Schemes The Devil Uses Against Us Alton Bailey 20260301

CAUTION: AI Generated. May contain errors. Schemes the Devil Uses Sermon by Alton Bailey March 1, 2025 Introduction Good to be with you today. I want to speak to you a few moments concerning some of the schemes that Satan uses towards us. Last week we spoke of some of the things Satan cannot do, but I want to speak to you on some of the things he can do and some of the schemes that he uses as he tries to trick us and cause us to fall. The word "scheme," according to Webster's Dictionary, is a plan of action, especially a crafty one. Boy, that fits Satan, doesn't it? A Christian, as we talk often, we're engaged in spiritual warfare. In 2 Timothy 2:4 (New King James), the Apostle Paul says to Timothy, no one that's engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life. Our primary focus in this life is to seek God, fear him and keep his commandments, and we're not to entangle ourselves with the things of this world. Although, now, God put us in this world to live, but our primary concern would be that to serve God. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus from a Roman prison. He said, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Satan Uses Man as His Tool Satan uses man as his tool. You know, the only time that Satan came as a serpent was in Genesis chapter 3. And after that, when sin came into the world, we have no record that Satan ever came as a serpent again. In fact, he uses us, he uses man, to spew forth his lies and his trickery and his schemes. And Satan, you notice here in Matthew 3:7, to me it's just interesting to note, here's John the Baptist baptizing at the River Jordan. And some Pharisees and Sadducees are coming toward John the Baptist. And he calls them brood of vipers. In other words, the word brood refers to a family of more than one brood of vipers. Vipers refers to a snake. It goes all the way back to Genesis 3 when Satan came as a serpent. And John the Baptist is saying, you're just a bunch of snakes. It's really what he's saying to these Pharisees and these Sadducees in Matthew 3 and verse 7. Our enemy is not man, but it's Satan. But Satan uses man to teach false doctrine. And so God, Jesus, died for all, all of mankind. In 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds, Paul said. Not Everyone Who Says Lord, Lord If you notice in Matthew 7:21-23 (New American Standard), Jesus is speaking here and he said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” You know, here we have Judas, didn't he perform miracles in Matthew chapter 10, cast out demons? But we have to finish the race, and we know that he did not do that. The Armor of God and the Power of the Word In Ephesians 6:10-11 (New American Standard), Paul tells the church at Ephesus, he said, finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. That's the New American Standard. What is the strength of God's might? His word. His word. We know in Romans 1:16, Paul said, I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The power is in the word. So if you're Satan, what do you want to do? You want to twist that word. And he did that with Eve, didn't he, in Genesis chapter 3, when Eve said, when we eat of this forbidden fruit that we will surely die, he said, you will surely not die. So he changes the word. Isn't that what denominations do today? They change the word. In fact, in Mark 16:16, Jesus said, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. And they said, no, baptism is not essential, but that's not what Jesus said. And he's going to be the one that judges us. You Are of Your Father the Devil You know, John 8:44, here you have these well-known as Pharisees and scribes from verse 3 of John chapter 8. And so, I'll just read this, in John chapter 8, in verse 44, these elite of the Jews, these leaders of the Jews, were trying to test Jesus and trying to, well, they just, they really just hated him to the point of death. And they said in verse 39, we were, notice how they flung this at Jesus in verse 41, we wasn't born in fornication. Isn't that something? Because we know it may have been that they were referring to Jesus. You remember the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived? And they said, we wasn't born of fornication. And Jesus said to them in verse 42, if God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God. Well, I have not even come on my own initiative, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear my word. You are of your father the devil. Now, that's strong, isn't it? Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, you are of your father the devil. He is a murderer from the beginning, remember Genesis chapter 4, Cain and Abel? He is a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But you, because I speak the truth, you do not believe me. And so Jesus is saying, I am speaking the truth, Satan is speaking something that is a lie, and you are of your father, the devil. We have to be careful. We have to make sure we glean the truth from God's word. And yes, it's strict, but it's God's will. And without God's word, we would not know about the schemes of Satan, would we? Because God points that out to us. Satan doesn't tell us about hell, but God does. See, Satan doesn't do that. Scheme 1: Intimidation You know, he, Satan, he uses other people and other ways to spew forth his lies. One of the ways, and one way that Satan does of his schemes is intimidation. You know, he wants to intimidate, and he's successful at times with that. