Choosing to serve God and follow His path is like waving a red flag before the Devil.
This single decision turns you into his enemy, someone he hates and is constantly looking for new ways to destroy.
He will come in many ways and forms, with a bag filled with loads of tricks, in order to get you.
Revelation 13:13-14 confirms this, "He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life."
2 Corinthians 11:14 goes on to say, "No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."
He will try to downplay the consequences of sin, and exaggerate the 'pleasure' of these acts, manipulate your emotions, use people to lead you astray, casts doubts, weaken your faith in God, use whatever tactic to get you to turn away from God.
So, how can we outsmart him, and win the daily battles against succumbing to the devil's tricks?
We do this by:
1. Staying alert: 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
2. Never underestimating him and his bag of tricks: Ephesians 6:12 tells us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
3. Wearing your armor daily: Ephesians 6:13 says, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." You can also wear your armor by reading the Bible and praying every day.
4. Surrounding yourself with like-minded/ Godly people: Titus 2:11-12 says, "for the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Ignatius of Antioch once said, "When ye frequently, and in numbers meet together, the powers of Satan are overthrown, and his mischief is neutralized by your likemindedness in the faith."
5. Relying on God, because He has already won the war, while you fight the battle: 2 Corinthians 2: 14 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."