Topical Bible: The Devil: Saints: should be Armed Against

◄ The Devil: Saints: should be Armed Against ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. Scripture portrays him as a deceiver, accuser, and tempter, whose primary aim is to lead believers away from the truth and into sin. As such, the Bible exhorts the saints—those set apart by God through faith in Jesus Christ—to be vigilant and armed against the Devil's schemes.

Biblical Exhortations to Be Armed

1. Ephesians 6:10-18: The Apostle Paul provides a comprehensive guide for believers to stand firm against the Devil's tactics. He writes, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:10-11). Paul details the spiritual armor, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This passage underscores the necessity of spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's strength.

2. 1 Peter 5:8-9: The Apostle Peter warns believers to be sober-minded and watchful, stating, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9). This imagery of a prowling lion emphasizes the Devil's relentless pursuit of believers, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

3. James 4:7: James offers a succinct strategy for resisting the Devil: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Submission to God is presented as the first step in resisting the Devil, highlighting the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and authority.

The Nature of the Devil's Schemes

The Devil's methods are diverse and cunning, often involving deception, temptation, and accusation. In Genesis 3, he appears as a serpent, deceiving Eve with half-truths and leading humanity into sin. Jesus describes him as "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44), indicating his propensity to distort truth.

In the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), the Devil attempts to entice Christ with physical needs, power, and pride. Jesus counters each temptation with Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's word in spiritual warfare.

The Role of Prayer and Vigilance

Prayer is a critical component in the believer's defense against the Devil. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His followers to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This petition acknowledges the believer's dependence on God for protection and deliverance from the Devil's influence.

Vigilance is also essential, as believers are called to be watchful and discerning. The Apostle Paul advises, "Do not give the devil a foothold" (Ephesians 4:27), suggesting that even small compromises can lead to greater vulnerability to the Devil's attacks.

The Assurance of Victory

While the Devil is a formidable adversary, Scripture assures believers of ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. In 1 John 3:8, it is declared, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work" . Through His death and resurrection, Christ has triumphed over sin and death, providing believers with the assurance of victory.

Believers are encouraged to stand firm in this victory, as Paul writes, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). This promise reinforces the hope and confidence that, through Christ, the saints will overcome the Devil's schemes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:11-16
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Epistle xxx. The Roman Clergy to Cyprian.
... done as it ought not to be, should, as it ... that they are armed against their foe,
the devil, not against ... and casts him out beyond the assembly of the saints. ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxx the roman clergy.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... our person, whether we be sinners or saints, worthy or ... riot of our enemies, whereby
the devil thought to ... They should else have witnessed a far different tragedy ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

A Caution against Bigotry
... of God "destroys the works of the devil." The understanding ... or the persons to whom
they should be administered ... which was once delivered to the saints; that has ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 38 a caution against.htm

Against vigilantius.
... And while the devil and the demons wander through the ... I should be right in saying
so after [4962] Ecclesiastes ... The truth is that the saints are not called dead ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against vigilantius.htm

He Accuses Abaelard for Preferring his Own Opinions and Even ...
... boast of which has passed by the Saints and escaped ... in the Gospel prophesied, saying
that Jesus should die for ... By Him the devil is called the prince of this ...
/.../chapter v he accuses abaelard.htm

Against the Arians, and Concerning Himself.
... I cut off"to bring a lying accusation against Saints, [3764] and to ... be to no good
end that I should use my ... evil Hyle or Matter, which is ruled by the Devil. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiii against the arians.htm

On the Glory of Martyrdom.
... This is fitting for the saints, needful for the wretched ... when He suffered, it marvels
that He should suffer on ... the world, the flesh, and the devil;" and we must ...
/.../on the glory of martyrdom.htm

Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas.
... in high places," [3467] that tempter the devil makes the ... that is he has chosen any,
whom I should like to ... to law before the unjust and not before the saints? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/sermon against auxentius on the.htm

Christian Graces.
... This should teach Christians to be low and little in their own eyes, and to ... No faith,
no fear of God: devil's faith, devil's fear; saints' faith, saints ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

The Christian Race.
... make eternity comfortable to the saints; besides, thou ... that this consideration, that
the devil followeth after ... standeth open-armed to receive, should make thee ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiii the christian race.htm