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus said, Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. And Peter did. We know this happened in Matthew 26:69-75, where he had denied Jesus three times. But Jesus said, Do not fear those who kill the body... In 1 Peter 5:8, you know, Satan prowls about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. In Luke 22:54-62 (New American Standard Version), talking about the intimidation of Satan, this is one of his schemes, that he tries to get people to quit the Lord, to not obey the gospel. Luke 22, beginning in verse 54, this is talking about Peter denying Jesus three times. And just shortly before that, Peter said, Lord, I'll go with you to prison and to death. I'll never deny you. But he did, three times, didn't he? Having arrested Jesus, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, “This man was with Him too.” But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” A little later another saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter went out and wept bitterly. Boy, I think when I was growing up, sometimes I might be misbehaving at a gathering. And all my daddy had to do was just turn and look. And I got the message. Don't you think Peter got the message? He went out and wept bitterly. But Satan, Satan's schemes, his intimidation, I think that's his number one scheme, is intimidate. Want to intimidate people. Notice what Paul did. This is one in Acts 26:9-11. This is when he was Saul. But now he's the apostle Paul. And Luke is recording this for us. In verse 9, beginning of Acts 26, Paul is speaking to King Agrippa, so then I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this is just what I did in Jerusalem. Not only did I lock up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. You know, as I read Josephus, he claims that there's over a hundred synagogues in the city of Jerusalem alone at the time of Jesus. Oh, you can read over in Acts where there's one synagogue named the freedmen. Paul would go to these synagogues and people who had become Christian, he would try to compel them to blaspheme. That's intimidation. In Galatians 2:11-14 is another example. Here's Peter. You remember up in Antioch, Antioch of Syria. Well, whenever Peter was up there, he would eat with those converted, both Jews and Gentiles. But then some Jews came up from Jerusalem. What did Peter do? He withdrew. He withdrew and he would not eat with the Gentiles. He was intimidated. Notice what Paul did. Paul, now when Peter had come to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. Peer pressure, isn't it? Peer pressure is great. It's great today. Peer pressure is. But you know, we have some, and David, he was not intimidated with Goliath. Here's Goliath. You remember in 1 Samuel 17:44-50, the Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. A sword at that time was a prevalent weapon to be used in warfare, and David didn't even have one. The battle belonged to the Lord. Jesus was not intimidated. I know Satan used schemes. Intimidation is one of his main schemes that he uses. But in Luke 22:52, beginning, then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers as they came to arrest Jesus, to take him to crucify him, and he said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come out against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.” Jesus was not intimidated. He knew, notice in John 12:27, Jesus said, “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” Satan uses intimidation. I think that's one of his main schemes. You know, what is going on in Nigeria today, isn't it, where they're killing people who won't deny Jesus? I mean, those people, they want them to deny Jesus. Would you lie? You know, that's an intimidation because of fear at a job or within a family. You know, as a preacher, I had a lady, young lady, call me. She knew she was wrong. She called me and she said, I'm not going, I'm leaving the Lord's church and I'm going with him to a denomination. I said, you know, you're wrong, and she was just crying. She said, but I want to keep my family together. And you know, to this day, she's still in that denomination. She's raised her children. Now they do not know the truth, that she was intimidated by her husband. That's one of Satan's schemes, intimidation. Another, he's using intimidation in Philippians 1:27-28. Paul said to the church at Philippi, only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you. In 3 John 9-10, it's only one chapter. But in 3 John, in verse 9, John says, I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. So Diotrephes was a weapon of Satan. He intimidated people, didn't he? Notice what he says, verse 10. