Satan's tricks and how to deal with them!

 

By JOHN CHOPORES

 

 

Some of Satan's tricks to get us to lose faith

Trick 1. Tell us to look only at the problem at hand. And try to get us, to act before we think.  Cf. Matt. 4: 2  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

 3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Answer. Love God and His Will, more than your problem at hand. Cf. Matthew 16:23  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Answer. Know that God cares about and for you! Cf. Genesis 48:15  And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

 

Trick 2. Get us to think like the World. Cf. 1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 Answer. Go to the Bible first!  Cf.Mat.4: 4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

It will renew your mind! Cf. Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[RSV].

Answer. Also, pray to God for a clear mind, and an answer. Cf. James 1: 5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Answer. Love God more than the world. Cf. 1 John 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Answer. Let God and His word, renew your mind and spirit. Cf. Psalms 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

 

Trick 3.  To get us to set our minds on the riches of the world. Cf. Matt.4: 8  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Answer. To remind the Devil, that we are to worship God, and not riches! Cf. Matt. 4:10  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Answer. Also, worldly riches will pass away. Cf. 1 John 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  

Trick 4.  To try to get us, to think that all troubles come from God! Cf. Job 2:7 ¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Answer. Many troubles are from Satan himself!

 

Trick 5.  Satan will use people, which we love, to try and brake down our faith. Cf. Job 2:9  Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

Answer. Know that only God is right all of the time. Cf. Deuteronomy 32:4  "The Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is he. [RSV].

 

 

Tricks that Satan may use, to harm the Church.

 

 Trick 1. Lack of forgiveness. Cf.. 2 Cor. 2:10  Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ,

 11  to keep Satan from gaining the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

 Answer. Be like Jesus, really to forgive quickly. Cf. Luke 23:34  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 Psalms 86:5  For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

 Luke 6:37 ¶ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

 

 

Trick 2. Bitterness.  Cf. Hebrews 12:15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Answer. To put it away, early. Cf. Ephesians 4:31  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ecclesiastes 7:9  Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Proverbs 14:17 ¶ He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Proverbs 16:32 ¶ He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 29:22 ¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

 

 

Let’s take a look at some of the tricks that Satan uses to try and get us to sin.-

Trick 1) To present the bait and hide the hook cf. Mat 4:8  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; Cf. with 1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Gen 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Gen 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be [3] desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Proverbs 23:31-32 ³¹ Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. ³² At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. ³³ Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

2 Samuel 11:2 ² And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

 

solution #1. That you keep far away from sin, and to put it out of your mind!

Cf. Romans 12:9  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Prov. 5: 8  Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Isaiah 33:15 ¹⁵ He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; (KJV)

Keep yourself, in the thoughts and things of God! That is in humility, love, peace, and holiness, that Jesus walked in. cf. Philippians 2:5-7 ⁵  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Colossians 3:1-2           ¹ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

      One sin can very easily lead to another. Cf.. 1 Corinthians 5:6 ⁶ Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
You will notice, how Adam’s sin, opened the door for many sins! Cf. Romans 5:12 ¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

Solution #2. Know that sin has poison in it!

Cf. Job 20:12  "Though wickedness is sweet in their mouth, though they hide it under their tongues, ¹³  though they are loath to let it go, and hold it in their mouths, ¹⁴  yet their food is turned in their stomachs; it is the venom of asps within them.[NRSV].

 

Solution #3. Know that sin brings with itself great and sad losses to our souls. cf. Matthew 16:26 ²⁶ For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) John 12:25  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (KJV)

Solution #4. Know that sin is terribly deceptive and captivating. Cf. Hebrews 3:13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (KJV)

 

Trick (2). By making sin look like it has respectability.

Satan does not want people to see, sin, and its true hideousness. So, he gives it nice sounding names and titles. Cf. Isaiah 5:20  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (KJV) Proverbs 17:15

            ¹⁵ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. (KJV)

 

solution #1. Know. No matter how much Sin, look good, honorable, and religious. It is in reality, dirty, depraved, and contemptible. cf. Deuteronomy 20:18  so that they may not teach you to do all the abhorrent things that they do for their gods, and you thus sin against the LORD your God. (NRSV) Proverbs 24:9  The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. (KJV)

 

solution #2. That, the more sin, is make to look like good, the more deadly it is to your soul. Cf. James 1:15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) Ezekiel 18:4 ⁴ Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. (KJV)

 

solution #3. To see sin, as you will in a little while! Cf. James 1:15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) Zechariah 3:3  Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. (KJV)

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV)

 

solution #4. That even the sins, that Satan’s tryes to make look virtuous, cost the blood of Jesus Christ! Cf. 1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (KJV)

Revelation 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (KJV)

 

Device (3) By way of, reducing and lessening of sin. Cf. Genesis 19:20  Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. (KJV)

