Satan’s Schema – Part 1

Most people would not claim to be following Satan - because they are not hosting Satanic parties in their homes or participating in evil rituals. But you are under his power and control if you are not under God’s power and control.

First of all, Satan is a lot smarter than you think. Remember, Satan was once an angel in heaven with God. He knows the system. He knows how to win the hearts of Christians and non-Christians alike.

He doesn’t appear in the form of a monster or a man in a red cape with a pitchfork. He comes in the attractive form of a helper or savior. He even appeals to Christians by using Scripture to back up his main points. Therefore, there are many government officials, actors, musicians, and even pastors (to name of few) who claim to be in the God camp but are actually in the other camp. They are not following the true God because they have been deceived by the "angel of light" - also known as Satan.

Jesus ushered in the Kingdom when he came to the earth. However, the fulfillment of the Kingdom has not yet come – therefore, we live in a age where Satan still has some authority and power to do as he wishes.

Jesus gets a dose of Satan’s crafty self (in Matthew 4) when he goes off into the wilderness. He tempts Jesus in these three ways by saying:

• Turn these stones into bread so you can have something to eat.
• Throw yourself off this building so that they angels can catch you.
• Worship me and I will give you all of the kingdoms of this world.
  

The next three blogs will be unpacking these seemingly trivial temptations by looking behind the scenes to figure out what Satan is really trying to do.

If we understand how Jesus was tempted, we’ll get a clearer picture of how Satan subversively attacks us on a daily basis.

The purpose of these writings will not be to help you get a one-up on Satan, but to realize that Satan has already been defeated by Jesus (because of the cross) and therefore we have the power available, if we are in Him, to overcome temptation and to live in peace with God and others.