The other day I was listening to a financial advice program on the radio. The host and guest speaker were issuing warnings about investment schemes and how to recognize them. |
THE DEVIL'S F. I. F. E. | |
Perhaps you have already thought of the ways the devil uses the same types of methods to tempt us into sinning. The devil is an expert at F. I. F. E.
Consider how the devil tempted Adam and Eve.
The devil approached Eve in a way that was appealing, not repulsive.
In a way, the devil used intimidation. He asked Eve, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?' " Genesis 3:1 The devil made Eve question whether or not she heard God correctly. He made it sound as though she might be considered stupid for misunderstanding God.
On the other hand, he made Eve feel smart for taking the fruit by accepting what the devil said, "You surely will not die. For God knows when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, . . " Genesis 3:4-5 He used flattery.
He told Eve that she would become part of an very exclusive group - just her and God. " 'You will be like God', the devil said." Genesis 3:5 She would be very special.
And consider how the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness.
The devil approached Jesus when He was weak and hungry, not having eaten for 40 days. The devil used the fear of starving to try to get Jesus to turn the stones into bread. "The temptor came to Jesus and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' " Matthew 4:3
The devil used the same ocassion to flatter Jesus by telling Him He could do anything He chose to do, inlcuding turn stones into bread.
The devil then confronted Jesus by using insult or intimidation. "The devil said, 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written,
'He will command His angels
concerning You,
and they will lift You up in
their hands,
so that You will not strike Your
foot against a stone.' ' ."
Matthew 4:6 (Psalm 91:11,12)
And the devil also used exclusivity. "The devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. Then he said to Jesus, 'All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me.' " Matthew 4:8-9 Jesus was promised an exclusive place and position in the devil's kingdom if He would fall for his scheme.
Of course, Jesus did not fall for any of the devil's lies.
And Jesus answered all of the devil's schemes with the truth of the Word of God.
It isn't a stretch to see the F. I.F. E. principles to these Scriptures. |
I like that FIFE post. It is a good summary of the common tactics of Satan.