Topical Bible: The Devil: Character of Subtle

◄ The Devil: Character of Subtle ►

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The character of the Devil, also known as Satan, is often depicted in the Bible as one of subtlety and cunning. This trait is evident from the earliest biblical narratives and continues throughout Scripture, highlighting his role as the deceiver and adversary of humanity.

In the Genesis account, the Devil appears in the form of a serpent, embodying subtlety and craftiness. Genesis 3:1 states, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." Here, the Devil's subtlety is demonstrated in his approach to Eve, engaging her in conversation and sowing doubt about God's command. His cunning lies in twisting the truth, leading Eve to question God's prohibition and ultimately to disobedience.

The subtle nature of the Devil is further illustrated in his interactions with Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:1-11, the Devil approaches Jesus with a series of temptations, each crafted to exploit potential weaknesses. He begins by challenging Jesus to turn stones into bread, appealing to physical hunger. Then, he subtly uses Scripture itself, quoting Psalm 91:11-12, to tempt Jesus to test God's protection. Finally, he offers all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. In each instance, Jesus counters with Scripture, demonstrating awareness of the Devil's deceptive tactics.

The Apostle Paul warns of the Devil's subtlety in his letters to the early church. In 2 Corinthians 11:3 , Paul expresses concern that "just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." Here, Paul acknowledges the Devil's ongoing strategy of deception, aiming to lead believers away from the truth.

Moreover, in Ephesians 6:11 , Paul advises believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." The term "schemes" underscores the Devil's strategic and subtle approach in his efforts to undermine the faith and integrity of Christians.

The subtlety of the Devil is also evident in his ability to masquerade as an agent of righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 11:14 , Paul notes, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." This portrayal emphasizes the deceptive nature of the Devil, who can present himself in a seemingly benign or even virtuous manner to mislead and ensnare.

Throughout Scripture, the Devil's subtlety is a consistent theme, serving as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and discerning. His ability to deceive through cunning and craftiness is a reminder of the importance of grounding oneself in the truth of God's Word and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:1
Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his ...
... the passages previously cited on the character of the ... to kill him.[5] In exorcisms,
the devil cheats him ... East, they are connected by numberless subtle links and ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xv commencement of the.htm

The Doctrine of Satan.
... "We may judge of the nature and character of the ... 8:44""Ye are of your father the
devil." This name ... The Scriptures speak of the "wiles" or subtle methods of ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Vain Hopes.
... filled with a new spirit, and exhibiting a new character. ... strong, or solicitations
to evil are subtle and enticing ... them, as the snare of the devil, because of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/v vain hopes.htm

Christ the Support of the Tempted
... It is so dangerous to engage so subtle and powerful an enemy as Satan is, that we
shall be ... And though this character is given of the devil, if we were to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the support of the.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... The insidious, deceptive character of his influence and example ... to stand against
the wiles of the devil."(896 ... with his fiercest and most subtle temptations; but ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... The insidious, deceptive character of his influence and example ... against the wiles
of the devil." Ephesians 6 ... with his fiercest and most subtle temptations, but ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

The Answer Concerning the Trampling Down of Shame, and the Danger ...
... from the number of their years; and so the subtle enemy uses ... by a sin and lust of
this character, and instead ... he knew that the fiery dart of the devil which he ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii the answer concerning 2.htm

In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ...
... In Jeremiah, where God proclaims the character in which ... means free from the delusions
of the devil. ... have elsewhere observed, that however subtle the evasions ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 in scripture the.htm

Trumpets and Street Corners
... word implies that the evil is a subtle and seducing one. ... reward, for it changes their
whole character, and they ... to draw Christ's chariot with the devil's traces ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/trumpets and street corners.htm

Introduction.
... She is most subtle of heart ... is to exalt true Christianity to her proper plane and
reveal her true character by relating ... Ye are of your father the devil, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /introduction.htm