Tricks and Schemes of the Satan
“I did not see that coming.”
“Satan’s tactics are a mix of bold attacks and subtle deceits designed to destroy, distract, and discourage believers—using both overt aggression and quiet, deceptive influence.”
We have heard of the apparent and blatant schemes of the enemy of our souls. When he is angry and wants to derail us, I imagine that he can be rather direct, aggressive, and most certainly destructive. There would be no other purpose for doing things like this but forcausing immediate harm. What do you think?
The Satan can also be rather sneaky in his approach as well. Just like when people are trying to manipulate us, this anti-GOD being can be subtle and deceptive with his tricks. He will camouflage, manipulate, and mislead us all, if it suits hisintention. …and they all benefit his character. These creep in slowly and look harmless—or even good.
When I was a very young believer, I was confident that I heard this almost monthly. They are true today—still. Satan operates quite frequently with the following:
Deception — lies and distortions
Distraction — noise, busyness, worldly allure
Discouragement — focusing on failures and weaknesses
Here are a couple Scripture references that offer up some reminders of those “tactics” and "schemes" (Ephesians 6:11) and "designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Each one will often move between that overt aggression, through highly deceptive and slither back into the subtle manipulation.
The Bible makes mention of these aggressive strategies, and shares with us that their aim is for our immediate spiritual or physical destruction. Here are some of those Scriptural support sections:
…like a "roaring lion" prowls, Satan is prowling around and seeking someone to devour through intense suffering, persecution, or spiritual terror (1 Peter 5:8).
He has the character of homicide and ruin, as we have heard from words Yeshua used to identify him as a "murderer from the beginning" whose core purpose is to "steal and kill and destroy" (John 8:44 & 10:10).
By him inflicting sickness, disease, or bodily torment, he likes to keep us guessing as seen in the lives of Job (Job 2:7) and the woman bent over for 18 years (Luke 13:16).
Acting as the "accuser of our brothers," bringing charges against believers day and night before the Father of creation to incite guilt and destabilize faithful (Revelation 12:10 & Zechariah 3:1).
Every one of his tactics rely on camouflaging evil to be perceived as good or slow and undetected, eroding a believer's devotion to their Savior.
Many are deceived by the “angel of light,” for he is always disguising himself and his "ministers of righteousness" to appear holy, religious, or beneficial while leading people away from the truth (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
He will always twist and misquote Scripture, and deliberatelymisapply the Bible for ungodly purposes, such as tempting Jesus in the wilderness or questioning GOD's Commands to Eve (Genesis 3:1 & Matthew 4:6).
Sowing "weeds" (false believers) among the "wheat" (true believers) to create confusion and corruption from within the church (Matthew 13:24-30). What he sows are seeds that are only discord, when they grow. There is zero life in them. Therin is counterfeit.
Veiling the minds of unbelievers is an art and all-out-effort, so they cannot see the "Light of the Gospel" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Placing obstacles in the way of spiritual work or relationships, such as preventing Paul from visiting the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:18), is just another day’s work.
His efforts appeal to the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16) to lure individuals into self-reliance and worldly desires.
The Lust of the Flesh aredesires that attract to our physical appetites—temptations toward pleasure, indulgence, or satisfying the body in ways that disregard GOD’s Standards. Satan uses these to pull us toward sin by manipulating natural desires into sinful actions.
2. (this is a toughie for many) The Lust of the Eyes involves craving what we see—material possessions, beauty, status, or anything that stirs envy or dissatisfaction. Satan often works through what we see, using graphic temptation to awaken sinful craving. I have fallen prey to this subdivision over the years.
I would like to say I am strong concerning this one at every turn, but I would be a liar if I allowed those words (or letters) to be used. This is a battle to be earnestly fought by all.
Praise the Lord, Yeshua, that I have men and a praying wife to assist me in my journey’s battle.
3. The Pride of Life could be in quite a few areas, but for the most part, this refers to arrogance, self-exaltation, and the desire to be admired or elevated above others. Satan targets our ego, pushing us toward independence from GOD, self-reliance, and a pursuit of personal glory.
NOTE: Together, these three areas ALONE form the foundation of Satan’s efforts to draw people away from obedience to the LORD GOD. Recognizing them helps believers guard their hearts, stay alert, and rely on GOD’s strength to resist temptation.
Unforgiveness is one of those areas that can, will and has derailed many a person. We don’t have to be a Jesus lover to fail miserably with this.Using bitterness and lack of forgiveness as a "foothold" to outwit believers is a viable measure that is put to work, because it is powerful and effective. –2 Corinthians 2:10-11 & Ephesians 4:26-27
The really sneaky thing is, it starts quietly, often justified by realhurt, and then grows into bitterness, resentment, and emotional bondage. Here are some of that sneakiness I mentioned above. It is no secret that these are the aftermath of holding on to anger and staying in our “feelings.”
Poisoned relationships
Distracted believers are kept from spiritual growth
All of that hurt and anger consume our mental and emotional energy. It literally sucks us dry.
The lack of love removes joy, blocks peace until the spiritual effectiveness has departed
Unforgiveness doesn’t just affect our relationship with others, it affects our relationship with GOD as well—and foremost.
NOTE: If you are one of those I am speaking of you KNOW that it can and probably already has, become a barrier that hinders your prayer life, disrupts the unity with other you worked so hard to achieve, and keeps your heart tied to past wounds.
If you and I cane recognizing this tactic QUICKLY, it will allow us to guard our hearts, pursue forgiveness, and walk in the freedom GOD intends.
What do YOU say? If this is YOU. Let’s start moving towards forgiving and releasing the other person or, people.
How is that done? I believe the James 4:7 approach is rather straight forward.
1. Submit to GOD FIRST, gives you’re the strength and confidence to then Resist.This is what I have learned is the Bible’s most direct instruction. “Submit yourselves therefore to GOD, resist the adversary and he will flee from you.”
NOTE: Resistance is effective only when it flows from submission to GOD. Scripture NEVER encourages believers to battle Satan independently. Anyone who attempts to is foolish, to say the least!
2. Stand firm IN FAITH (trust), not fear. I found this in my search. I thought it best to know this position is a good one to undertake and know because, “Your adversary the Satan prowls around like a roaring lion… Resist him, firm in your faith”— 1 Peter 5:8–9
No ritual
No taunting
No dialogue with Satan
Just alertness and faithfulness
3. Yeshua Himself modeled the proper response to all encounters with Satan. We are to use GOD’s Word of Truth! “It is written…”— Matthew 4:1–11
He quoted Scripture
He refused to debate
He did not explain or justify Himself
I believe that this is what he wanted to show us. His Father’s Word, not human reasoning, defeats deception.
This does not mean passivity. It means controlled strength—refusing to mirror arrogance with arrogance.
There is always going to be someone who wants to lead, even though they know they are not in charge.
NOTE: Satan IS the poster child for this!
That may be you, a family member, co-worker or the Satan. What is behind all of that is arrogance, rebellion and the proverbial power struggle.
The Bible addresses people who are self‑exalting, rebellious, and resistant to correction very directly—and consistently. Rather than encouraging confrontation or power struggles, Scripture emphasizes wisdom, humility, boundaries, and trust in God’s justice.
The fact is, the Creator of all things has NO enemies. Do you REALLY BELIEVE that He does? Are you going to tell me that the Satan is GOD’s enemy? He may be yours and my enemy and accuser, but not his Creator’s.
Trust GOD and submit to Him.
“Satan’s tactics are a mix of bold attacks and subtle deceits designed to destroy, distract, and discourage believers—using both overt aggression and quiet, deceptive influence.”
NOTE: Satan IS the poster child for this!