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. That's intimidation. Diotrephes was using the method of intimidation. Notice how they did in the early days of the church in Acts 4:29. Peter and John asked God for boldness. You remember, they were commanded, don't teach anymore in Jesus' name. And they prayed for boldness. And notice in verse 29 of Acts 4, and now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant to Your bond-servants that they may speak Your word with all confidence. Acts 5:29, the Sanhedrin had commanded the apostles not to teach in the name of Jesus, but notice verse 29. They said to him, we ought to obey God rather than men. They didn't succumb to the intimidation of the Jewish leaders of that day. Scheme 2: Allurement If you cannot do it with intimidation and allurement, Satan uses the scheme of allurement. He lures, he makes, he wants the world to appear appealing to someone. And Satan can only use the things of the world. Well, all spiritual blessings come from God, not Satan, so Satan can only use the things of this world. The word, according to Webster's dictionary, the word allurement is to entice by charm or attraction. Make something appear to be something that's not. God made the world for us to use, and he wants us to enjoy life and have good days, but he doesn't want us to fall in love with the world. Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. It says in 1 John 2:15-17 (King James Version), do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. You remember the attractiveness of sin. Pornography today. Man, it's addictive. Your eye, control your eye. Eve was attracted to the forbidden fruit, wasn't she, in Genesis chapter 3. It was, notice what it says in Genesis 3:6. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, this is a tree that was forbidden for man to take from, and that it was a delight to the eyes, it was an appealing tree, wasn't it, because it said it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, that's speaking of pride, isn't it, she took of its fruit and ate, and she gave to her husband with her, and he ate. So allurement, Satan used that, he didn't use intimidation with her, he used allurement. We, man, it's in Job chapter 31, Job said, we're to make a covenant with our eyes. Job said, I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? Adultery, fornication, it looks appealing, but Joseph, down in Egypt, he fled, didn't he, he had to run. You know, I often say, sometimes we don't, as ladies, not to be look-getters, and that means, men, we tend to be lookers, we have to be careful. All of us need to make a covenant with our eyes, and Satan uses these schemes of attractiveness to allure people into his sin. Internet, television, you know, how can a person watch a sex scene on television without being aroused? You shouldn't be doing those kind of things. Scheme 3: Doubt, Deceit, and Confusion Another scheme by Satan is doubt, deceit, and confusion. I've had people, as I've studied with them, that, why would my preacher tell me such and such? My preacher, he wouldn't do something like that, and they, it kind of, that preacher tries to present doubt in their mind. In Genesis 3:4-5, didn't Satan, as a serpent, try to put doubt in the mind of Eve? You surely will not die, that's a scheme. Verse 5 of Genesis 3 puts, Satan puts confusion into the mind of Eve. Satan says, for God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So he's putting doubt. Conclusion And in conclusion, God warns us about the schemes of Satan. We're not to be ignorant of his devices. We have his word, God's word, but to be given our defense of that. If you're here this morning, and you're not a Christian, we beseech you to become one. If you are, and you've fallen back into the ways of the world, that needs to be made right. Here is a comprehensive list of all scriptures referenced in the sermon "Schemes the Devil Uses" by Alton Bailey (March 2, 2025). Each entry includes: The scripture reference (hyperlinked to Bible Hub Parallel for the first verse in any series/range). The version primarily used or quoted by the speaker (e.g., NKJV, NASB, KJV). The full verse(s) from the speaker's version. The same from the New King James Version (NKJV). The same from the Legacy Standard Version (LSV) (a modern literal translation in the NASB tradition). Adjacent verses quoted in full only if the speaker referenced them for essential context (e.g., direct quotes from Jesus or key narrative parts). Words of Christ are italicized in markdown (which preserves italics when pasted into Google Docs). 1. 2 Timothy 2:4 Speaker's version (NKJV): No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. NKJV: No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. LSV: no one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please the One who enlisted him. 2. Ephesians 6:12 Speaker's version (implied NKJV): For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. NKJV: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. LSV: because for us the wrestling is not with blood and flesh, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 3. Matthew 3:7 Speaker's version (NKJV): But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” NKJV: But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” LSV: But having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming about his immersion, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” 4. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 Speaker's version (implied NASB/NKJV): And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. NKJV: And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. LSV: and it is no wonder—for even Satan himself is transformed into an messenger of light; it is not great, then, if his servants also transform themselves into servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 5. Matthew 7:21-23 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” NKJV: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” LSV: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will come into the kingdom of the heavens, but he who is doing the will of My Father who is in the heavens. