Today we will discuss how Satan seeks to gain control of the Christian. Yes, demons can influence Christians and rule over them in specific areas of sin. Even though Christians have the Holy Spirit in them, many Christians are often grieving (Ephesians 4:30) and quenching (I Thessalonians 5:19) the Spirit. Nowhere in Scripture are we told that Satan and his demons can’t control us.
Peter loved Jesus with all his heart, but he was controlled by Satan when he told Jesus not to go to the cross. I’m not saying that Satan stepped into Peter like he did to Judas. (“Satan entered Judas”–Luke 22:3) Instead, Satan had control of Peter’s thoughts by whispering into his ear. Spirits can place thoughts into your mind in a non-audible way. These thoughts sound like your own thoughts, but they are not yours.
Peter had no idea that his thoughts were planted by Satan into his mind. He spoke them to Jesus, and Jesus replied to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan.” The Son of God proclaims that the thought came from Satan. Satan was invisible and no audible sound occurred. Peter was bewildered that Jesus addressed him as Satan because he had no clue how demons whisper to people and plant thoughts in their minds.
See more examples in Scripture where we are told that Satan plants thoughts in people’s minds or hearts: Matthew 13:19, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Acts 5:3, 1 Chronicles 21:1, John 13:2.
Satan’s Strategy: Control
Don’t allow yourself to be controlled by the enemy. Take every thought captive and be filled with the Spirit. Renounce all sin in your life, because sin is the gateway that allows demonic influence. Do not give ground to the enemy by allowing him to get a foothold in your life.
Stay tuned for the next installment: “How to Resist the Enemy’s Attacks.” If you don’t want to miss this series, follow my Prayer page and subscribe to my monthly newsletter below.
Tags: Christian, prayer, Satan, spiritual warfare, Unmasking the Enemy
Thanks for the reminder! Especially since I so like to be in control.
I think all of us like to be in control. But it’s best if we yield to the Holy Spirit so that we do not become enslaved to sin.
Love this series!
I’m glad you’re enjoying it. This topic is vital to understand.
We must always be aware of Satan’s strategies and know how to outdo them! 🙂
The only way is to be equipped by the Word of God and through prayer.
We have to guard our hearts and take each thought captive for this very reason.
Very few people guard their hearts. From it flow springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
The story of Judas is such a sad one. You wonder how he could be so close to Jesus without really falling in love with Him. Satan had to be involved!
Also, the love of money is the root of all evil. I think his greed for money also played into his sin.
The devil is the master manipulator! If we aren’t walking with God and using discernment we can easily be influenced by him and not even realize it.
Yes, manipulation is what Satan does best, that’s for sure!