Knowing the Enemy
Before believers can stand firm against the schemes of the devil, they must first understand that Scripture commands us not to be ignorant of his methods. The apostle Paul wrote,
“...so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes” —2 Corinthians 2:11.
Likewise, Paul instructed believers to:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” —Ephesians 6:11.
The Greek word for “schemes” is translated as methodeia (μεθοδεία), from which we derive the English word method. It refers to a deliberate, calculated, deceptive strategy or carefully planned course of action. Satan does not work randomly or impulsively. His attacks are purposeful, organized, and designed to deceive, tempt, discourage, and ultimately draw people away from God’s truth.
Understanding these strategies does not mean becoming preoccupied with Satan. Instead, it equips believers to recognize his deception and stand firmly upon the truth of God’s Word.
One observation that often surprises Bible students is that the devil is mentioned far more frequently in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. As God’s plan of redemption unfolds through the coming of Jesus Christ, the conflict between Christ and Satan becomes increasingly evident.
Two primary names
There are two primary names used throughout the New Testament.
One is The Devil (diabolos), literally meaning “slanderer” or “accuser.” This title appears at least thirty-seven times and emphasizes Satan’s continual work of accusing God’s people, spreading falsehood, and seeking to destroy reputations.
The other is Satan (Satanas), a transliteration of the Hebrew and Aramaic word meaning “adversary” or “opponent.” It appears approximately thirty-six times in the New Testament and highlights his relentless opposition to God, His kingdom, and His people.
These two names are found throughout the New Testament, especially within the four Gospels and the book of Revelation, where Satan’s opposition to Christ and God’s redemptive plan is clearly revealed.
In addition to these primary names, Scripture describes Satan through several titles that reveal various aspects of his character and activity:
* The Tempter — Matthew 4:3
* The Evil One — Matthew 6:13
* The Ruler of this World — John 12:31
* The God of This Age — 2 Corinthians 4:4
* The Prince of the Power of the Air — Ephesians 2:2
* The Ancient Serpent and the Dragon — Revelation 12:9
Each of these titles emphasizes a different aspect of Satan’s activity, authority, or character. Together, they provide a fuller biblical picture of the enemy whom believers are commanded to resist. Understanding who he is and how he operates is the first step in recognizing his schemes and standing firm in the victory that Christ has already secured.
Beelzebul: The Ruler of Demons
Another title associated with Satan in the New Testament is Beelzebul (sometimes translated Beelzebub). It appears several times in the Synoptic Gospels, most notably when the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by Satan’s power:
“This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons” —Matthew 12:24.
Whether the Pharisees realized it or not, their accusation reflected Satan’s own character as the accuser and slanderer. Rather than recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, they attributed Christ’s miracles to the ruler of demons.
Jesus immediately exposed the absurdity of their claim:
“Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste” —Matthew 12:25.
Satan would not weaken his own kingdom by empowering Jesus to cast out demons. Instead, Christ’s authority over demons demonstrated that the kingdom of God had come and that Satan’s power was being confronted by One far greater.
Jesus later warned His disciples,
“If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!”—Matthew 10:25.
Believers should not be surprised when they face false accusations or opposition because of their identification with Christ.
The title Beelzebul traces back to the Old Testament name Baal-zebub, the Philistine deity worshiped in Ekron (2 Kings 1:2). Meaning “Lord of the Flies,” it is widely understood as a Hebrew wordplay mocking the title Baal-zebul (”Lord Prince” or “Lord of the Exalted Dwelling”). By the New Testament, Beelzebul had become a recognized title for the ruler of the demons.
In accusing Jesus of working by Beelzebul, the Pharisees were not merely insulting Him—they were claiming His miracles were empowered by Satan himself. Ironically, their slander reflected the very character of the kingdom they attributed to Him: one marked by deception, false accusation, and opposition to the truth.
Lord of the Flies
Although we should not press the meaning of “Lord of the Flies” beyond what Scripture intends, the image of a fly provides an interesting illustration. Anyone who has spent time outdoors on a summer day knows how persistent flies can be. They buzz around your head, land on your food, and no matter how often you swat them away, they keep coming back. Small as they are, flies are irritating, persistent, and capable of contaminating whatever they touch.
In a similar way, Satan and his demonic forces seek to distract, discourage, tempt, and wear down believers. Through deception, accusation, fear, doubt, and continual pressure, the enemy attempts to divert our attention away from Christ and weaken our spiritual resolve.
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis illustrates this well. In this classic work of Christian fiction, the senior demon Screwtape teaches his nephew, Wormwood, that subtle, persistent distractions and small compromises are often more effective than dramatic temptations. While the book is not theology, it offers a helpful picture of how easily believers can be drawn away from wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Unlike an annoying fly, however, Satan is far more dangerous than merely being a nuisance. Scripture describes him as “a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8), “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44), and “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10). His schemes are deliberate and always aimed at opposing God’s purposes and hindering God’s people.
The good news is that believers are never told to fear Satan. Instead, we are instructed to recognize his schemes, put on the full armor of God, and stand firm in Christ. Unlike those persistent flies, one day Satan and all his works will be gone forever. That is a hope every believer can look forward to.
How Not to Be Ignorant
God has not left believers uninformed about the enemy’s tactics. As we lay the foundation for understanding Satan’s schemes, consider three biblical truths that will help us avoid being ignorant of his methods.
1. Remember That Satan Is Not a Creator
One of the first truths every believer should understand is that Satan is not a creator. He is a created being. Only God is the Creator of heaven and earth and everything in them. Only God has the power to create life out of nothing.
