How Can Satan Gain a Foothold?

How Can Satan Gain a Foothold?

 

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 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 (NIV Jas. 1:13-14).

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Any kind of sin will give the devil something to work with. He is skilled at using everything he can to tempt a person to turn away from God. To do this, Satan uses his remaining power and abilities. What he is able to know about a person rivals second to what God and the holy angels know about a person. This includes any persons thoughts, likes, and dislikes. He adeptly uses this information maliciously and as a ransom against a person. The temptation a person in trial experiences is difficult because the motif is custom tailored and repetitive.

Control of the Thoughts and Body?

The Bible has two notable examples of Satan’s ability to enter into a person or animal and control the body and thoughts. Two such examples are the cursed serpent in Eden (Ge. 3:3; Rev. 20:2), and the betrayer who caused Jesus’ arrest and eventual crucifixion (Mt. 26:14-30; Mk. 14:10-26; Lk. 22:1-38; Jn. 13:1-30). The betrayer is none other than Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples. When Jesus was predicting His own betrayal to the disciples, He gave bread to Judas and “Satan entered into” Judas (NIV Jn. 13:26-27). This seems to indicate Satan entered into Judas’ mind. Coincidentally, Judas did have remorse for selling the whereabouts of Jesus to the Jewish chief priests for only a small “thirty pieces of silver,” and Judas attempted to return the silver. Judas said, “I have sinned—for I have betrayed innocent blood” (NIV Mt. 27:4). After he threw “the money into the temple,” “he went away and hung himself” (NIV Mt. 27:5).

Whether Satan entered into Judas’ mind or whether it was more of an evil thought that Judas had conceived at that moment, is not clear. Satan is however, fully capable of compromising and controlling thoughts. Judas is a lesson about what can happen when a person is sadly given over to full-blown sin. Judas is still guilty of his sin of betrayal even though Satan entered into him. Judas did not resist Satan, which Judas was still able and empowered to do through Christ.

The Plan: Temptation

Tempting a human is to play on desires with deceit and craft. Money, sex, beauty, drugs, interests, pleasure, and every other desire that can give birth to sin, is employed by the devil and his angels. Men and women can become given over to their carnal desires. They must seek the help of Christ, or die with sin itself. Satan offers the world, but one will lose something of value if one falls to temptation,

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (NIV Mt. 16:26).

The enemies’ tempting is not easy to recognize when it is done covertly. The devil even is sly enough to use even the Word of God to entice his targets (Ge. 3:3; Mt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:1-13), and has perfected his routine. To illustrate how hand-crafted the enemies’ plan is, the popular belief that the test does not begin until one turns Christian, needs to be flatly refuted. The enemy does not conceive a plan when one becomes Christian. The enemy has the ability to begin setting up how they will attempt to conquer a person from the moment of birth and before. God also has a plan for a person before birth. Consider the Prophet Jeremiah (and see Gal. 1:5),

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (NIV Jer. 1:5).

Fear

By what means will the enemy accomplishes some of their initial goals? As soon as it is possible and practical, the enemy launches full force on a target. The enemy pursues to make a person suffer greatly and be broken down mentally, and consequently it is a high probability that a person may become an ineffective witness for Christ because of the fear instilled. The constant and massive intimidation of an isolated target will cause fear of speaking out and fear of great harm. This understandably can cause excessive worry and anxiety. Yet, most of the enemies’ threats are bluffs! The enemy is not who should be feared,

Dot not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (NIV Mt. 10:28).

“Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened” (NIV 1Pe. 3:14).

Christian teaching is pure light and is intended to be out in the open, whereas the doings of the wicked are shameful and secret. Anything Christ told us should be shared and not kept secret. We should fearlessly proclaim the Gospel no matter how afraid we are,

So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs (NIV Mt. 10:26-27).

The reason the world allows the beast to reign is disbelief in Christ, psychological conditioning to feel powerless, and fear of conflict and authority.

Deceptive Philosophy

Paul warned in his time about deceptive philosophy that does not depend on Christ. Paul was writing about those who may deceive with “fine-sounding arguments,”

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments (NIV Col. 2:4).

What kind of philosophy are we forewarned about? Greek expert Mounce shares that this philosophy is not organized thought and the likes of Plato, but rather is those who swindle with falsehood,

If you know the culture of the day, you know that Paul is not objecting to Plato or to disciplined thought. Paul is dealing either with the smooth talking sophists who consider it a victory if they win the debate (truth is irrelevant; sound familiar in today’s culture?), or people passing falsehood off as truth.¹

Paul warned not to be held “captive through this hollow and deceptive philosophy,” and anyone who has philosophized “letting go” and neglecting one’s salvation has tried to take another captive deceptively,

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ (NIV Col. 2:8).

