The Christians in Corinth faced troubled times, and Paul did not want them to be taken by surprise by the various methods Satan uses to make us stumble. So, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to inform them of the “devices,” or tools Satan uses against God’s people. In his devices he seeks to gain an “advantage” over us, 2 Corinthians 2:11. Satan’s “devices” are still in use, and each generation continues to be vulnerable to them.
Discouragement
If you watch the news every day, it’s pretty easy to get discouraged. It seems that all news is bad. Terrorism lurks. The economy is tottering. Morality is losing. Iraq is threatening. Death reigns on the highway. Drugs and alcohol proliferate. Mankind is in deep trouble!
But what good is it if we become so discouraged that we give in to Satan’s devices? Jeremiah had a dose of it, and Elijah tasted it too. Sure, he has a lot of tools to use against us. Yes, he can throw “fiery darts” at us. He has won a few battles. Man has degraded himself in the past, but we don’t have to continue to do so.
Over twenty years ago, syndicated journalist Russell Baker wrote the following tongue-in-cheek article:
“So, here I am sitting with the continents shifting, and the killer bees coming, and the ocean eating away at the shore, and the galaxy racing across the universe, and the thermo-nuclear 30-times-over bombs stacked up around me, and only the gravity holding me onto the planet…And as I sit here, 93 million miles from the sun, I am feeling absolutely miserable, and realize with self-pity and despair, that I am getting old.”
Baker used humor to show the folly of fear and the discouragement that can overcome us. The fears we face are different in 2002, but discouragement can still destroy quicker than global warming or nuclear bombs.
Overconfidence
This, the flip side of discouragement, can be just as devastating. “Nothing can happen to me,” or “those problems touch only other people” are the benchmarks of this device of Satan. Simon Peter was brought down temporarily by this tool of Satan. Jesus warned Peter that he would betray Him (Matthew 26:34-35, 69-75). Peter’s response to Jesus’ warning was:
“Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.”
Unfortunately, Peter underestimated the power of Satan’s devices, and overestimated his strength. As a result, Peter denied Jesus three times before witnesses.
In December, 1941, America was supremely sure of itself, though evidence of eminent war was everywhere. As a result, the attack on Pearl Harbor had a deadly impact on our military strength. Overconfidence can devastate people…and nations. Boldness, confidence and aggressive evangelism can go hand in hand, and can bring many to Christ. But the power is not in man or in man’s devices. The power is in the Gospel.
Compromise
There are times in which mutual concessions may be appropriate—politics, business, etc. But God’s truths must never be compromised. There is great temptation to please or cater to our peers, thereby ignoring the truth of God. In Numbers 22-25 we read of Balaam’s attempt at pleasing God and the king of Moab at the same time. It was a miserable failure. He even cried out
“Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” Numbers 23:10.
You can’t live as Balaam lived, yet still die the death of the righteous. Couldn’t then—can’t now. Compromise is one of Satan’s most effective devices today. Reject it!
Procrastination
“I’m going to be a strong, capable, spiritually minded father and husband…some day.” These sentiments are typical for today’s procrastinator. They are always going to do some great thing—“some day.” Right now is not at all convenient, so “I’m going to do it some day.” I know several men who, right now, are putting off the most important decision of their lives. Just as the governor, Felix, those men are seeking a “convenient season,” Acts 24:25. “It will be easier, later.” “I’m not ready yet.” “I’m not good enough yet.” “I’ve got to get my life in order, first.” These are mere excuses for not doing what must be done. Putting it off does not take the obligation away—it only defers it to some time in the future. Meanwhile, the agony of knowing a task is left undone eats at you and makes you miserable. Why not take care of today’s responsibilities today, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2.
Satan is crafty, tireless and capable. He seeks your soul and mine. These are some of the tools in his tool box, but, being familiar with them, you can resist every temptation. He doesn’t give up easily. He’s happy with small victories. He keeps coming at you, and if you go to sleep, he’s got you. Don’t let him get you. Fight him today and tomorrow. Don’t give up.
