The Schemes of the adversary, the devil:
The adversary to our Christian faith is the Anti-Christ, the devil. The bible teaches us that the devil has been judged and pride led to his downfall. The devils and his angel were thrown down to earth for rebelling against God.
The bible also teaches that the devil is the accuser, he is the father of lies, the great deceiver, he disguises himself as an angel of light, he has been sinning from the beginning, he has been a murderer from the beginning, and he is the father of sin.
The Devil works to pull Christians down to a sinful path, and his influence can be seen throughout today’s society. His works are clear because they go against the word of God by promoting sinful way, glamorizing selfish desires, and promotes desires of the flesh. The devil tries to defame the character of Christians and ensnare Christians into situations that can potentially weaken their faith. There are many traps of the devil, so Christians must always be on alert not to fall into those traps.
Common traps of the devil in our society:
Oaths:
Jesus Christ taught us that we should not take any oaths. Matthew 5:33-37 states “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil”.
I believe Jesus Christ thought this valuable lesson to help us avoid falling into the devil’s traps. If you do take an oath, the devil works to make you break that oath. It’s apparent that the devil wants to label Christians as liars and oath breakers. We know that the devil is known as the father of lies, so If you become a liar, you’ll be like the devil. Unfortunately, there are many oaths that have been integrated into our society today. There are oaths for court proceedings, there are oaths in schools (allegiance to a flag), and there are oaths for marriage proceedings. Do not take an oath because it’s a snare and your Christian faith goes against it.
Pop culture
The devil’s influence can also be seen throughout pop culture. The news, media entertainment, and social media promote sinful ways, people promoting sin out in the open. As Christian, we must not partake in the sin of others. Therefore, we should also not promote sinful ways. We should not glorify the flesh; we should glorify God by being obedient to his word.
Idols
The tradition of naming God parents is not consistent with biblical teachings. The title of God (creator of all things) is reserved for only one, God the father. There is only one father above all. As a born again Christian, I am no one’s God parent and no one is my God parent. A role model who can teach a child the word of God is good and can be instrumental to a person’s life; however, the title of their role shouldn’t be God Parent. God the father is the only true God.
Naming others as God is idolatry. Pledging allegiance to a flag is also idolatry.
Covetousness: excessive desire, especially for wealth or possessions. Covetousness is idolatry.
Matthew 23:8-11 KJV “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
1 Corinthians 8:4-6 KJV “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and Lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”
Colossians 3:5 KJV [5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Don’t eat meat that is sacrificed to Idols
The bible teaches us that if you’re aware that a meat has been made as a sacrifice to an idol, do not eat the meat. Do not eat meat from an idol’s temple. Don’t eat it for your sake and for the sake of whoever made the sacrifice to the idol or offered the meat to you. 1 Corinthians 8 1-13 teaches that Christians should not eat what is sacrificed to an idol. With that in minded, should we eat food that has been blessed in idol’s name? No, I don’t believe a Christian should eat food blessed in an idols name.
1 Corinthians 8:4-13 KJV
“As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and Lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
1 Corinthians 10:25-32 KJV
“Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”
Education Restrictions
Obstacles to good education services can be helpful to a person’s faith as a Christians. There are many societies that have chosen to prevent and restrict education to people, this is the work of the devil.
Ephesians 6:12-18 KJV “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Curious Arts
Don’t consult with a fortune teller, identify with any of the astrological signs, or accept an unclean spirit’s will for your life. Christians are supposed to be obedient to God, and God’s will for their lives will be manifested.
Acts 19:18-19 KJV “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
Acts 16:16-18 KJV “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
Leviticus 19:31 KJV “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”
Isaiah 47:13-15 KJV “Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.”
Secret Societies/ Fraternities
Followers of Christ should not join secret societies. The bible teaches us that taking a pledge or oath comes from evil works. Joining a fraternity also means calling your follow members your brothers or sisters, but a Christian shouldn’t just call anyone a brother or sister because unbelievers and unfaithful are not your brother or sister.
Matthew 5:33-37 KJV states “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not for swear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Matthew 12:48-50 KJV states “But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother”.
Vengeance
Don’t allow yourself to be provoked into committing vengeance. Leave vengeance for God for he is a just God. Do not to seek vengeance, but we can stand up for righteousness and defend righteousness.
Romans 12:17-21 KJV Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Don’t call evil good, and don’t listening to false teachings.
Do not call evil works good, don’t do evil works and call it good.
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Romans 3:8 KJV
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isaiah 5:20-21 KJV
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Isaiah 5:23 KJV
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:1-2 KJV
Do not pray to Saints, pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ.
The bible makes it clear that there is only one mediator between man and God, and that mediator is Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”. Saints are those who keep God’s commandments and their faith in God through Jesus Christ, and keeping God’s commandment includes not worshiping idols, idolatry. Idolatry is worshiping false gods. Covetousness, excessive desire or worldly lust, is also idolatry.
The bible teaches us to pray for each other, but doesn’t say to pray to your follow man.
Ephesians 6:18-20 KJV “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Acts 4:12 KJV “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Romans 5:15 KJV
[15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Colossians 1:18 KJV [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Do not pray to Angels, pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:18-21 KJV Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not;