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

◄ The Devil: Saints: should be Watchful Against ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. The Bible describes him as a deceiver, accuser, and tempter, whose primary aim is to lead believers away from the truth and into sin. As such, Christians are admonished to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith to resist his schemes.

Biblical Descriptions and Titles

The Devil is referred to by various names and titles throughout Scripture, each highlighting different aspects of his character and role. In the Book of Revelation, he is called "the great dragon...that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray" (Revelation 12:9). He is also described as "the accuser of our brothers" (Revelation 12:10), emphasizing his role in bringing charges against believers.

The Nature and Tactics of the Devil

The Devil's primary method of operation is deception. Jesus describes him as "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). His deceitful nature is evident from the beginning, as seen in the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). The Apostle Paul warns that "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), indicating his ability to present evil as good.

The Devil also seeks to devour and destroy. Peter cautions believers to "be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This imagery underscores the danger he poses and the need for constant vigilance.

The Call to Watchfulness

Scripture repeatedly calls Christians to be watchful and prepared to resist the Devil's attacks. James exhorts believers to "submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). This resistance is not passive but requires active engagement in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of the Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, instructs the saints to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, all of which are essential for spiritual warfare.

Examples of Watchfulness in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who remained watchful against the Devil's schemes. Jesus Himself, during His temptation in the wilderness, demonstrated vigilance and reliance on Scripture to counter Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). Similarly, the Apostle Paul, aware of the Devil's tactics, encouraged the early church to be alert and stand firm in their faith (1 Corinthians 16:13).

The Role of the Church

The collective body of believers, the Church, plays a crucial role in helping individuals remain watchful against the Devil. Through teaching, fellowship, and mutual encouragement, the Church equips its members to recognize and resist the Devil's influence. The writer of Hebrews advises, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).

In summary, the Devil is a formidable adversary whose primary goal is to lead believers astray. The Bible calls Christians to be vigilant, equipped with spiritual armor, and supported by the community of faith to stand firm against his schemes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Zeal
... But our choicest zeal should be reserved for love ... these are the works of the devil,
let them ... I instance in idolatry, worshipping of angels, saints, images, the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 92 on zeal.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... believe the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints.'. ... by the instigation of
the devil, party spirit ... the exercise of discipline, they should remember that ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Turning-Points
... No; the real danger is, lest a man should be as ... and heaven opening above him, with
God's saints and martyrs ... may take a great fish; and the devil fishes with a ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

The Wandering Bird
... he doth not move us, let not the devil do it. ... what then did hinder them that they
should not obey ... the heavens with acclamations, and all the saints are casting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the wandering bird.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... have been the sects of monks, and of saints of the Pope and his god the devil, no
two ... Unquestionably, you should be made wiser by the experience you have ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... Shall impure sinners do the devil more service than we do Christ? ... God makes the saints'
maladies their medicines ... If you should do so, God wilt make it cost you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Letter Lxxviii. (AD 404. )
... the Apostle Peter says: Your adversary, the devil, as a ... without great sorrow on the
part of saints and believers ... I have preached to others, I myself should be a ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxviii a d 404.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... Satan dares to overthrow even the greatest and strongest saints. ... It is God's will
that we, too, should learn to ... wisdom to be overtaken by the devil through a ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

2 Cor. xi. 21
... having the whole world fighting against him, should move through ... quench the burning
darts of the devil: "through a ... and what things all the saints together have ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxv 2 cor xi.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... rulers, and filled with the workings of the devil, did Moses ... peoples conspire to
destroy any of the saints, they watch ... for it is not fit that they should live. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm