Overcoming the Schemes of the Devil: Insights from Scripture

This post is from the Vivi Fortis Podcast:

Welcome to another enlightening episode of  "Overcoming the Schemes of the Devil" with your host, Vivi Fortis! Today you will journey through the pages of the King James Version Bible to unravel the age-old tactics of the adversary and discover how you can fortify your faith against his devious ploys.
We'll embark on a profound reflection, drawing inspiration from the timeless truths within the Bible. You will gain insights into his strategies that seek to hinder your spiritual journey toward Heaven. 

1. The Deceptive Serpent:
 Genesis 3:1-6 (KJV): "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
 

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat." Genesis 3:1-6 
In the earliest chapters of Genesis, we encounter the serpent's crafty approach. By twisting God's words, the adversary planted seeds of doubt in Eve's mind, leading her astray. This narrative teaches us the vital importance of anchoring ourselves in the truth of God's word, safeguarding against deception that can veer us off course.

2. Rebellion and Lies: 

Isaiah 14:12-15 (KJV): "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the highest. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 14:12-15 

Isaiah's poignant words paint a vivid picture of Lucifer's prideful rebellion against God, leading to his fall from grace. This passage serves as a stark reminder that even the mightiest can stumble due to arrogance and disobedience. The devil's role as the "father of lies" is unveiled here, reminding us to nurture humility and discernment, seeking God's guidance to unveil the falsehoods that may steer us away from His path.

3. The Testing of Job's Faith: 

Job 1:6-12 (KJV): "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and eschewed evil? 

Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast, not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord." Job 1:6-12 

The Book of Job grants us insight into the adversary's dual role as an accuser and a tester of faith. By challenging Job's devotion, Satan set the stage for trials that tested his unwavering faith. Job's unshakable trust in God's plan shines as a beacon, guiding us to cling to faith amidst adversity, trusting that God's purpose transcends our understanding.

4. Tempting Jesus: 

Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV): "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands, they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." Matthew 4:1-11 

In the wilderness, the devil tried to divert Jesus from His mission by tempting Him with power, fame, and worldly pleasures. Jesus' unwavering resistance unveils the significance of arming ourselves with God's Word to thwart the devil's schemes. As Jesus used Scripture to counter each temptation, we, too, must wield the truth to overcome the devil's allure.

5. The Source of Lies: 

John 8:44 (KJV): "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it."John 8:44 

Jesus directly addresses the devil's deceitful nature in the Gospel of John, labeling him the "father of lies." This verse underscores the importance of staying connected to Jesus, who embodies truth. By immersing ourselves in His teachings, we will gain the ultimate defense against the devil's cunning strategies.

In Conclusion, let's remain vigilant against the adversary's cunning tactics. By God's grace, we can stand unyielding in the face of deception, rebellion, testing, and temptation. Anchored in the teachings of Jesus, we trust in His power to guide us towards eternal life. May our faith stand unshaken, our discernment keen, and our hearts devoted to the Savior who conquered the devil's schemes, securing victory through our Heavenly Father.

Thank you for joining us in this insightful episode of "Overcoming the Schemes of the Devil." Always remember, with Jesus in your heart, you possess unyielding strength. Until next time, stay fortified and steadfast! Vivi Fortis!

In Jesus' name, we say: Amen!