Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
       Ephesians 6:11
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ
       2 Corinthians 11:3 

–

October 28, 2025

During the Hundred Years War, the British won an important battle that the stronger French should have won. The French army was primarily made up of nobles who had disdain for the more “common” English soldiers. Had they bothered to research their enemy, they would have learned that the English were very skilled long-distance archers. When the French marched out on horseback into the mud, which slowed their horses, the English easily dropped them with their “inferior” weapons. The French lost because they didn’t know how the English would attack. 

We have to pay attention to how our enemy, Satan, fights. While nuances play out differently for each situation, there are common patterns. Recognizing these patterns will help us lean into God for His protection.  

Generally, Satan and his forces fight with guerrilla tactics. Guerrilla warfare involves small parties who ambush and sabotage a stronger enemy. Avoiding frontal assaults, they exploit their familiarity with the terrain, blend in, and wear down their enemy.  

Does anything sound familiar? If Satan announced himself and came at us straight on, we’d rarely be in the weeds.  

Some tactics used by Satan and his armies: 

  • Lies or accusations about us: thoughts enter our minds that are not aligned with God’s word. They may be self-inflating thoughts (I deserve better) or self-condemning thoughts (I am a horrible person). 
  • Lies about God’s word: we are bombarded with versions of “did God really say…”   
  • Lies about the seriousness of sin: no one will know, a little can’t hurt, everyone does it. 
  • Timing: capitalize on our weak moments. When we are tired, hungry, disappointed, suffering. When God seems silent. 
  • Place: we’re alone, either literally or we’ve withdrawn from meaningful fellowship. 
  • Camouflage: tactics may look like a shortcut, or relief from pain, or a false teacher with attractive ideas. 

Rather than making us fearful, knowing Satan’s playbook gives us strategic advantage! We can lean into God’s strength, put on all of the armor, and stand. We may even have some “aha” moments as we begin to recognize these tactics in real life—and stand against them.   

Questions for Reflection and Discussion: 

  • Have you noticed a pattern of attacks and temptations when you are worn out? How about when you’ve isolated yourself from Christian fellowship?  
  • Have you fallen for the lie that a certain sin is no big deal? Or the lie that you are unlovable?  
  • What habits might you start/restart/shore up to stand firm against these attacks? 

Church Reading Plan: 2 Kings 9; 1 Timothy 6