The enemy is sly in his schemes. His desire is to broaden his influence over the world (John 14:30; 16:11; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). One of the ways he desires to do this is through false teachings and one of the greatest influences we face today is that of Psychology and those who attempt to integrate this with the Word of God. Pastors have been tricked into believe they are not counselors and this is not their responsibility. However scripture teaches quite the opposite. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 tells urges us to warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, this truly sounds like counseling to me.

Satan delights in leading believers away from a pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). What are the methods he uses? He tries to destroy our faith, demoralize us, lead us into error, bring division, and to dilute our efforts.

How does he destroy our faith? He Tempts us to sin (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:3; John 13:2; Acts 5:3). Better yet he gets us to think that it’s not sin, it’s caused by the way we were raised, by others, or our circumstances. He also corrupts our conscience, to where we think things are ok, because there not as bad as something else (1 Timothy 1:19). We allow him to gain a foothold in our life. One way we do this is to begin to question the authority of God’s word. We begin to look other places to answer the situations in life that arise (Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:26). Another way is by getting our eyes off Christ and onto ourselves (Luke 9:62; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:18-19; 10:12; 1 Timothy 3:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:26). The world teaches and preaches to focus on ourselves in direct opposition of God’s word. Finally by direct persecution (1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 2:10-13). So much is made of problems that arise that if we experience anything uncomfortable our thoughts go to blaming God. Thus destroying our faith, satan is rejoicing.

Another way is demoralize. He accomplishes this by accusations (Job 1; Zechariah 3:1; Romans 8:33; Revelation 12:10); guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 2:11) and by creating doubts (Luke 24:38; Romans 2:14-15; James 1:6; Hebrews 10:23)

The third way is by leading into error by lies and deception (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 20:7-8); By twisting the truth (Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:6; 2 Corinthians 11:14) By false teachers and prophets (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 11:3-4; Galatians 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:1-22 Timothy 4:3-4) by targeting good teachers (Acts 20:28-31; 3 John 9-10) By false miracles (Matthew 7:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 16:14; 19:20)
To bring division in the body of Christ By anger, unforgiveness, bitterness (Ephesians 4:3; 26-31; Hebrews 12:15) By envy, pride, selfish ambition (James 3:14-15; 4:1-2) By slander and gossip (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; James 3:9-11; 4:11
The finally to dilute our efforts by putting the phony in with the real (Matthew 13:24-25; 38-39; Jude 4; 1 John 4:3)

Everyone is susceptible to be entrapped by his schemes. That is one of the reasons we must remain diligent in our walk with Him. We need to be continually growing and learning. Every believer whether layman or leader, pastor or member must walk in a manner worthy of the calling we have been given.