Scriptures: Matthew 4:8–10; 1 Chronicles 21:1–5; 14, Ecclesiastes 10:8
When it comes to the devil, you can never be too cautious or astute. The devil is a wise being. The devil does not have any gifts; instead, he uses a primitive trade-by-batter system. When the devil is involved, there is no such thing as a minor sin; he magnifies everything. Every small sin is the seed of a stronghold.
People at a gathering complained that the party was too boring. Then some tablets were distributed around, and she said, “After 30 minutes, I started feeling good, so I got another one and the next one. I couldn’t even walk home, and that’s how my addiction began.” She still can’t hold her balance for more than 20 seconds. A single moment of pleasure cost her her entire life.
Biblical Illustrations
The Devil told Jesus to kneel down to him and he would give him the earth, but Jesus responded with God’s word. To defeat the devil, you must know God’s word.
Matthew 4:8 -10 (NIV)
[8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
[9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.
[10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.
The devil whispered to David’s heart to conduct a census. The census was not a bad notion, but the scriptures teach us that it came from the devil, and everything that comes from the devil is not good.
1 Chronicles 21:1, 3-5 (NLT)
[1] Satan rose against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel.
[3] But Joab replied, “May the Lord increase the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?
[4] But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab travelled throughout all of Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem
[5] and reported the number of people to David. 1,100,000 warriors in all of Israel could handle a sword, and 470,000 in Judah.
There is a punishment for every act of evil conduct. The devil gives with his right hand and retrieves with his left. He caused David to sin, and this is what happened as a result.
1 Chronicles 21:14 (NLT)
14] So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and 70,000 people died as a result.
Ecclesiastes 10:8 (NIV)
[8] Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
What are you doing about the suggestions that the adversary is putting in your heart?
The enemy infiltrates our minds and makes recommendations, but it is up to you to take action. The passage warns us not to give the enemy any room, no matter what we do. You must use God’s word to check your activities so that you do not stray.