Wealth and Treasure

Further admonishments came from Jesus who spoke of “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” that “choke the word, making it unfruitful” (NIV Mt. 13:22). Wealth is a temptation that some are focused on instead of God, and the two cannot be served at the same time,

You cannot serve both God and money (NIV Mt. 6:24).

Wealth is a pitfall that Satan uses to gain control and can quickly plummet a person into ruin. The famous quote about the love of money comes from First Timothy,

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (NIV 1Ti. 6:9-10).

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. What then kind of treasure can we have?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (NIV Mt. 6:19-21).

The previous passage does not imply that one cannot own anything and follow Jesus, though one may need to part with everything owned to be faithful to Jesus. God knows our needs and he truthfully does not want us to go without necessities and pleasurable accoutrements, however Christians need master the lust of the eyes and the hold of the evil one. Why worry about the things Lord will provide in due time?

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (NIV Mt. 6:31-33).

Let’s take a moment to reflect upon the story of the rich man and Jesus. A rich man once came to Jesus asking Him about how to obtain eternal life. Studying the passage reveals that it is difficult for the wealthy to enter heaven, and also that no one can truly be perfect,

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (NIV Mt. 19:16-26).

God can save a rich person, but wealth that comes before God is problematic and difficult to surmount. Understand too that Jesus was not only discussing wealth. He was elucidating that one cannot do enough to earn one’s way to heaven, and that no one can obtain godly perfection.

Consider a tactic that can be taken against the enemy. In the book of Acts, it is written that believers sold their goods and possessions to give “to anyone who had need” (NIV Ac. 2:45). They shared like brothers and sisters and were not greedy. This approach will defeat this stronghold of the enemy. If one could truly not mind a lack of possessions, and could truly love another person enough to share goods freely with those in need, then one of the most extensive attacks of the enemy will have no hold. The enemy will use possessions to gain a foothold on anyone who hangs on to them in their heart.

Alcohol and Drugs

The excessive consumption and reliance upon alcohol and the use of drugs, is impurity if to obtain an altered mind. Drugs and medication can be classified as sorcery, which is from the Greek word “pharmakeia.” While a person may not be sinning if only medication for illness is taken, one should be discerning—no medication taken to alter the state of mind for recreation is safe. Alcohol may be history’s most prolific pitfall.

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks (NIV Isa. 5:22).

Alcohol and drugs will quickly bankrupt and suppress the soul, any person in the midst of it or who overcame the addiction will agree. The enemy is happy to encourage and provide access to chemicals, and loves to hold a person hostage with addiction.

Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine (NIV Isa. 5:11).

Cigarettes, Drinking, and Addiction

One of the most spiritually and physically dangerous routines anyone can have is smoking tobacco or a daily addiction. A cigarette is legal, but is so addictive that it can reduce a person’s self-control and will to be healthy to null. The reduction of control happens quickly after a person’s first cigarette, and so many who are affected by tobacco and cigarettes smoke to the point of death. The constant craving and desire for a cigarette and giving-in to a cigarette will weaken a person’s self-esteem and mentality overall. God is the only answer to quitting this bondage to the enemy. It is a guarantee that if one is undergoing persecution for one’s faith, and one chooses to continue to smoke or drink alcohol (even wine), that one will gravely regret that decision. One must be as strong and steadfast as possible! There need be no undue and excessive pressure, though. The smoker and drinker has the grace of God that provides the time needed to quit all addictions. Eventually with faith the addict will be smoke and drink free for long periods of time, even indefinitely! That is the power of God.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine (NIV Pr. 23:29-30).

The Bible shares that getting drunk leads to looseness, debauchery, and may detract from the indwelling of the Spirit. What are we to do instead that we cannot fully do while addicted? The addict will experience wonderful things when sober and recovered,

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (NIV Eph. 5:18-20).

Adultery

Fornication and adultery are two ways the devil can enter and ruin a life. Fornication is premarital sex and leads to unholy relationships and can be devastating. Adultery occurs when giving in to lust, and leads to a life of lies and broken vows. Christ taught that it is possible to commit adultery without even having sex, and that one can commit adultery in one’s heart by merely looking at a woman lustfully (Mt. 5:27-28).

Beauty

Physical beauty is given by God, but is a quality of the flesh. The flesh does not see inward beauty, consequently men and women tend to lustfully focus on outward appearances. The Bible teaches that the “unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” is of greater value,

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (NIV 1Pe. 3:3-4).

Mediums, Psychics, and Fortune-tellers

Although the topic is not discussed in the book, the New Age movement has been gaining popularity over the years and is a threat to those seeking salvation. The movement espouses to be a healing self-help for mind, body, and spirit, but behind the New Age movement are demonic forces at work. Fashionable among the New Age movement is consulting mediums to communicate with the dead, and psychics and fortune-tellers to know the future. The Bible teaches that mediums are spiritists and they defile those who seek them,

Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists for you will be defiled by them (NIV Lev. 19:31).

