We are not Ignorant of his Devices…
Unveiling Satan's Tactics: Empowering Believers in Spiritual Warfare…
In the realm of spiritual warfare, knowledge is power. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, reminds us of a crucial truth:
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV).
This verse serves as a wake-up call for believers, urging us to be vigilant and informed about the enemy's tactics.
The context of this verse is important. Paul had previously written a severe letter to the Corinthian church, addressing issues of sin and discipline. Now, he encourages them to forgive and comfort a repentant member of their congregation. It's in this setting that he warns about Satan's devices or schemes.
The word "devices" in the King James Version comes from the Greek word "noēma," which can be translated as thoughts, purposes, or schemes. This implies that Satan's attacks are not haphazard but calculated and strategic. He is a cunning adversary who seeks to exploit our weaknesses and divide the body of Christ.
One of Satan's primary devices is unforgiveness. He knows that when believers hold grudges or refuse to reconcile, it creates fissures in the church and hinders the work of God. This is why Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness just before mentioning Satan's schemes. The enemy would love nothing more than to see a church torn apart by bitterness and resentment.
Another of Satan's devices is deception. He is, after all, the father of lies:
John 8:44 (KJV) "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
He seeks to distort the truth of God's Word, sow seeds of doubt, and lead believers astray with false teachings. This is why Paul elsewhere exhorts us to put on the full armour of God, including the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,
Ephesians 6:14-17 (KJV) "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:".
Satan also employs the device of discouragement. He wants to wear down believers, making them feel that their efforts for the Kingdom are futile. He whispers lies about our worth and God's love for us, trying to paralyze us with fear and insecurity.
But Paul's statement is not one of despair. On the contrary, it's a declaration of confidence. "We are not ignorant," he asserts. As believers, we have been given insight into the enemy's playbook. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us, the Word of God to instruct us, and the body of Christ to support us.
This knowledge empowers us to stand firm against Satan's schemes. We can recognize his tactics and respond with the truth of God's Word. When he tempts us to hold onto bitterness, we can choose forgiveness. When he tries to deceive us, we can cling to the truth of Scripture. When discouragement threatens to overwhelm us, we can remember God's faithfulness and promises.
Moreover, this verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual education within the church. Leaders have a responsibility to equip their congregations with knowledge about spiritual warfare. This includes teaching about the reality of our enemy, his common tactics, and most importantly, our victory in Christ.
As we grow in our understanding of Satan's devices, we must remember that our focus should always be on Christ. Our enemy may be cunning, but our God is all-powerful. Satan's schemes are no match for the wisdom and power of God.
As John reminds us, "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" 1 John 4:4 (KJV).
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It alerts us to the reality of spiritual warfare while assuring us that we are not defenceless. By staying grounded in God's Word, maintaining unity within the body of Christ, and remaining vigilant, we can stand firm against the devices of the enemy. Let us take heart in the knowledge that in Christ, we are more than conquerors,
Romans 8:37 (KJV) "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Key Takeaways:
- Satan's attacks are strategic and calculated, not random
- Unforgiveness, deception, and discouragement are key devices used by Satan
- Knowledge of Satan's tactics empowers believers to stand firm in faith
- The Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Christian community are essential for overcoming spiritual attacks
- Our ultimate victory is in Christ, who is greater than any scheme of the enemy
- Spiritual education within the church is crucial for equipping believers against Satan's devices
