The Devil's Design

Intro. 1 Pet. 5:6-11;

A. Eph. 6:11: “Wiles;”

B. 2 Cor. 2:11: “Devices”

The Wiles of the Devil:

I. To discredit -- God: A. Implying that God is a liar: Gen. 3:4

B. Impugning God’s motives: Gen. 3:5

II. To discredit: God’s People:

A. Job: Job 2:4-5

B. Disciples through Diatrophes: 3 Jn. 10

C. Paul: Acts 16:20; 17:7, 18; 18:13

III. To discredit: God’s Word: A. Foolishness to some: 1 Cor. 1:18

B. Irrelevant to others: 2 Thes. 2:10-12

IV. To distract: >. Corrupting the mind from singleness: 2 Cor. 11:3; Heb. 12:2

1. Cares, riches of this world: Col. 3:2; 1 Jn. 2:15

2. By Emphasizing “religion” to the neglect of righteousness: Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23

V. To Divide:

A. Corinth: pride, envy, etc.: 1 Cor. 1:10

B. False Doctrine: Acts 20:30; 2 Tim. 4:3-4

VI. To discourage:

>. One of Satan’s most effective tools --

1. Personal weaknesses

2. Sins of others

3. Lack of results

VII. To Delay:

A. “convenient” season : Mentality: Later is good enough.” Acts 24:25

B. The Lord says:

1. “Now”: 2 Cor. 6:2

2. Redeeming the time: Eph.5:15-16

The Divine Plan of Resistance:

I. Resist the devil: Jas. 4:7

II. Be sober -- Be watchful: 1 Pet. 5:9

III. Give no place to the devil in anything: Eph. 4:27