The Devices of the Tempter

We cannot afford to not know our enemies and their tactics. The blessed Apostle equates the adversary’s advantage over us with our ignorance. “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

But if we are not ignorant of his devices then he has no advantage over us.

The word “devices” is a very interesting word. In Philippians 4:7 it is translated as the word minds “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (emphasis mine).

In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it is not translated devices or minds but rather it is translated thought “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (emphasis mine).

Therefore the word devices is employed to state the idea of Satan’s mind and thoughts are used to destroy us. It is clear that Paul is saying we should be familiar with Satan’s evil plans—plans to destroy, plans to devour, plans to deceive. We should know the strategies, the schemes, and the conspiracies of this evil mind.

Paul says in Ephesians 6:11 that the devil has wiles. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” This means that Satan uses tricks of deceit to gain an advantage over us. Let’s look at his devices in more detail.