Seven Ways the Devil Tempts Us (Pearls of Faith)

Summary

Father Savvas Achilleos outlines the Devil's strategic attacks on humanity, emphasizing seven key fronts: pride from above, lust from below, sanctimonious pride from the right, despair from the left, worldly temptation from the front, guilt from behind, and a relentless pursuit from all sides. These attacks aim to exploit human weaknesses, leading to eternal damnation if not resisted.

Takeaways

• 🔝 The Devil is depicted as a constant adversary, actively seeking to undermine individuals from various angles after confession.
• 🦄 Pride is identified as the Devil's primary tool, aiming to inflate the ego and create a sense of superiority in individuals.
• 🔽 Lust is presented as the second form of attack, targeting the lower parts of the body to defile and corrupt the person.
• 🕊️ The third attack involves instilling a false sense of holiness, leading to another form of pride and self-deception.
• 🌑 The fourth attack is characterized by despair, with the Devil telling individuals they are lost and only fit for hell, potentially leading to thoughts of suicide.
• 🎉 The fifth form of attack is temptation to conform to worldly pleasures, urging individuals to partake in sin and hedonism.
• 🔄 The sixth attack is a reminder of past sins, an attempt to draw individuals back into old habits and behaviors.
• 🔙 The seventh and final form of attack is a catch-all, where the Devil seeks to find and exploit any remaining weaknesses in the individual.
• 🌐 The script emphasizes the importance of vigilance against the Devil's multifaceted attacks, highlighting the spiritual battle that believers face.
• 🛡️ It suggests that recognizing these attacks is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a strong connection with faith and morality.
• ⚔️ The narrative serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, and the need for believers to arm themselves with spiritual strength.

Q & A

According to Father Savvas Achilleos, what is the Devil's primary weapon against man?

The primary weapon of the Devil against man is pride, as it is the easiest way for him to win everything else once sown.

What are the seven sides from which the Devil attacks man after confession?

The seven sides are: from above with pride, from below with lust sins, from the right with false sanctity, from the left with despair, from the front with worldly temptations, from behind with reminders of past sins, and from any point of weakness.

Why does the Devil attack from above with pride after a person's confession?

The Devil attacks from above with pride to make the person believe they are superior and no one else is like them, which can lead to overconfidence and complacency in their spiritual journey.

What does the Devil attempt to instill in a person when he attacks from the right?

When attacking from the right, the Devil tries to instill a false sense of holiness and sanctity, making the person believe they are a saint and destined for Paradise.

How does the Devil attempt to make a person feel when he attacks from the left?

The Devil tries to make the person feel lost and hopeless, believing there is no salvation for them and that everything is dark and black, even suggesting suicide as an option.

What is the purpose of the Devil's attack from the front, according to the script?

The purpose of the attack from the front is to conform the person to the world's sinful ways, tempting them with the idea of enjoying worldly pleasures before death.

What does the Devil remind the person of when he attacks from behind?

When attacking from behind, the Devil reminds the person of their past sins, trying to convince them that they are still bound to him and will inevitably return to their sinful ways.

What is the final form of the Devil's attack as described by Saint Nicodemus the Hagiorite?

The final form of the Devil's attack is to circle around and catch the person at their weakest point, seizing them and leading them to eternal damnation.

What is the significance of the number 'seven' in the context of the Devil's attacks as described in the script?

The number 'seven' signifies the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the Devil's attacks, covering various aspects of temptation and spiritual warfare.

How can a person protect themselves against the Devil's attacks as described in the script?

A person can protect themselves by being aware of these attacks, maintaining humility, seeking spiritual guidance, and staying vigilant in their faith and moral conduct.

What is the role of confession in the context of the script?

In the script, confession is portrayed as a moment of spiritual cleansing, but it also triggers the Devil's attacks, making it a critical juncture for spiritual struggle.