Understanding Your Enemy

The foundational understanding of the devil's operations stems from his intrinsic character. He is not merely an entity that occasionally lies; rather, deception is an inseparable aspect of his very being, making him the origin point of all falsehood. (Key Point - All falsehood has it’s root with our enemy.)

He is the “Father of Lies”. John 8:44 ESV

John 8:44 ESV

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

This declaration reveals that lying is not merely a tactic the devil employs, but his native language and an extension of his very essence.

He is the originator and progenitor of all falsehood, meaning that every action and strategy he undertakes flows from this inherent lack of truth. His deceptive acts are not isolated incidents but consistent manifestations of his core being, establishing him as a relentless and predictable deceiver.

This perspective shifts our understanding from viewing deception as merely a series of actions to recognizing it for what it is, an outflow of evil, of anti-truth.

He is “the deceiver of the whole world”. Revelation 12:9 NKJV

Revelation 12:9 NKJV

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The devil's influence is globally pervasive. Universal in scope.

The phrase "the whole world" signifies a comprehensive and pervasive influence that is not limited to individual spiritual battles. The impact is broader on

cultures

ideologies

societal structures.

1 John 5:19 “19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”

His deception manifests not only personally but also systematically, affecting collective beliefs and values.

2. Methods of Deception

The devil employs a consistent playbook of strategies and tactics to mislead humanity, as evidenced throughout the Bible. These methods often build upon one another, progressively eroding trust and leading individuals further into falsehood.

Genesis 3:1–6 NKJV

1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

Casting doubt and questioning God’s Word. Genesis 3:1

One of the devil's initial and most subtle methods is to sow seeds of doubt concerning God's commands and character.

In the Garden of Eden, the serpent (the devil) approached Eve with the question, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?".

He implied skepticism and cast doubt on God's benevolence and trustworthiness.

This tactic aims to undermine trust in divine authority and create space for disobedience, setting the stage for a progressive erosion of trust.

Textual criticism, Biblical criticism, planting seeds of doubt and creating space to disobey God’s word. (Run!)

Direct contradiction and outright lies. Genesis 3:4

Once doubt is established, the devil escalates his strategy to outright falsehood. Following Eve's partial correction of his question, the serpent directly contradicted God's warning, stating, "You won't really die".

This was a blatant lie, directly opposing God's clear instruction that eating from the tree would result in death (Genesis 2:17).

He paves a way with doubt as a crucial step in his strategy, moving from doubt to outright rebellion.

Minimizing consequences and offering false promises. Genesis 3:4-5

To finalize the deception, the devil minimizes the severe penalty for disobedience while simultaneously offering a tempting, false reward.

He told Eve, "for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil".

This promise of becoming "like God" was designed to appeal to self-exaltation and a desire for forbidden wisdom, masking the true, devastating consequences of sin.

The progression of deception observed in Genesis 3—from casting doubt, to direct contradiction, to minimizing consequences, and finally to offering a false promise that appeals to self-exaltation—establishes a foundational pattern for the devil.

The aim is to reorient life from obedience to God to obedience to self.

The pattern: undermining trust, presenting falsehoods, and appealing to self-interest is observable in other biblical accounts of temptation (Temptation of Jesus).

Appealing to worldly desires and self exaltation. Genesis 3:6

The devil exploits humanity's inherent desires, twisting them towards sin.

The Genesis 3 account illustrates this perfectly: Genesis 3:6 “6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

This aligns with the "desires of the flesh" (good for food), "desires of the eyes" (delight to the eyes), and "pride of life" (desired to make one wise) mentioned in 1 John 2:16.

1 John 2:15–16 NKJV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

The devil tempts by offering what appears desirable and beneficial, leading individuals to "love the world" and its anti-God culture.

Blinding the minds of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 NKJV

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

The Blinded Mind

The Greek word used for "blinded" is tuphloo, which signifies an intentional and deliberate act of blinding, as if one's eyes have been "gouged out".

This is not merely an inability to see due to ignorance, but a purposeful obstruction of spiritual sight, resulting in permanent blindness. This person has not just lost sight; they literally "have no eyes to see".

The word "minds" in 2 Corinthians 4:4 is translated from the Greek noema, noema specifically denotes a person's thoughts, reasoning, opinions, feelings, beliefs, or views.

The devil's blinding affects the very core of human perception and understanding, obstructing the ability to see reality correctly.

It should not be any surprise there are people who cannot perceive the realities of differences between men and women?

The devil actively "gouges out" the spiritual "eyes" and obstructs the noema (thoughts, reasoning, beliefs), then the capacity for truth is severely compromised.

3. Overcoming The Devils Methods Matthew 4:1-11

If Genesis 3 serves as the example of Satan’s pattern of deceptive methods. Surely scripture gives us a way to combat His calculated assault.

Genesis 3 -

Satan “Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (cast doubt and question God’s word.

Satan “You will not surely die…your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God knowing good and evil.” (Contradiction and lies. Appeal to worldly desire. Shift from obedience to God to obedience to self)

Jesus Temptation Matthew 4:1-11 serves as a counter to Satan’s approach.

Matthew 4:1–11 NKJV

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Temptation through physical needs. Matthew 4:3-4

The devil first targeted Jesus' physical hunger, challenging Him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread" (Matthew 4:3). This aimed to provoke Jesus to use His divine power for personal gratification rather than relying on God's provision. Jesus resisted by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4 “4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ””

This directly parallels Eve’s temptation in Genesis 3:6 “6 …saw that the tree was good for food, …”

Temptation to escape suffering through seeking glory. Matthew 4:5-7

Next, the devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple, challenging Him to "throw yourself down," even quoting scripture Psalm 91:11-12 about angelic protection (Matthew 4:5-6 6). This was an attempt to tempt Jesus into a display of miraculous power to prove His divinity, bypassing the path of suffering and seeking glory through a reckless act.

