“in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)
I read something recently about the military having “Intel” on an enemy so as to be successful in winning a battle. The Intel would be something about the enemy, their plans or their methods, schemes, that would help to defeat them. The above verse is talking about unforgiveness but Satan’s schemes come at us in many different ways. We must be aware of them so as to be able to resist them. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says that Satan may come to us as an “angel of light” in order to deceive us. We need to know this “Intel” about him so as not to be fooled. However, we not only need to be aware of his plans but be very familiar with God’s battle plan. When something presents itself to us for consideration, we need to know if God would approve and, if not, reject it. How do we know what God thinks about it? We have to know His Word. We have to be prepared. “The prudent, (prepared), sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3). A kid may not know the danger of touching that pretty orange burner on the stove. But we, who are knowledgeable, know the danger and don’t touch it. We all are going to be tempted to do, say or look at things that are sinful. By God’s Word and His Sprit in us, we can be aware of sinful temptations and avoid them. James 1:14-15 says: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” It’s a process and the devil knows our weaknesses and uses them to “get us”. We have to know God’s Word, the Sword of the Spirit, (Ephesians 6:17), in order to resist the devil and his schemes. What Bible verses do you know to resist? If you need some ideas, check out this post from my blog: https://roadrevelations.org/2019/04/battle-plan. Be aware and prepare!