The Devil's Dirty Dozen

Dr. Rick Koole

LifePointe Church

Like most of you, I believe there is a God. And I also believe there is a devil who is intent upon causing pain for those who attempt to follow God’s plan for their lives. The Bible warns us about this when it says: Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Have you ever wondered what the devil’s scheme is for your life? I’ve been asked that question before and following are what my experiences have taught me about the Devil’s schemes. I call them the Devil’s Dirty Dozen.

Disbelieving in Devil

It was C.S. Lewis who famously said: There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.

Doubting God’s Character

Doubt is one of the Devil’s most effective tools, and one that we all have to deal with at times, especially when tragedy strikes and we question why a loving God would allow such things to happen.

Discouragement

A discouraged person is a vulnerable target for the Devil as he tries to get them to break fellowship with God. Focus on God when discouragement arises.

Disillusion with Other Believers

Many have been the times when I’ve watched fellow believers behave in the most ungodly manner. It’s important that we remember to imitate Jesus and not some of his followers.

Derailing New Believers

Nothing seems more helpless and vulnerable than a new-born baby. So too are those new in their faith as the Devil targets them and attempts to stunt their personal growth while he can.

Deadly Weakness

The Bible says that the Devil’s three most alluring temptations for men are the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. I’ve retitled the three temptations as Gold, Glory and Girls, and they have brought down many a man.

Dividing the Body

The Devil loves it when he can get Christians to turn against each other, and often over the most petty of issues. The Bible reminds us of the unconditional love we should show for each other with the statement: They will know we are Christians by our love for one another.

Distorting the Truth

The Devil is an expert at imbedding false teachers who are very clever at distorting the truth. The Bible warns us when it says: I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

Distracting Your Priorities

Sometimes we don’t have the time and energy to do what is most important because we are investing our time and energy into things that are not inherently bad, but they are distracting us from what is most important.

Drifting Into Worldliness

Sometimes people caught in a riptide don’t know they are drifting out; the drift is so subtle. So too we are prone to drift slowly into dangerous sins.

Dabbling with the Occult

I’ve always made it a practice to avoid giving the Devil a beachhead in my life by seeking to avoid any activity that has a connection with the occult. The Devil seems to be waiting for such an opportunity.

Denying Responsibility

Beware of playing the blame game and refusing to own your responsibility in any ungodly behavior.