II Corinthians 2:11
“lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
In II Corinthians 2:11, the New American Standard translates “devices” as “schemes, while the New King James translates it as “wiles” In other Bible translations, this word is translated, as “contrivances,” “techniques,” “stratagems,” “plans,” “procedures,” or “plottings,”. All of these translations are correct and whichever Bible translation, you choose to read, we can all know that Satan has ways that are designed to achieve his particular goal.
A device, scheme, or technique might be thought of as being a tool to carry out a certain function. But in this context of II Corinthians 10:3-5, the implication is that the device is primarily mental. He is clever and crafty. He possesses ingenious subtlety, but he also has a methodology that presents us with clues about his influence, which with God’s Holy Spirit, can with the God’s assistance, allow us to overcome his devices, schemes and techniques.
One of a Christian’s primary defenses against Satan, of course, has to be a discerning heart with God’s Holy Spirit, which will allow us to discern the spirits properly and identify Satan’s desire to turn good into evil. The Apostle Paul suggests that Satan can get to a person through a spiritual quality that is good. In Ephesians 6:10-14, we are told repeatedly to stand. We must hold our ground, as we fight against pressure from Satan and his influence in the world. Paul tells to “stand against” Satan’s tricks, as well as preparing “ to withstand in the evil day” and “having done all, to stand”. We are encouraged by Paul to put on the full or whole armor of God. We are told to stand firm and take up each piece of God’s armor.
Armor of God That Is To Be Take Up In Prayer
- Belt of truth
- Breastplate of righteousness
- Shoes of the gospel
- Shield of faith
- Helmet of salvation
- Sword of the spirit