Jesus countered with Deuteronomy 6:16: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (Matthew 4:7).

This mirrors the "delight to the eyes" aspect of Eve's temptation (Genesis 3:6 “6 that it was pleasant to the eyes,” ).

Temptation through worldly authority and glory. Matthew 4:8-10

Finally, the devil showed Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor," offering them if Jesus would "bow down and worship me" (Matthew 4:8-9).

This was a direct challenge to Jesus' allegiance and mission, tempting Him with a shortcut to worldly power and glory, bypassing the cross and suffering to fulfill God’s plan.

Jesus firmly rejected this, commanding, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only'" (Matthew 4:10 ).

This reflects the desire preyed upon in Eve "to make one wise," implying power and authority apart from God (Genesis 3:6). How often do we fall victim to trying to receive (blessing, glory, position, power) without suffering?

Suffering is often part of God’s plan as He elevates us.

Jesus consistent response, "It is written," establishes the Word of God as the ultimate defense against deception. Jesus' reliance on "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10) seems too simplistic to be effective, at least that is what many “intelligent, and wise in the worlds eyes would say.

However, Jesus establishes that Scripture is the primary and most potent weapon against deception.

It is absolutely essential that we know scripture! In a time when biblical literacy is at an all time low, in the world and in the church, …we have to establish basic things, disciplines of christian living, prayer & fasting, knowing scripture!

Jesus simply responded - “It is written”, no philosophical debate, no miraculous power, Jesus didn’t even rely on being divinity incarnate…”scripture says”.

Eve engaged in conversation about something that God had already declared was sin…allowing what God’s Word has declared to be open to discussion opens the door for deception!

Jesus replying “it is written” repeatedly, elevates the Word of God as the ultimate authority. If we want the power of God at work in our life…this book and what it says must be treated as the ultimate authority.

If Jesus Christ, God manifest in flesh relied solely on scripture to defeat the temper, then we must immerse ourselves in, understand, and obey God’s Word to effectively resist deception.

Obedience to God’s Word as the final authority results in experiencing all it promises us.

Summary of the Pattern:

God gives a principle (command/promise).

Believers are invited to trust and obey.

The experience follows, confirming the truth of the principle.

1. Tithing and Blessing

Principle: Give God the tithe, and He will bless. Scripture:

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven…” — Malachi 3:10 (NKJV)

Experience: When believers obey this principle, many testify of supernatural provision and financial peace, confirming the principle through experience.

2. Sowing and Reaping (Generosity)

Principle: What you sow, you will reap. Scripture:

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over...” — Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

Experience: Those who give generously often experience return blessings, not always materially but through joy, relationships, or unexpected provision.

3. Prayer and Peace

Principle: Pray instead of worrying, and peace will guard your heart. Scripture:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication… let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God… will guard your hearts...” — Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV)

Experience: One will often feel a deep peace after honest prayer, which confirms the spiritual effectiveness of the principle.

4. Obedience and Understanding

Principle: Obey first, and understanding or clarity will follow. Scripture:

“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine…” — John 7:17 (NKJV)

Experience: Deeper insight and spiritual revelation come after the decision to obey.

5. Faith and Healing or Salvation

Principle: Believe and act on God's word, and God responds. Examples:

The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34)

Naaman washing in the Jordan (2 Kings 5)

Acts 2:38 – Obeying the gospel leads to receiving the Holy Spirit

Experience: Healing or spiritual transformation followed the faith-filled action.

6. Peace Through Trust

Principle: Trusting God results in peace. Scripture:

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

Experience: Those who choose to trust God over circumstances often testify to unexpected inner peace.

7. Testing God with Faithful Living

Principle: Step out in faith; God will meet you. Scripture:

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” — Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

Experience: Like tasting, the experience confirms the principle—those who "taste" God's ways find them reliable and good.

These are just a few examples of many where when we elevate God’s Word to an authority in our life, accept His invitation, believe and obey, we experience His promise fulfilled.

Back to our lesson content, understanding our enemy.

4. Why are we susceptible to Satan’s methods?

Humanity is inherently corrupt. Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7:20-22

We have a heart issue!

Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV

9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

Mark 7:20–22 NKJV

20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.

We are already prone to self deception, so Satan’s tactics find fertile ground. Overcoming does not require just resisting external influences, but addressing the condition of your own heart.

Insidious attack of Satan - temptation, followed by accusation.

We must address the condition of our heart before God.

Embrace God’s truth and find freedom. John 8:32

John 8:32 NKJV

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Rely on the power of God’s Word. Ephesians 6:17

Ephesians 6:17 NKJV

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Develop Spiritual discernment. Ephesians 6:11-12

Ephesians 6:11–12 NKJV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Sadly, sometimes I am surprised at the lack of spiritual discernment some believers have.

Discernment is crucial to recognize deception, especially when it appears attractive or righteous.

Too many take an approach that lacks discernment…well it looks good, God wants me to be blessed and this may bless me (trap).

The wrong spirit saying the right thing is still the wrong spirit. Possessed woman proclaiming Paul and other disciples as servants of the Most High God (Acts 16) who proclaim the way of salvation.

Some would allow her to keep following…we have a witness in the city! Saying the right thing wrong spirit. Discernment.

2 Corinthians 11:14 Satan presents himself as an angel of light. Verse 15 his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

Matthew 7:15 NKJV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:24 NKJV

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 Peter 2:1 NKJV

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

Acts 20:29–30 NKJV

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

We are to test the spirits to see if they are of God. 1 John 4:1

1 John 4:1 NKJV

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Understand, you are in an ongoing battle. 1 Peter 5:8-9

1 Peter 5:8–9 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

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