Be alert! Be mature! Satan’s scheming, crafty actions and artful designs have ‘method’ and purpose, for his aim is to mislead the immature who are not grounded on apostolic doctrine. Methodeia has reference to planned, subtle, systematized error. The Scripture always uses methodeia with a negative connotation. The negative meaning of methodeia implies the use of clever methods or strategies to attain the desired end. It describes deliberate planning or a systematic approach and can have a positive or negative connotation. Schemes ( 3180 ) ( methodeia from methodeuo = to work by method in turn from meta = with, after + hodos = a way) refers to an orderly, logical, effective arrangement, usually in steps followed to achieve an end. "Satan is only God’s master fencer to teach us to use our weapons." Satan’s schemes to destroy us and do us harm are built around stealth and deception but as Paul writes to the Corinthians "we are not ignorant of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:11 +) In 2 Corinthians 2:11 + the word schemes is not methodeia but noema and refers to the content of thinking and reasoning. Schemes is used to describe a wild animal cunningly stalking and unexpectedly pouncing on prey (cp 1Pe 5:8 +). It suggests that the devil and his minions have specific schemes, "tailor made" for each person, for he is aware of the sin that so easily entangles each of us (Hebrews 12:1 +)! Note that these schemes involve shrewdly devious and intriguing methods that entail following an orderly, technical procedure in the handling of a subject. The schemes of the devil - Note Paul's use of the definite article in Greek (" THE schemes") which defines these as specific schemes, not just general schemes. Paul had warned about the devil's schemes to disrupt the unity of the body writing that "As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming." (Ep 4:14- note) This is not a video game or a fairy tale but a very real war with a very real, deceptive foe. Schemes of the devil - Here we encounter the commander in chief of the invisible army arrayed against us. See links to the answers to 38 Questions on Satan.See article below by Puritan Thomas Brooks on Satan's Devices to Draw the Soul to Sin (and 12 remedies).This is a good description of the devil, the master deceiver, the master masquerader! Don't look for him in a red suit, with horns and a pitchfork, but as an angel of light (2Cor 11:14 +! Synonyms: plan, project, plan of action, program, strategy, stratagem, tactic, game plan, master plan, course/line of action.Įtymology of scheme - It is from Medieval Latin schema which means shape, figure, form, appearance and is from Greek schema which refers to appearance, as opposed to reality. Try to put some of these definitions in the description of schemes in Ephesians 6:11 + to help you meditate on important truth.ĭefinition = a plan of action, an elaborate and systematic plan for a course of action designed to achieve a major or overall aim a strategy (art of planning and directing overall military operations and movements in a war or battle) a secret or underhanded plan a plot or a plan to achieve some action a carefully arranged and systematic program of action for attaining some object or end a particular ordered system or arrangement a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect. Don't just passively read them, in one ear and out the other! Think about how these definitions relate to demonic activity in your life as a follower of Christ. The English definitions of SCHEME are found below. Note: The notes on this page are the equivalent of an 80+ booklet. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes ( methodeia) of the devil. Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology - PDF - scroll down to p343 - Chapter 19 - Angels and p356 - Chapter 20 - Satan and Demons.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible (DDD) - borrow this book - see page 722-728.Strategy of Satan by Warren Wiersbe - borrow the book or listen to the 2 hr 36 min audiobook free of charge. The Devil depicted in The Temptation of Christ,
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