16. (a) Why is it helpful to consider Satan’s line of approach? (b) How do the Scriptures give enlightenment respecting this?

¹⁶ We pause here to consider one of Satan’s chief tactics and how it operates. By subtle means, by deception, he tempts us to view things from a selfish viewpoint, as he did with Eve. If at heart we are, or become, governed by selfishness, then we readily fall into Satan’s snare and are easily blinded and deceived. We seek to justify ourselves, and put out of our mind the fear of God. See how clearly and forcefully this is expressed in Psalm 36:1-3: “The utterance of transgression to the wicked one is in the midst of his heart; there is no dread of God in front of his eyes.

Closely in line with Psalm 36:1-3, Paul went on to say that “although they [men] knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their unintelligent heart became darkened.” (Rom. 1:19-23)