Welcome Friends
Thank you for your dedication and for joining me on a journey to change ourselves so that we can change the world. How can we change ourselves if we don’t know what to change? This is why it is crucial to understand Satan, his tools, and the tactics he uses to lead us away from God’s truth.
so, in order to change ourselves, we need to understand satan.
1 Peter 5:8 warns us
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Never run from satan, but resist him
Let’s begin with:
Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
I hope this lesson accomplishes two objectives:
1. To increase your awareness of Satan’s tactics, so you can steer clear of these traps.
2. To open your eyes and take you back to a time in your life where you can recognize how satan might have influenced your circumstances so you can avoid this pitfall in the future
“Don’t Feed the Bear.” This saying reminds us to be mindful about what we share with others,
as it may leave a lasting, unfavorable impression. It’s a reminder not to give someone something that they cannot easily forget or overcome.
- Your roommate has expressed frustration about her friend’s inappropriate behavior, which has unintentionally fired up your anger. This may result in a lasting resentment towards that person in your heart.
- When a daughter confides in her mother about her husband’s frustrating behavior, it can cause the mother to develop feelings of anger towards her son-in-law. This situation may result in the mother struggling with lingering resentment against him.
- A divorced father shares his frustrations with his adult children regarding their mother leaving a negative image in the adult child’s mind. As a result, the adult child could harbor negative feelings towards their mother.
Proverbs 16:28 “A person malicious stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Being cautious of how we are sharing personal information is crucial. We must ask ourselves if we are truly seeking help and advice, or if we are just venting and complaining.
Venting, often referred to as drama, is precisely just that—drama. In relationships, such behavior contributes no positive value and can negatively impact the other person’s perception allowing satan more of a foothold for division while on the other hand, genuinely seeking advice should create sensitivity in our hearts towards other’s circumstances.
Let us take a moment to reflect and let this sink within our hearts…..
the choice between genuinely seeking advice rather than satan’s devious tactic of instilling negative thoughts in other’s minds.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
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Assumptions:
A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
Assumptions leading to negative emotions are often used by satan to create division in relationships
There is nothing beneficial about negative assumption as it just causes unnecessary stress, anxiety, anger, hurt which can lead to division.
Satan encourages us to jump to conclusions without proper communication
Satan encourages us to assume the worst about others intentions
1. Assumptions often lead to misunderstandings, where intentions and actions are misinterpreted, causing conflict.
2. When we assume the worst, we weaken the foundation of trust and once broken, is hard to rebuild.
3. Negative assumptions can keep us from forgiveness, as we hold onto “perceived” wrongs
Let us come together and before jumping to conclusions,
1. let’s commit to seeking the facts though open communication and steering clear of assumption
2. keep a positive mindset rather than assuming the worst.
By being aware of the dangers of negative assumptions, we can protect our relationships from this devious tactic of Satan and build stronger, more trusting relationship with others.
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Rushing can be a deceptive tactic that must be used with caution of in our relationships:
1. rushed can carry a greater risk of miscommunication.
2. rushing may lead to incomplete information.
3. rushing can prevent us from fully listening, resulting in inaccurate memories.
Satan aims is to create division through any means possible, and one of his devious tactics he can use is rushing. When we are rushed, we really don’t have time to think or listen completely
We can see why it’s important to avoid rushing,
Let’s slow down and If something is unclear, ask for clarification. This helps ensure that both parties are on the same page.
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Here’s a summary of three devious tactics used by Satan that we should be aware of, so we can avoid falling into his traps
1. avoid giving someone an unfavorable impression of another person
2. negative assumptions
3. rushing
The solution is quite simple:
To counter the enemy’s deception, we must first identify these deceptions through an understanding of God’s word. Once we decide to believe in the truth, freedom follows and the attack of the enemy is defeated
I encourage you to stand strong alongside with me, standing firm against the enemy’s schemes.
Let’s resist the enemy by changing ourselves so we can change our relationship circumstances.
Let’s begin each morning by putting on our full armor of God
and be on alert as the enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour
