Strategies of Satan: When the Enemy Tries to Tear Us Apart and Turn Us Away

INTRODUCTION

As we close this series on The Strategies of Satan, we have learned that the enemy rarely attacks with obvious evil. His methods are calculated, his approach is deceptive, and his goal is always the same—to separate us from God’s truth, God’s people, and God’s purpose.

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In Week 3, we will discover how he uses:

DIVISION AND CONFLICT,

POWER AND PRESTIGE, and

SUFFERING AND LOSS.

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DIVISION AND CONFLICT 

Philippians 4:2–3 (NLT), Matthew 12:25–26 (NKJV), Matthew 12:25 (NLT) 

“Division and conflict are Satan’s weapons used to fracture unity, destroy trust and derail God’s work, through offense.” – Pastor Billy Johnson.

Satan does not need to destroy, he simply needs to divide, for those divided cannot stand. Because of division we are often unable to complete God’s purpose.

You may be falling prey to division if you are:

• quick to argue and slow to forgive.
• prioritizing being right over being reconciled.

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How to Combat Division and Conflict

• Be a Peacemaker – Matthew 5:9
  Choose reconciliation over retaliation. Seek peace even when you’re right.
• Accept Differences – Romans 14:1–4
  Unity is not uniformity. We can disagree without being divided.
• Walk in Forgiveness – Colossians 3:13
  Forgive quickly and fully; forgiveness frees you first.
• Stay Mission-Focused – Philippians 1:27
  Keep the main thing the main thing: advancing the Gospel.

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POWER AND PRESTIGE 

Luke 4:5–8 (NKJV), Acts 8:18–24 (NKJV)

This strategy mimics divine authority to manipulate others or feed self-importance.
Satan entices believers to pursue position over purpose and influence without intimacy with God. Satan wants people to worship power instead of walking in unity.

• Be careful you are not elevating yourself rather than serving others.
• The praise of men should not be exchanged for the purpose of God.

 

How to Combat the Spirit of Power and Prestige

• Embrace Servanthood – Mark 10:43–45
  True greatness is found in serving, not in status.
• Stay Submitted to God’s Authority – James 4:7
  Power outside submission leads to pride and downfall.
• Pursue Character Over Platform – Galatians 5:22–23
  The fruit of the Spirit matters more than the gifts of the Spirit.
• Worship God Alone – Luke 4:8
  Refuse to let success or applause become your idol.

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SUFFERING AND LOSS 

Job 1:20–22 (NKJV)

Satan uses suffering to make us question God’s goodness, doubt His care, or abandon our faith. Suffering is not always punishment.  We live in a fallen world. Many of us have experienced prolonged suffering. Some of us may even be mad with God. If we are not careful, this can lead us to spiritual doubt, and loss of confidence in prayer, leaving us ill equipped to deal with suffering and loss.

 

How to Combat Suffering and Loss

• Anchor in God’s Word – Romans 8:28
  Even when you don’t understand the plan, trust the promise.
• Worship in the Storm – Job 1:20–21
  Worship realigns your focus from pain to presence.
• Lean on Community – Galatians 6:2
  Don’t suffer alone; healing flows through shared burdens.
• Fix Your Eyes on Eternity – 2 Corinthians 4:17–18
  Present pain produces eternal glory.

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In conclusion, we’ve seen that Satan’s strategies are both ancient and adaptable:

• Week 1: He DECEIVES THE MIND.
• Week 2: He DISCOURAGES THE HEART.
• Week 3: He DIVIDES THE BODY AND DISTORTS PERSPECTIVE.

 

James 4:7

Through Christ, we can guard our unity, purify our motives, and anchor our faith when life hurts.  The victory in not just in resisting Satan, it’s in resting in Christ.