Enemy deceptions

But I fear . . . as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.       — 2 Corinthians 11:3

Written in the sixth-century BC by Chinese general Sun Tzu, The Art of War has been a guide for military thinking for centuries. But it has also been used by men and women in a wide variety of other arenas, including leadership, management, business, politics, and sports. What Sun Tzu wrote about military warfare can help followers of Christ to understand the tactics of our spiritual enemy: “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”

Likewise, the spiritual warfare that Satan wages against us is also based on deceit. In fact, the very first sin was the result of the enemy’s deception. Notice what Paul said: “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).

This truth is what gives such importance to our Lord’s warning that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? To saturate our hearts in the truth of God’s Word. Only God’s inspired truth can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy.

— Bill Crowder

Father, we know that the devil is clever, deceptive, and sly. We don’t want to be tricked by him to swallow his lies. Help us to discern his cunning method and fill our minds with Your truth.

READ: John 8:42-47

God’s truth is the best protection against Satan’s lies.