Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
The Devil Is A Liar
Satan is a great imposter. The English word “wiles” is used to describe deception through trickery and includes every method that would be part of that. It has to do with cunning, or a skill applied to no good purpose. This trickery has been the devil’s game plan since the beginning of man in the garden of Eden. He is a conniving liar that sometimes masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). The only way for a believer to stand is to put on the whole armour of God.
The Tricks Of Satan
Let us look at some of the methods the devil uses to trick us. Firstly, he exaggerates the pleasure of sin while minimizing the true nature and outcome of sin. Many people bound in immorality today are oblivious of the effects and outcome of their lascivious behaviour. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). Secondly, the devil uses an opening into our lives through emotions and because of lack of self control we get carried away with it. Yet in God we bear the fruit of self control to guard our actions. Sure, we might get angry or lonely, as a feeling- but it shouldn’t lead us to sin (Ephesians 4:26).
Thirdly, the devil will use people to lead us astray. Jesus in His ministry warned men of fellow men. He taught people that they would come to them in sheep’s clothing yet they are ravenous wolves. The devil can manipulate people to guide us off course. Finally, the devil is a master marketer, he is able to package sin in little attractive bundles (Hebrews 3:12-13). If sin came packed in garbage bags smelling of waste and sewage no one would fall to the wiles of the enemy. However, when the same garbage is tucked well in a colourful box, beautifully wrapped with matching bow and ribbon , presented by a neatly dressed smiling person our reaction is totally different. The devil has mastered the art of packaging sin. This is why we should not be ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Our Weapons Are Not Carnal
The life of a believer is full of conflict. We are not wrestling the physical powers but these methods of the devil. His machinations, schemes and plans to deceive and enslave the souls of men. Like how Shammah in 2 Samuel 23 stood firm, so we must be against the enemy. Because of Shammah’’s firmness he saved a piece of land and its fruits for God’s people. We can not compromise any of the blessings we have received in Christ. Very fortunately we have an armory from God. These weapons of warfare are not used by God but by us. We must put on the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness,feet ready with the gospel of peace,the belt of truth,the helmet of salvation and the word of God which is the sword of the spirit. Don’t let the imposter fool you!
King James Version (KJV)
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
New International Version (NIV)
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan.”