SCRIPTURES SATAN USES TO TRIP UP BELIEVERS

Which scriptures does Satan frequently use to cause believers to stumble?

When Satan aims to destroy a believer, he doesn’t simply attack them at a low point. Instead, he “lifts them up” to a high place—a spiritual pinnacle—because he understands that if a believer is low, even if they fall, the injury is minor and recovery is possible (Proverbs 24:16). However, if they are raised high, a small slip can lead to a catastrophic fall, spiritually speaking.

This tactic is seen in the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:5-7; Luke 4:9-12). Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and challenged Him to throw Himself down, quoting Psalm 91:11-12 as a “proof text” for God’s protection. Psalm 91 promises God’s unique protection for those who “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1), emphasizing divine guardianship by angels.

Psalm 91 says:

“No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you up in their hands,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.”
(Psalm 91:10-13)

Psalm 91 highlights God’s providential care and protection over those who trust Him, reflecting God’s covenant faithfulness (cf. Deuteronomy 32:10-12). It speaks to God’s intimate guardianship, but does not give a license for reckless testing of God’s promises.

Jesus’ response to Satan, “It is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Luke 4:12; quoting Deuteronomy 6:16), emphasizes obedience and trust without presumption. This shows that God’s protection is to be received in faith and humility, not manipulated or challenged presumptuously.

Satan’s misuse of Psalm 91 as a temptation tactic reveals his strategy to sow spiritual pride and presumption. Many Christians today may hear comforting sermons about God’s acceptance and protection—rightly emphasizing grace and security in Christ (Romans 8:38-39)—but may neglect the call to holiness and sober vigilance (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

When believers believe they are untouchable or “immune” to sin’s consequences simply because of God’s love, they may fall into complacency or sin, deceived by false assurance (James 1:14-15). This false confidence is a tool of the devil to lead believers away from repentance and sanctification (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Hebrews 12:14  commands:

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

This underscores that eternal fellowship with God requires holiness, not just comfort in God’s acceptance. In the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5), it is crucial to maintain a balanced faith that combines assurance in God’s grace with a serious commitment to holy living.

Summary and Application:

• God’s protection (Psalm 91) is real but must be received with humble faith, not presumptuous testing (Luke 4:12).
• Satan uses God’s promises out of context to lure believers into spiritual pride and careless sin.
• Believers must pursue holiness diligently (Hebrews 12:14) and not rely solely on comforting assurances.
• True security in Christ includes both grace and obedience (John 15:10; James 2:17).

May the Lord grant us wisdom to walk in this truth, standing firm against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18).

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