Since Satan cannot create as God creates, he must work with what already exists. He counterfeits rather than creates, twists rather than builds, and corrupts rather than gives life. Every scheme he employs is simply another variation of the same deceptive methods he has used since the Garden of Eden.
Think about it for a moment. Thousands of years have passed, civilizations have risen and fallen, technology has advanced beyond imagination, and cultures have changed dramatically. Yet the devil’s methods have remained remarkably consistent: he repackages the same old lies to fit each new generation.
In the Garden of Eden, he questioned God’s Word, distorted God’s truth, and appealed to human desire (Genesis 3:1–6). Those same tactics are still at work today. Although the setting may be different, the strategy has not changed.
This truth should encourage every believer: God has already exposed Satan’s methods in Scripture. The more we know God’s Word, the less likely we are to be deceived by his lies. Our confidence is not in outsmarting Satan but in God’s truth, which exposes deception and enables us to stand firm in Christ.
2. Remember That Jesus Has Already Defeated the Tempter
Another way believers can avoid being ignorant of Satan’s schemes is by remembering that Jesus has already faced the tempter—and triumphed.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us:
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin”—Hebrews 4:15.
What an incredible source of encouragement! Jesus understands the reality of temptation because He experienced it firsthand. Yet unlike every other human being, He never yielded to sin. As He endured temptation perfectly, He can sympathize with our weaknesses and faithfully serve as our compassionate High Priest.
The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13) reveals both Satan’s methods and Christ’s perfect response. However, a closer study of those three temptations is for another time.
For this Read-Along Message, we are laying the foundation. Before examining Satan’s schemes, we must understand that God has not left us defenseless. Christ has already exposed the enemy’s methods and demonstrated that victory comes through God’s Word.
3. Learn to Recognize Temptation
Another important way not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes is to recognize temptation when it appears. Temptation rarely announces itself with flashing lights and a warning sign that says, “This is one of Satan’s schemes.” More often, it arrives quietly, disguised as a shortcut, a harmless compromise, an attractive opportunity, or a seemingly reasonable thought.
The Bible reveals that temptation takes many forms. Sometimes it appeals to our desires, while at other times it targets our emotions, relationships, or priorities. Consider just a few examples:
* Spiritual complacency — “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
* Unforgiveness — “Not forgiving others” (Matthew 6:15)
* Lack of self-control — Satan seeks opportunities when self-discipline is neglected. (1 Corinthians 7:5)
* Entanglement in sin — Believers can be overtaken by temptation and need restoration. (Galatians 6:1)
* The desire for wealth — Those who long to get rich “fall into temptation and a snare.” (1 Timothy 6:9)
* Our own lusts and desires — “Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” (James 1:14)
* The deeds of the flesh — The sinful nature continually wages war against the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19–21)
Notice that these temptations are not all the same. Satan is a careful strategist because he does not tempt every person in the same way. Instead, he studies our weaknesses and exploits areas where we are most vulnerable. Yet regardless of the temptation, God’s answer remains the same: stand firm in His truth, depend upon His Spirit, and walk in obedience to His Word.
As believers, we need not fear the devil or be unaware of his schemes. God has revealed the enemy’s tactics through His Word and equipped us to stand firm in Christ. Knowing His truth helps us recognize deception, resist temptation, and walk in obedience.
This message lays the foundation. In this Friday’s Go Deeper Podcast, we’ll explore how Scripture teaches us to resist the devil and overcome temptation, applying practical biblical principles to stand firm in Christ’s victory.
Remember: our confidence is in the power of our Savior, not the enemy.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for revealing Your truth through Your Word and for not leaving us ignorant of the enemy’s schemes. Help us to grow in wisdom, discernment, and faith so that we may recognize temptation, stand firm against deception, and remain faithful to You. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ, our compassionate High Priest, who understands our weaknesses and has overcome every temptation without sin. Strengthen us to walk in obedience, trust in Your promises, and live each day for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
─────────────── 🛡 ───────────────
🎧 Stay Tuned
Every two weeks, I publish a new Read-Along Podcast—a biblical article narrated by me—followed by Friday’s Go Deeper Podcast that expands on that week’s message.
🌐 Stay Connected
Visit BALANCINGTHEWORD.ORG for biblical messages, podcasts, books, and ministry resources designed to help you grow in Christ and disciple others.
Subscribe to our newsletter today to receive personal notifications of new messages, podcasts, ministry updates, and featured resources delivered directly to your inbox.
All Read-Along and Go Deeper Podcasts are provided as part of our mission to Build • Educate • Disciple. You can support this ministry through prayer, by sharing these resources with others, and with financial contributions as the Lord leads.
Learn more at:
─── 🛡 ───
Thank you for joining me today, and until next time—
Don’t just hear the Word… live it.
Be intentional: build, educate, and disciple others for God’s kingdom.
Note:
This publication is intended for educational and devotional purposes only. It is not intended to replace personal study of Scripture, pastoral counsel, or involvement in a local church.Scripture Copyright Notice:Scripture quotations are taken from various Bible translations. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are used for educational and devotional purposes. All rights to the respective Bible translations are reserved by their copyright holders and used by permission where required.Disclaimer:All views expressed in this publication are those of the author and are rooted in personal study and interpretation of Scripture. Readers are encouraged to examine the Scriptures carefully and prayerfully.
Bibliography
The New American Standard Bible. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
The Screwtape Letters. New York: HarperOne.
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
The Moody Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Publishers.
MacArthur Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balancingtheword.substack.com/subscribe
