Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

Do Not Be Ignorant Of The Enemy

Satan is a formidable foe. He wields great power and influence but is limited in what he can do. When Satan came to Eve in the garden, he presented himself as the cunning serpent who challenged the spirit of a human heart to disobey God. He never forced the woman. His tactics were subtle. He succeeded in convincing the woman she could be like God, and she willingly fell victim to his lies. His deception was so complete that Adam was taken in.

David was a man after God’s own heart who knew the word of the Lord with great devotion. His eyes were cast upon a beautiful woman, and the devil tempted him to commit adultery, lie, get Uriah drunk, and then have his loyal servant murdered under the cover of war. His remorse outlines the way Satan brought him down. Peter fell victim to the wiles of the devil to denounce the Man he loved with all his heart, soul, and mind. If there was a fully devoted and dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, Simon Peter was the poster child. Yet, through the subtle whispers of the adversary, Peter three times declared with cursing that he did not know Jesus.

Satan is powerful and has destroyed many lives. Paul reminds the followers of Christ that while the devil is a very powerful foe, his devices are clearly seen. What that suggests is that to battle the devil, his devices and tactics can be learned and defeated. The Christian must know how empty and frail the devil is. Through the power of prayer, Satan will run away. He comes at the heart like a roaring lion, but he can be killed. John describes Satan as a great, fiery red dragon, which would bring fear to anyone at the image of such a beast. The aged apostle concludes the Revelation, showing how the dragon is cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.

Paul reminded the church at Ephesus that God has provided a heavenly armor that can withstand the fiery darts of the wicked one. Satan can be withstood. There is no reason to fall under his deception. God has provided the armament to destroy the influence of Satan. To be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might defeats the enemy of God at every turn. The song of triumph must be sung that Satan is a defeated creature bound for eternal Hell. He knows his eternal destiny and can do nothing to change it. What the Christian must know is that they can change their lives and not allow the influence of Satan to destroy them.

God has placed a hedge of divine protection around His people. Satan will attack that hedge and cause damage, but by the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness of the Almighty Lord God, he will never have power over the faithful heart. The Christian must know the devices of the devil and act accordingly. Faith not only comes from hearing the word of God, but the evil devices of Satan are also clearly exposed for all to see. Knowing the tactics of the wicked one will prepare the heart to fight against temptation. Knowledge is power. Through that knowledge, the devil runs and will flee away. Stand strong.