Be Not Ignorant of Satan’s Devices

2 Corinthians 2:11 states, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Ephesians 6:11 states, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

1 Thessalonians 2:18 states, “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”

Ephesians 4:27 states, “Neither give place to the devil.”

1 Timothy 3:6,7 states, “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.  Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

The Bible instructs us that there are three main enemies arrayed against the children of men.  They are sin, both original and actual, that lurks within each person, this illegitimate worldly system that is in rebellion to God’s loving and just rule and thirdly, Satan and his demons.  The devil is not an allegory to describe evil, but an actual spirit being intent on killing, stealing, and destroying those made in the image of God.

Before Christ, man believes these enemies are his friends to give us some source of satisfaction and fulfillment in our vain, fleeting lives.  Most don’t realize these enemies, lie, deceive, and blind our minds to the truth that can set us free.  These enemies promise us everything, but leave us with nothing.  They fascinate and then assassinate.

After we make peace with God through the merits of Jesus Christ, however, these good friends of ours become our worst enemies.  For tonight’s purpose, I want to concentrate on public enemy number one, Satan and his schemes.  Especially, as it relates to the Pro-life movement in America.

In 1988, Operation Rescue was birthed nationally at the National Democratic Convention in Atlanta, GA.  I remember watching TV and seeing those who professed Christ being dragged away to jail for trying to intervene to save the life of babies in the wombs of their mothers.  Two weeks prior God broke my heart concerning abortion through a powerful video called “Massacre of Innocence.”  It was the first time my eyes were opened to see the horrible truth that abortion murders and dismembers children made in the image of God.  It was my Isaiah 6 experience.  I’ve seen the truth and my life is undone.  After Atlanta, a pastor who participated came by and challenged me about this movement.

It was birthed in repentance.  Christians were beating their breast confessing the blood was on their hands.  Rescue was fruit meet for repentance.  Rescue answered the haunting question, if the Church believes abortion is murder then why are we not acting as though babies are dying?  When Rescue started, there were over 2000 abortion mills operating in America.  Today there are about 735.  No laws were changed.  It was just simple Christians living out their faith at the gates of hell.

To the shock of many, Satan did not roll over and play dead just because a small segment of God’s people answered the call.  No, abortion is one of Satan’s crown jewels, if you touch it, there will be retaliation, guaranteed.  If there is any opening in your life or family, believe me, Satan will exploit it to take you on and take you out.  There are many leaders and Christians who started well in this battle and wound up on the ash heap of failure.  I want to look at some of the devices Satan used to defeat well-meaning Christians.

First principle in spiritual warfare, smite the shepherd and the sheep scatter.  This is true in every area of life.  Smite the father, the family fails.  Smite the pastor, the flock is scattered.  Smite the CEO, corporations disband.

Some of the national leaders took personal liberties.  They were deceived into thinking, since they suffered for the cause of Christ, surely the Lord wouldn’t mind certain sinful indulgences.  They were wrong.  To much has been given, much more, not less, is required.  They opened the door and the enemy came in like a flood and took them away.

Second Satanic strategy was our government becoming a willing dupe to crush the Rescue movement.  Everywhere we went, we were faced with injunctions, higher fines, stiffer jail sentences, and finally FACE.  This was the battle from without.  Though they were successful in curbing Rescues, it did not stop the movement.  We just adjusted our tactics and kept right on storming the gates of hell.  Though Rescue is dead as a tactic, it is still the most powerful witnessing act that bears the truth that there is no greater love then to lay our lives down for another.  In this case it would be our freedom.

Lastly, since the battle from without failed, the enemy change tactics and the battle from within commenced.  It started with disillusioned pro-lifers becoming offended at the church.  They were bearing the brunt of battle and felt abandoned.  It produced in them a root of bitterness that ended up defiling them and spreading the defilement to others.  Soon they dropped out of Church, became uncovered with no spiritual authority in their lives.  They became lone rangers for Christ and in His name brought factions, divisions, and even committed crimes.