The Serpent of Old - Part 2 (Santosh Poonen)

4. Satan Relies on Spy Information: Satan spies on your affections, inclinations, and ambitions by carefully observing your behavior. Then, by determining which way you lean, he offers a way of Self-pleasing on that same side. David had an inclination for women (II Samuel 3:2-5; 5:9-13). As king, he was also in disobedience to God’s Law by having many wives (Mark 10:5-6; Deuteronomy 17:14-17). Satan used this inclination to tempt David and eventually cause him to sin (II Samuel 11:1-4). Never let your heart lean toward anything earthly (Proverbs 4:23). 5. Satan Plans the Source of Temptation: Satan custom-chooses as his agents, people in your life who are of the greatest advantage to his evil cause. For example: those with superior intellect or knowledge of God’s Word; those who have a reputation for outward holiness; those who can influence you emotionally — family: Eve, Delilah, Job’s wife, etc. (Luke 14:26); Christian “friends”: Peter (Matthew 16:22); Paul’s friends (Acts 21:12). Never become too attached to any person on earth. 6. Satan Chooses How and When to Tempt: When Jesus resisted Satan with God’s Word in the first temptation, Satan then tempted Him to pride using God’s Word (Matthew 4:6). Satan will bring a similar-looking temptation to one you earlier overcame: “the brother of Goliath” (II Samuel 21:15-17; I Chronicles 20:5). When Satan found Jesus on alert in the wilderness, he departed for a while to try to catch Him “napping” later (Luke 4:13). Satan may leave voluntarily if he thinks he can come in with greater force later (Matthew 12:43-45). After you win the battle, remember the war! God’s Word reveals the enemy’s secret plans (Psalm 19:11). Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how Jesus did it (John 16:14). Don’t let Satan take advantage of you: forgive others quickly (II Corinthians 2:11); make peace quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27).