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name? And in Your Name cast out demons? And in Your Name done many mighty works? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you—depart from Me, you who are working lawlessness.” 6. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. NKJV: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. LSV: As to the rest, my brothers, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might; put on the whole armor of God, for your being able to stand against the schemes of the Devil. 7. Romans 1:16 Speaker's version (NKJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. NKJV: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. LSV: for I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who is believing, both to Jew first, and to Greek. 8. Mark 16:16 Speaker's version (implied KJV/NKJV): He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. NKJV: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. LSV: He who has believed and has been immersed will be saved; but he who has not believed will be condemned. 9. John 8:44 Speaker's version (implied NKJV): You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. NKJV: You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. LSV: You are of a father—the Devil, and the desires of your father you will to do; he was a manslayer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him; when he speaks falsehood, he speaks of his own, because he is a liar, and the father of it. 10. Matthew 10:28 Speaker's version (implied NKJV): And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. NKJV: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. LSV: And do not be afraid of those killing the body, and are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 11. 1 Peter 5:8 Speaker's version (NKJV): Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. NKJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. LSV: Be sober, vigilant, because your opponent the Devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may swallow up. 12. Luke 22:54-62 (NASB, narrative context for Peter's denial) Speaker's version (NASB, key parts quoted): Having arrested Jesus, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance... (full denial sequence, ending with the rooster crowing and the Lord looking at Peter). NKJV (summary): Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance... (denials and rooster crows). LSV (summary): And having laid hold on Him, they led Him away, and they brought Him in to the house of the chief priest, and Peter was following afar off... (denials). 13. Acts 26:9-11 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): So I thought to myself that I had to act in strong opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this is just what I did in Jerusalem... (persecution details). NKJV: Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth... (persecution). LSV: I indeed thought with myself that it is necessary to do many things against the Name of Jesus the Nazarene... (persecution). 14. Galatians 2:11-14 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned... (withdrawal due to intimidation). NKJV: Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed... (hypocrisy). LSV: And when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to the face, because he was blameworthy... (withdrawal). 15. 1 Samuel 17:44-50 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the field.” ... (David's response and victory). NKJV: And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” ... (victory). LSV: And the Philistine says to David, “Come to me, and I give your flesh to the bird of the heavens, and to the beast of the field.” ... (victory). 16. Luke 22:52 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber?” NKJV: Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs?” LSV: And Jesus said to the chief priests, and officers of the temple, and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come forth with swords and sticks as against a robber?” 17. John 12:27 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): “Now My soul has become troubled; and what am I to say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” NKJV: “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” LSV: “Now My soul has been troubled; and what will I say? Father, save Me out of this hour! But because of this I came to this hour.” 18. Philippians 1:27-28 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you. NKJV: Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ... and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation. LSV: Only conduct yourselves worthily of the good news of the Christ... and not terrified in anything by those opposing, which to them is a token of destruction, but to you of salvation. 19. 3 John 9-10 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds... NKJV: I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds... LSV: I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who is loving to be first among them, does not receive us; because of this, if I may come, I will be calling to mind his works. 