SCHEMES

I Was Just Thinking About – SCHEMES.

A scheme is a systematic plan or course of action or a secret plot designed to achieve a devious end. It should be understood in terms of it being a scam: “a confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit; a swindle.” In recent times, Ponzi Schemes (basically a Pyramid Scheme) have arisen. It is categorized on a Federal Level as being: “a swindle in which a quick return, made up of money from new investors on an initial investment lures the victim into much bigger risks.”

Aside from the financial schemes and scams, the Biblical Christian is to be wary of of devious plots that would divert one from true worship of God and service for Him. Paul describes such an attempt in Ephesians 6:10-12, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The key warning and instruction pertains to the devil’s schemes.

This is a reiteration of what Paul declared in II Corinthians 2:10-11, “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” One of the schemes of the devil is to bring about contention and division within the Biblical Christian community. A key part of what Paul is writing focuses on forgiveness. The devil’s scheme is to have person A bear a grudge against person B – whatever is necessary to keep a person focused on personal feelings rather than on spiritual commitments.

A question of wonderment was posed in Psalm 10:1-4, “Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises…In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” The Psalmist was looking for the Lord to prevent the schemer from any success whereas the Lord is wanting His people to have discernment and respond with: “Get behind me Satan – we are not deceived by your schemes or scams.”

One’s whole being – body, soul spirit; mind emotion and will – must be fully surrendered and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. The song of our hearts should be: Christ, only Christ in every deed and action – and - our mantra should be: We are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. Thanks be to God for our victory through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.