Song of Solomon 2:15  Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. (KJV)

solution #1 The sins that seem small, have brought great wrath from God, unto men. Cf. James 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (KJV)

 

 

solution # 2. That, if you give way to a lesser sin, if makes way for a greater one. Cf. Psalm 1:1

             Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (KJV)

 

Ecclesiastes 10:13  The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. (KJV)

 

solution # 3. It is a sad thing, to fight with God for a trifle. Cf. Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (KJV)

 

solution #4. There is very much danger in (so-called) small sins. cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (KJV)

 

 

Solution # 5. That some saints have chosen to suffer very bad torments, rather than commit the least sin. Cf. Hebrews 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (KJV)

 

            As Jesus Himself did! Cf. Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (KJV)

            And Moses cf. Hebrews 11:24-25  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; ²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (KJV)

 

Solution #6. That our souls are not able to stand-up under the guilt and weight of the least sin(s), when the Holy Spirit brings it home. Cf. Psalm 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV) Psalm 38:3  There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. (KJV)

 

solution #7. To know that, there is more death and evil in sin than in the greatest affiction.  Cf. Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)

 

 

Trick #4. By presenting to the soul the (so-called) best men’s sins, and by hiding their virtues; by showing the soul their sins, and by hiding from the soul their sorrows and repentance

 

Solution # 1. Notice that the Spirit of God had been just as careful to show their rising by repentance out of sin, as their falling into sins.

Cf. Job 40:4-5 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. (KJV)

 

Job 42:6 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (KJV)

2 Samuel 12:13  And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. (KJV)

 

 Matthew 26:74-75  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (KJV)

 

Solution # 2. These saints did not commerce in sin. It was not their way of life!

Acts 13:22 22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' (NRSV)

 

 

Not like those who are "trained in greed". Cf. 2 Peter 2:14  They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! (NRSV)

 

 

Solution # 3. God will discipline His people for their sins.

Cf. Psalm 51:8   Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. (NRSV)

 Hebrews 12:7  Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? (NRSV)

Psalm 89:30-33  If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; 31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; 32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. 33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. (KJV)

Solution # 4. Know that there are at least two main reasons for God recording the falls of the saints.

1. To keep us from falling ourselves. Cf.1 Peter 5:12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. (NRSV)

 

2. To help those who have fallen, from going into despair.

Cf. Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." (NRSV)

 Joshua 23:14 14 And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. (KJV)

 

Solution #5. To try to make God week and made up of only mercy.

Cf. Deuteronomy 10:17  For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, (NRSV)

 Romans 2:11-12

            11 For God shows no partiality.

            12 All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. (NRSV)

 

Trick #5. To present God as all mercy.

 

Solution #1. God will and must judge sin! For the soul that sins, will die!  Cf. Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. [KJV].

 

Solution #2.  God is at the same time merciful, and just.

            See how He deals with angels who disobey! Cf. 2 Peter 2:4-6  For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; ⁵ And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; ⁶ And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; (KJV)

 

Solution #3. The more that a person, sins against the mercy of God, the greater the judgment.

Cf. Hebrews 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (KJV)

 

Solution #4. God’s special mercy is to those that love and obey Him..

Cf. Exodus 20:6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (KJV)

 

Cf. Psalm 25:10  All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (KJV)

 

Trick #6. By trying to make repentance, look like easy work!

 

Solution #1. Repentance is an unpleasant work. And that it cost Christ, much! Cf. Ac 5:31  Him did God exalt with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.

2Ti 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

 

Solution #2. Think about, what true Repentance is like!

a.      It is a changing.

b.      For the whole man.

From sin, to God.

 

Solution #3. Know, that true repentance is a continued act.  We must go from faith to faith. Cf. Psalm 101:3  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (KJV)

 

Solution #4. Know that Repentance is not as easy as Satan would to you think so. If it was, more people would do it.  Cf. Job 42:6  Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

 

Solution #5.  Know that to not sin, is a work of Grace! Cf. Psa.26: 3  For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

4  I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5         I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

 

Solution #6. Know that Satan now tells you that repentance is easy. But will later speak the other way, and seek to get you to despair! Cf. Job 2:7 ¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. Mr 4:15  And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

 

Trick #7. Encouraging us to be bold in sinning.  

 

 Solution #1. Think on the scriptures that encourage us to avoid opportunity to sin. In fact, even the appearance of evil. Cf. 1 Thess. 5: 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

 

Solution #2. If you do not turn from the opportunity to sin, where was your heart? Do you love the Lord, or sin more? Cf. Matthew 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 Romans 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 

 Solution #3. Know that other believers have turned from sin, by the power of God!

