30 August 2026

THE DEVIL’S DEVICES (1)

(Spiritual Warfare: SW 19)

The Bible tells us that we should not be ignorant of the devil’s wiles and devices in order that he may not outwit us and that we will be able to defend ourselves against his attacks (2 Cor.2:11; Eph.6:11). The devil is cunning and he uses all kinds of wiles and devices to trap us so that we will be ineffective in life and ministry for the Lord.

The devil uses Deception, and this comes in many ways. Eve was deceived by his cunning talk into believing his lies and caused her to sin through disobedience. He made her believe his “arguments” and caused her to doubt God and His love. Paul warns the Church about this: “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may some-how be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor.11:2).

The Bible already warns us: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Tim.4:1). Christians may be led astray by false teachers and prophets who come as “angels of light” (2 Cor.11:13-15) in deceiving them with false teachings which make them “feel good”. They may be “dynamic” and “anointed” speakers which put them off-guard and they are trapped. They are then led astray by the false teachings which may even blind them spiritually and led them to destruction.

Our Lord tells us that in the last days we will see more of such deceiving preachers who may be anointed and able to do signs and wonders: “Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people…For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect – that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time” (Matt.24:11, 25). These are those who prophesy in His Name, cast out demons and perform many miracles in His Name but they will end up in Hell, Jesus said (Matt.7:22-23).

Today many people are running after such prophets who preach “nice” messages but are not discerning enough to know they are not according to the teaching of God’s Word. These “prophets” can prophesy and heal the sick, but their messages are questionable, because it is not the proper teaching of God’s Word. They use Bible verses only as “proof texts” and then preach things that people like to hear because their hearts are worldly. These messages make people “feel good” and deceive them into complacent living.

Paul commanded Timothy always to “preach the Word…correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Tim.4:2-3). Timothy was to “correct and rebuke…with careful instruction”. That kind of preaching will not be accepted by many Christians because “their itching ears” want to hear that they like. Deception has already dulled their ears and their hearts to the Truth. So be careful and be warned!

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