What Are Satan's Aims and Strategies?

　　A wartime mindset must include shrewd knowledge of enemy tactics. Ephesians 5:11, "Take no part in unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

　　Christianity stands or falls with the reality of Satan and demons. Why? Because Jesus spent his whole ministry fighting them. If they are not real he is reduced to a comic figure.

What Is Satan's Goal? What Are His Tactics?

　　Therefore, his chief enemy is truth - he opposes God's word. Genesis 3:1-5He casts doubt on God's goodness. Genesis 3:1-5He destroys the obedience of faith.

　　He opposes the truth reaching and converting people.

　　He hinders missions strategy. 1 Thess. 2:18He distorts and prevents effective Gospel message. Acts 13:8-9He avoids inner need by removing external trouble. 1 John 3:12He uses the fear of death to hold men in bondage. Hebrews 2:15It doesn't lead them to God because it leads them to get as many kicks here as possible.

　　He causes people to stumble over bad Christian attitudes. 2 Tim. 2:24-26He blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Cor. 4:4He exploits a lack of understanding. Mt 13:19He suggests ways that don't involve suffering. Mt 16:23; Mt 4:1-11He imitates religious roles. 2 Cor. 11:14-15; Mt 13:28-30; Rev. 2:9He misuses Scripture. Mt 4:6He imitates signs and wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9; Mk 13:22He offers exotic occult alternatives. Rev. 2:19-24He attacks faith to destroy believers:

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　　attacks faith. 1 Thess. 3:5; 2 Cor. 11:3brings persecution. Rev. 2:9; 1 Pet. 5:8; Luke 22:31brings sickness. Job 1:11; 2:5; Luke 13:16.dissension over doctrine and causes rifts. Rom. 16:17-20sexual allurements. 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 5:15unresolved anger. 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:27pride. 1 Tim. 3:6We began with liar and end with pride. Connection: the truth is that God is God and we are not. It is humbling. The only way to rebel against the lowliness of creaturehood is to be a liar. Humility under God is the great devil resistance (James 4:6–7).

　　By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: [email protected]. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/eugenekeebler