Martin Luther had a dream in which he stood on the Day of Judgment before God Himself — and Satan was there to accuse him. When Satan opened his books full of accusations, he pointed to transgression after transgression of which Luther was guilty. As the proceedings went on, Luther’s heart sank in despair. Then he remembered the cross of Jesus — and turning upon Satan, he said, “There is one entry which you have not made in your books, Satan.” “What is that?” retorted the Devil. And Luther answered, “It is this — that Christ died for my sins.” Because of that very reason…we don’t have to give in to Satan and be defeated by his weapons! We must be very careful because he, like a lion stalking his prey, is on the prowl to ruin our lives.
He uses many tactics to deceive, but here a just a few that we need to be aware of…
Satan Works Miracles
The unsaved world is often tricked into following Satan because he can work many signs and wonders. Pharaoh’s magicians were able to duplicate some of God’s plagues upon Egypt. Remember that Satan’s two “beasts” will be able to work many miracles during the Tribulation.
Rev. 13:3-4 – And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Satan Warps Minds
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” l Cor. 4:4
If you have ever tried to present a Christian view of an issue to an unbeliever, many times it can be very frustrating. You may feel as if you’re not even on the same planet. The reason is that their mind has been so affected by Satan that you wonder how they can believe the things they do. All of a sudden you begin to realize the truth of Proverbs 1:7—”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
Satan Wears Masks
One of Satan’s most dangerous powers is his subtlety (Gen. 3:1). He can transform himself into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:4). He has many “wiles” (Eph. 6:11). He comes to man in the guise of spirituality. His subtlety is seen in his tempting man when he is weak. Christ had just been fasting for forty days when Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread. He also subtly attacks a man after a great success (I Kings 18-19).
The bottom line…we must beware because Satan is on the prowl! Never forget this truth…as a Christian, you can claim this promise from scripture…Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world! We don’t have to give in!