Like Joseph. Cf. Gen. 39: 10  And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Job. Cf. Job 31: 1 ¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

David. Cf. Psa.26: 4  I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

 5  I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

 

Solution #4. Avoiding the opportunely to sin, is one of the proofs that we are children of God! Cf. John 14:15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

 John 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

 John 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

 

Trick #8. By showing the outward property of sinners!

 

Solution #1. God is against all sin, and will deal with it. We do not now, see all of God’s dealings. But He can and will deal with all sin! Cf. Numbers 11:23  And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

 

Solution #2. Know that those who take comfort in the property of sinners, are helping to kill their desire to repent.

 

Solution #3. Know, that sinners are losing more than they are gaining! Cf. Matthew 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

Solution #4. Many times what we think, has value, does not. So is sin. Cf. Isaiah 55:2  Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

 

 

Solution #5. What a person does and thinks, (unless they repent) will come back to them, with interest!

 

Solution #6. Know that any fun in doing sin, is short lived and will bring with it more pain than pleasure! Cf. Hebrews 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

 

Solution #7. We are only given, a little time, on earth to serve God, why waste it? 

 

 

Trick #9. By pointing to all the sufferings, that comes with holiness.

 

 

Solution # 1.  That God will turn it all for good! Cf. Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

 Solution #2. Know that our reward will be greater than the cost! Cf. Luke 6:23  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

 

Solution #3. The Ways of God bring us peace! Cf. Romans 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

 

Solution #4. Know, that as we stay close to the Lord, that Satan cannot do harm to our spirit or separate from God. Cf. Romans 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

  38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    

Solution #5. Know that afflictions are not forever! Cf. Heb. 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37     For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

John 16: 21  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

 22  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

  

Solution #6. That it can be used of God, to grow us. Cf. Job.23: 10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Deu. 8: 2  And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

 

Solution #7. Know, that the ways of the unsaved, are hard and full of trouble! Cf.  Isa. 57: 20  But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

 21  There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

 

Trick #10. By having us to compare ourselves to others worse than ourselves!

 

Solution #1.  We become a hypocrite, if we only see the sin of others! Cf. Matt. 7: 3  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

 4  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

 5  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

 

 Solution #2. Our rule of life, are not other humans, but the Word of God. Cf. 2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

 Proverbs 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

 

Solution #3. Know that Christ die for all of our sins, small and large! Cf. Psalms 103:10  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Matthew 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 Matthew 3:6  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Romans 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1 Corinthians 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

 

Solution #4. Know that all your sins do harm, to your soul. Cf. Isaiah 1:5  Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

 Song of Solomon 2:15  Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom."  [RSV].

 

Solution #5. Know that we see and think as humans, not as widely and deeply as God does! Cf. Isaiah 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

 Isaiah 55:9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

 

Solution #6. Know that blessing comes with keeping right with God! Cf. Psa. 1: 1 ¶ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

 2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

 Proverbs 8:32 ¶ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

 

Trick #11. By filling our minds with ideas of looseness in moral things.

 

Solution #1. That God does not approve of sinful mind or heart. Cf. Proverbs 21:27 ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Isa.1; 5  Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

6  From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Luke 12:29  And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

Romans 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Ephesians 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Colossians 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

 Titus 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

   

     

Solution #2. Receive and fill your mind with the truth. Cf. Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 8:10  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

1 Peter 1:13 ¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

     

Solution #3. Know that error in doctrine and mind is harmful to you. Cf. Prov. 23: 23  Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Matthew 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

 Solution #4. Stay away from that which is evil. Cf. 1 Thess. 5: 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

Exodus 23:7  Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

 

Solution #5. Hold to and follow the good. Cf. Prov. 23: 23  Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Amos 5:14  Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

1 Thess. 5: 21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.   

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Solution #6. Become and stay humble. Cf. Psa 25: 9  He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. [RSV].

Psalms 149:4  For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. [NKJV].

Matthew 5:5  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 

Solution #7. To think about the problems that evil thoughts and doctrines have caused. Cf. Proverbs 22:5 ¶ Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.

 2 Tim. 4: 10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

 

Trick #12. To keep bad company.

 

Solution #1. To keep your mind on what God has said about what company we are to keep! Cf.Eph. 5: 11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  [NKJV].

Prov.4: 14 ¶ Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. 

1 Cor.5: 9 ¶ I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 

10  Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

11  But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner----not even to eat with such a person. 

2 Thess. 3: 6 ¶ But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 

Prov. 1: 10 ¶ My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

11  If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12  Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13  We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil;

14  Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse" --

15  My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 

 

Solution #2. Be aware that if you keep company with them, you may become like them! Cf. Prov.13: 20 ¶ He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. 

 

 

 

[A good book on this subject, which has helped me in the writing of this site, is- "PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S DEVICES" By THOMAS BROOKS.].