How does the devil deceive people?

Satan uses strategies to deceive people, lure them, and make them think that their suffering is someone else’s fault rather than his. One of his greatest strategies is to convince people that he does not exist.

Satan is an enemy we cannot see, because he is a spirit and does not have a physical form. He works in the shadows—stealing, killing, destroying, and causing problems. Yet many people do not believe in his existence.

The devil exists. We can see the evidence in the world we live in. While we have seen tremendous developments in water systems, electricity, technology, and many other areas, we also see people becoming increasingly selfish and violent. We see it in families, in society, through social injustice, and in wars.

People may think that other people are simply evil, but where does this evil come from? It comes from the influence of the kingdom of this world, which is influenced by Satan. Despite all of this, the world often fails to recognize the spiritual source behind evil.

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

2 Corinthians 11:14

Three Ways that Devil Deceives People

1.      The devil ridicules those who say he exists.

He mocks those who acknowledge the existence of evil, labeling them as fanatical or superstitious. However, Jesus spoke extensively about the devil’s existence and exposed his works. No one spoke more about the devil’s existence and his works than Jesus. He came to expose the works of the devil and destroy them.

2.      The devil hides his existence from people.

Evil has always worked through religions, traditions, rituals, spirit worship, and similar practices. The devil promotes the idea that if something is considered a cultural or religious tradition, it should not be questioned or considered evil. However, many of these practices have spiritual implications, even when they are presented simply as cultural events.

3.      The devil makes evil appear normal.

The devil gradually normalizes the works he performs or influences in society. What was once considered wrong or unacceptable can eventually become accepted as the new normal. People stop questioning or resisting destructive behavior and begin to see it as normal. The devil has been working to take away from people their understanding of what is right.

Beware of these strategies and act with discernment. Do not assume that everything is the devil, but neither assume that nothing is.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

Satan will never reveal himself openly or announce that he is the devil and came to destroy you. He will always disguise himself.

If something appears to be evil, there may be evil behind it. If something appears to be wrong, there may be something wrong with it. Do not simply assume that everything is okay.

Be sober and vigilant, because the devil walks around us, lurking like a roaring lion, waiting for an opportunity. Be alert, and let the Word of God always guide you.