People contacting the dead may not realize that they will not be communicating with whom they think they are. Games like the Ouija board connect people to the demonic world. The recipients behind the communications are spiritual forces deceiving and gaining access.

When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? (NIV Isa. 8:19).

Contacting the spirits cannot result in a safe experience.

All Other Temptations

Philosophy, money, addiction, sex, lust, and mediums were listed as ways by which the enemy may gain a foothold. Satan will use these pitfalls as traps for the naive. Satan’s traps are accompanied by negative thoughts, low will power, and loose mentality that complicate the situation. Those who continue to sin will find themselves compromised and in bondage to the hold of the enemy. The warning in the Bible that, “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (NIV Gal. 5:21), is meant to discipline a person and to prevent the resulting consequence of habitual sin. For the sake of brevity, every method that Satan uses to gain a foothold is not listed here, however the general rule that if one’s conscience convicts one of sin, then one should examine one’s actions and thoughts and make a determination if something needs to be modified. One should also be aware that Satan will accuse one of sinning often when there is not active sin occurring. Faith is between God and a person. Continually be cautious of the traps that are set before a person that the enemy places in dire hope that a person will become caught. Evil will certainly accept a person and aid in the fulfillment of evil desires. The old proverb that, “whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it” (NIV Pr. 11:27) is true. If one is tempted and seeks evil, one will find it. If one is tempted, the choice to sin remains. Christians do not follow the ways of the wicked any longer. We have renounced the old method, and we do not deceive or tempt other people,

We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God (NIV 2Co. 4:2).

Tempted Beyond Bearable?

In trial, temptations are frequent and enticing, but through Christ we have victory over the temptation. God does not authorize overbearing temptation. He will not let anyone be tempted beyond what one can bear! If one is tempted the choice to sin will always remain, but understand that God will always create a way out,

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (NIV 1Co. 10:13).

Most importantly, every Christian believer can be assured that nothing can separate one from Jesus if one believes,

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (NIV Ro. 8:38-39).

For a concise list of sins, please consult the chapter Nothing Impure Will Enter.

Chapter Summary

1. God does not tempt anyone. People are tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire.

2. The devil uses any kind of sin to tempt a person.

3. Satan adeptly uses a person’s thoughts, likes, and dislikes against a person as a ransom.

4. In the Bible are examples of Satan entering into and controlling the body and thoughts.

5. Satan entered into the man who betrayed Jesus, Judas Iscariot, however Judas is still guilty of his sin because Judas did not properly resist the devil.

6. Concerning temptation, what good is it to gain the whole world yet forfeit one’s soul?

7. Satan does not conceive a plan to destroy and conquer a person from the moment he or she becomes Christian. He has the ability to create a plan for a person from the moment of birth and earlier.

8. God, too, has a plan for a person before he or she is born.

9. The enemy will instil fear and their threats should not be feared. We should fearlessly declare the Gospel no matter how afraid.

10. Paul forewarned of deceptive philosophy that smooth-talkers use to take people captive.

11. One cannot serve both God and money.

12. Those who want to be rich fall into temptation.

13. One may need to part with everything owned to be faithful to Jesus.

14. We are not to run after possessions, and God will provide what we need in due time.

15. It is difficult for the rich to enter heaven, however no one can obtain godly perfection and earn one’s way to heaven.

16. Not having a worry of one’s possessions will neutralize one of the most extensive attacks of the enemy.

17. Any kind of chemical consumption is impurity if to obtain an altered mind.

18. The enemy is happy to encourage and provide access to chemicals, and loves to hold a person hostage with addiction.

19. It is a guarantee that if one is undergoing persecution for one’s faith, and one chooses to continue to smoke or drink alcohol (even wine), that one will gravely regret that decision.

20. The smoker and drinker has the grace of God that provides the time needed to quit all addictions.

21. The Bible shares that getting drunk leads to looseness, debauchery, and may detract from the indwelling of the Spirit.

22. Fornication and adultery are two ways the devil can enter and ruin a life. Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery with her in his heart.

23. Beauty should not come from one’s outer appearance, but rather from inward gentle beauty.

24. The Bible teaches that mediums are spiritists and they defile those who seek them. We are not to contact fortune-tellers, mediums, and psychics.

25. The recipients behind the communication with the dead are spiritual forces deceiving and gaining access.

26. Satan’s traps are accompanied by negative thoughts, low will power, and loose mentality that complicate the situation.

27. One should consult one’s conscience to determine if one is sinning.

28. If one is tempted and seeks evil, one will find it. If one is tempted, the choice to sin remains.

29. God will not let anyone be tempted beyond what one can bear, and He will provide a way out.

30. Every Christian believer can be assured that nothing can separate one from Jesus if one believes.