It helps to know that Satan is entirely predictable. He has used the same strategy and old tricks since creation. All temptations follow the same pattern. That is why Paul said, "We are very familiar with his evil schemes."( 2 Corinthians 2:11). From the Bible we learn that temptation follows a four - step process, let's study them together:
Satan identifies a desire
In step one, Satan identifies a desire inside of you. It may be sinful desire, like the desire to get revenge or to control others, or it may be legitimate, normal desire, like the desire to be loved and valued or to feel pleasure. Temptation starts when Satan suggests (with a thought) that you give in to evil desire, or that you fulfill a legitimate desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time. Always beware of shortcuts. They are often temptations! Satan whispers, "You deserve it! You should have it now! It will be exciting... comforting.... or make you feel better."
We think temptation lies around us, but God says it begins within us. If you didn't have the internal desire, the temptation couldn't attract you. Temptation always starts in your mind, not in circumstances. Jesus said, "
For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness, for lustful pleasures, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within."( Mark 7:21-23).
Friend, we're ruled inside out not outside in. Therefore, take a careful attention to what your inner man says.
Satan gets you to doubt
Step two is doubt. Satan tries to gets you to doubt what God has said about sin: Is it really wrong? Did God really say not to do it? Didn't God mean this prohibition for someone else or some other time? Doesn't God want me to be happy? The Bible warns:
"Watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God."( Hebrews 3:12).
Satan uses deception
Step three is deception. Satan is incapable of telling the truth and is called the fathers lies (John 8:44). Anything he tells you will be untrue or just half true. Satan offers his lies to replace what God has already said in his Word. Satan says, You will not die. You'll be wiser like God. You can get away with it. No one will ever know. It will solve your problem. Besides, everyone else is doing it. It is only a little sin. But a little sin is like being a little pregnant: It will eventually show itself.
Disobedience
Step four is disobedience. You finally act on the thoughts you have been toying with in your mind. What began as an idea get birthed into behavior. You give in to whatever got your attention. You believe Satan's lies and fall into the trap that James warns about: "We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, give birth to death. Do not be deceived, my dear friends."
The most powerful weapons are not what's around you but those in you.
Have a blissful Sunday
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@collinz Yes all his tricks are know by us, but we are only tempted and lure into sin by our own desire when the desire grow stronger it leads to sin and sin death. @theheralds.
well said @theheralds, this is why we must always desire for the things of God
Satan is a spirit, and much more old and experienced than us he knew what we desire most and he capitalise on our weaknesses.
Love the post, keep studying!
Thanks for reading my post