Many Christians live their lives without an awareness of Satan’s schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 reads, “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” This verse is a warning from Paul to the church in Corinth involving the practice of church discipline where the offender repented but was not yet restored to church membership (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). Here are three helpful things to do related to Satan’s schemes.

First, remember Satan’s schemes. There are some who doubt Satan is real. John 8:44 reads, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 10:10 reads, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The book of Job provides an inside look at the schemes of Satan in the life of Job. 2 Corinthians 11:14b-15 reads, “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” Remember Satan also uses his minions who fell from heaven with him.

Second, recognize Satan’s schemes. Satan’s schemes are suggestions to doubt, fear, discouragement, pride, and lust, to name a few. Satan’s schemes are also solicitations to evil, known as temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reads, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Satan’s schemes involve a distraction from the truth. Satan’s schemes involve a distortion of the truth. He twists Scripture as evidenced in his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3:1-6) and of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11.

Third, resist Satan’s schemes. Oscar Wilde said, “I can resist anything but temptation.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 reads, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” James 4:7 reads, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Jesus teaches us to pray, “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13). Through His own experience of temptation, Jesus teaches us how to use the Word of God to resist Satan’s schemes (Matthew 4:4, 7:10).

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.