Soul-Killing Plots, Devices, Stratagems & Machinations!
We must be aware of Satan's devices and take steps to protect ourselves from his plots and schemes.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of understanding Christ, Scripture, our own hearts, and the devices of Satan to safeguard our souls. He warns that Satan, filled with malice and envy, seeks to ensnare humanity into eternal misery, using our weaknesses against us. Brooks highlights that the devil's plots are numerous and tailored to exploit our inclinations, making vigilance essential for Christians. He urges believers to be aware of these soul-killing strategies to avoid falling into temptation and to remain steadfast in faith.
Text
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11
Christ,
the Scripture,
your own hearts,
and Satan's devices,
are the four prime things that should be first and most
studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these,
they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter. It is my
work as a Christian, but much more as I am a Watchman,
to do my best to discover . . .
the fullness of Christ,
the emptiness of the creature,
and the snares of the great deceiver.
Satan being fallen . . .
from light to darkness,
from felicity to misery,
from heaven to hell,
from an angel to a devil,
is so full of malice and envy that he will leave no means
unattempted, whereby he may make all others eternally
miserable with himself. He being shut out of heaven, and
shut up "under the chains of darkness until the judgment
of the great day," makes use of all his power and skill to
bring all people into the same condition and condemnation
with himself. Satan has cast such sinful seed into our souls,
that now he can no sooner tempt, but we are ready to
assent; he can no sooner have a plot upon us, but he makes
a conquest of us. If he does but show men a little of the
beauty of the world, how ready are they to fall down and
worship him! Whatever sin the heart of man is most
prone to, that the devil will help forward! Satan loves
to sail with the wind, and to suit men's temptations to
their conditions and inclinations.
From the power, malice and skill of Satan--proceeds all the
soul-killing plots, devices, stratagems and machinations,
which are in the world. A man may as well count the stars, and
number the sands of the sea, as reckon up all the devices of Satan!
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11
Sermon Outline
- I. The Four Prime Things to Study
- A. Christ
- B. Scripture
- C. Your Own Hearts
- D. Satan's Devices
Key Quotes
“Satan loves to sail with the wind, and to suit men's temptations to their conditions and inclinations.” — Thomas Brooks
“A man may as well count the stars, and number the sands of the sea, as reckon up all the devices of Satan!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must be aware of our own hearts and weaknesses in order to avoid falling into Satan's traps.
- Studying God's Word and praying are essential in protecting ourselves from Satan's devices.
- We must be mindful of our surroundings and the world's influences in order to stay focused on God.