20. Acts 4:29 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant to Your bond-servants that they may speak Your word with all confidence. NKJV: Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word. LSV: And now, LORD, look on their threatenings, and grant to Your servants to speak Your word in all freedom. 21. Acts 5:29 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” NKJV: But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” LSV: And Peter and the apostles answered and said, “It is necessary to obey God, rather than men.” 22. 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV) Speaker's version (KJV): 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. 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. NKJV: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. LSV: Do not love the world, nor the things in the world; if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eyes, and the ostentation of the life—is not of the Father, but is of the world; and the world passes away, and the desire of it, but he who is doing the will of God remains—to the age. 23. Genesis 3:6 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. NKJV: So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. LSV: And the woman sees that the tree is good for food, and that it is pleasant to the eyes, and the tree is desirable to make one wise, and she takes of its fruit and eats, and gives also to her husband with her, and he eats. 24. Job 31:1 (NASB, referenced as "covenant with our eyes") Speaker's version (NASB): “I have made a covenant with my eyes; How then could I look at a virgin?” NKJV: “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?” LSV: “I have made a covenant with my eyes, || And how do I look attentively toward a virgin?” 25. Genesis 3:4-5 (NASB) Speaker's version (NASB): The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.” NKJV: Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” LSV: And the serpent says to the woman, “Dying, you do not die, for God knows that in the day of your eating of it—your eyes have been opened, and you have been as God, knowing good and evil.” Additional Scriptures for Study on the Schemes of the Devil 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. James 4:7 (with verse 8 for context) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 2 Corinthians 4:4 Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. Revelation 12:9-10 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” John 12:31 “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” Ezekiel 28:17 “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you.” Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.” Luke 4:1-13 (full narrative for context on Satan's temptations) Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Ephesians 4:27 Nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 6:16 (with verse 13 for context, as it builds on the armor theme) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ... Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 2:2 In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. Matthew 13:19 “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.” Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Genesis 3:13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Detailed Outline of the Sermon: "Schemes the Devil Uses" by Alton Bailey (March 2, 2025) I. Introduction Greeting and topic introduction: The speaker welcomes the audience and introduces the topic of Satan's schemes, contrasting it with the previous week's discussion on what Satan cannot do. Definition of "scheme": According to Webster's Dictionary, a plan of action, especially a crafty one, which fits Satan. Christians in spiritual warfare: Primary focus: Seek God, fear Him, keep His commandments; avoid entanglement with worldly affairs. Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:4 (NKJV) – No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life. Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness. II. Satan Uses Man as His Tool Satan's manifestation: Only appeared as a serpent in Genesis 3; afterward, uses humans to spread lies and schemes. Example from John the Baptist: Calls Pharisees and Sadducees a "brood of vipers," linking back to the serpent in Genesis 3. Scripture: Matthew 3:7 – Brood of vipers. True enemy: Not man, but Satan, who uses people to teach false doctrine. Jesus died for all mankind. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:14 – Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and his servants as servants of righteousness. III. Not Everyone Who Says "Lord, Lord" Warning from Jesus: Not all who claim to follow Him will enter heaven; must do the Father's will. Scripture: Matthew 7:21 (NASB) – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven...” Example: Judas performed miracles ([Matthew 10:1-8 implied]) but did not finish the race. IV. The Armor of God and the Power of the Word Exhortation to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor to stand against Satan's schemes. Scripture: Ephesians 6:10 (NASB) – Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Strength comes from God's Word, the power for salvation. Scripture: Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power of God to salvation. Satan's tactic: Twist God's Word (e.g., with Eve in Genesis 3). Denominations change the Word, e.g., denying baptism's necessity. Scripture: Mark 16:16 – He who believes and is baptized will be saved. V. You Are of Your Father the Devil Confrontation with Pharisees: They hate Jesus and fling insults (e.g., implying illegitimate birth). Scripture: John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil... a murderer from the beginning, a liar. Importance of God's Word: Reveals Satan's schemes; Satan hides truths like hell. Satan uses people to spread lies. VI. Scheme 1: Intimidation Satan's goal: Intimidate to cause fear and falling away. Scripture: Matthew 10:28 – Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul... Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8 – Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Example: Peter's denial of Jesus due to fear. Scripture: Luke 22:54 (NASB) – Narrative of Peter's three denials and weeping bitterly. Paul's past actions as Saul: Persecuting Christians through imprisonment, voting for death, forcing blasphemy. Scripture: Acts 26:9 – Paul's testimony to King Agrippa about his hostility. Reference to Josephus: Over 100 synagogues in Jerusalem; Paul compelled blasphemy in them. Peter's hypocrisy in Antioch: Withdrew from Gentiles due to fear of Jews from Jerusalem. Scripture: Galatians 2:11 – Paul opposed Peter to his face. Peer pressure as a form of intimidation. Positive examples of non-intimidation: David vs. Goliath: Trusted in the Lord. Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:44 – David's victory with a sling and stone. Jesus' arrest: Not intimidated; knew His purpose. Scripture: Luke 22:52 – Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber? Scripture: John 12:27 – “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say...” Modern examples: Persecution in Nigeria; family/job pressure (e.g., woman leaving church for husband). Exhortation to stand firm. Scripture: Philippians 1:27 – Conduct worthy of the gospel; not alarmed by opponents. Diotrephes: Intimidated church members, expelling those who welcomed brethren. Scripture: 3 John 1:9 – Diotrephes loves to be first; accuses unjustly. Early church boldness: Scripture: Acts 4:29 – Pray for confidence despite threats. Scripture: Acts 5:29 – We ought to obey God rather than men. VII. Scheme 2: Allurement Satan lures by making the world appealing; uses only worldly things (spiritual blessings from God). Definition: Entice by charm or attraction; make something appear better than it is. God's intent: Enjoy life but not love the world. Scripture: 1 John 2:15 (KJV) – Do not love the world or the things in the world... lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life. Examples of attractiveness of sin: Pornography: Addictive; control the eye. Eve and the forbidden fruit. Scripture: Genesis 3:6 – Saw it was good for food, delight to the eyes, desirable for wisdom. Job's covenant with his eyes. Scripture: Job 31:1 – I have made a covenant with my eyes... Adultery/fornication: Appealing but flee like Joseph. Media: Internet, TV sex scenes arouse; avoid. VIII. Scheme 3: Doubt, Deceit, and Confusion Satan plants doubt through others (e.g., preachers causing confusion). Example with Eve: Questions God's Word. Scripture: Genesis 3:4 – You will not surely die... you will be like God. IX. Conclusion God warns of Satan's schemes; do not be ignorant. Defense: God's Word. Invitation: Become a Christian if not; repent if fallen away. Short Description In this powerful sermon, "Schemes the Devil Uses," Alton Bailey exposes Satan's crafty tactics in spiritual warfare. Drawing from Scripture, he explores how the enemy employs intimidation, allurement, and doubt to deceive believers. From twisting God's Word (as with Eve) to using peer pressure and worldly attractions, Satan seeks to derail faith. Yet, through the full armor of God and obedience to His truth, Christians can stand firm. A timely call to vigilance and faithfulness. (428 characters) Here are 6 suggested alternate titles for Alton Bailey's sermon (originally titled "Schemes the Devil Uses"). These draw from the sermon's focus on Satan's tactics (intimidation, allurement, doubt), spiritual warfare, twisting Scripture, and standing firm with God's armor and Word: Standing Firm Against Satan's Schemes The Devil's Devices: Intimidation, Allurement, and Doubt Unmasking Satan's Tactics in Spiritual Warfare Beware the Wiles of the Devil: How Satan Tricks Believers Satan's Crafty Plans: Don't Be Ignorant of His Schemes Overcoming the Enemy's Strategies: From Eve to Today These alternatives keep the core biblical emphasis (e.g., from Ephesians 6:11) while making the title more engaging or searchable. For search engine optimization (SEO), here are suggested words and phrases to include in titles, descriptions, tags, or metadata (e.g., YouTube video title/description, church website, podcast notes) to help people find the sermon easily: Satan's schemes Schemes of the devil Devil's tactics Spiritual warfare Wiles of the devil Satan's devices Intimidation by Satan Allurement temptation Doubt and deceit devil Armor of God stand firm Not ignorant of his schemes Ephesians 6 schemes Resist the devil Satan's lies twisting Scripture Overcoming Satan's attacks Christian spiritual battle Using combinations like "Satan's Schemes: Intimidation, Allurement, Doubt" or "Standing Against the Schemes of the Devil" in titles and adding keywords in descriptions (e.g., "Explore Satan's tactics in spiritual warfare...") will boost visibility on Google, YouTube, or sermon sites. (387 characters)