn. They ridiculed their efforts - "even if a fox were to go up against those walls they would fall" (4:3)

2. The dart of discouragement. Even the builders said, "there's too much rubbish and we cannot finish the walls". (4:10) The devil uses discouragement to get us down!

3. The dart of danger. The adversaries said you'll not know when or where we'll pounce on you to destroy and kill. (4:11). Threat of harm!

4. The dart of discord. The Devil delights when God's people "fight among themselves". His plan is "divide and conquer". Satan is tenacious and if one dart doesn't work, he will try another. He sows discord among brethren to distract us from our mission.

5. The dart of distraction. When their enemies saw that they were not winning, they offended negotiation. They invited Nehemiah to "come to the plains of Ono" and talk about it. But, Nehemiah knew their motive was mischief (6:1-4). The mandate God has given his people is nonnegotiable, There can be no compromise with this world.

6. The dart of defamation. If you cannot stop the work, then embarrass or defame the character of the leader. The enemy sent a letter to the King in which he used rumor and innuendo. The purpose was to slander the motive of this man of God. (6:5-7).

7. The dart of dismay. The enemy used fear tactics, "for they were trying to make us afraid" (6:9). A secret informer said, "Go in the temple and close the doors, for they are coming to kill you" (v.10). The Devil uses fear to weaken us.

8. The dart of deception. A false prophet who claimed to be Nehemiah's friend with a message from God said, "Go in the Temple and lock yourself in". But Nehemiah perceived that he was a hireling, sent by the enemy. How did he know? Because what he said did not square with the Word of God. That part of the Temple was reserved only for the priest of God, and Nehemiah was not a priest. Knowing the Word of God will keep you from being deceived.

Satan continues to throw his darts! What he has done, he will do. To be forewarned is to be forearmed!