1 Peter 5:8-11
1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:7; Job 1:1-12
Matthew 6:7-13
Ephesians 1:15-21; Colossians 2:13-15;
1 John 3:8; 1 Peter 5:9;
James 4:7-8; Ephesians 6:16
Defining the word STRATAGEM
“A stratagem is any clever scheme – sometimes one that’s part of an overall strategy (i.e., a carefully worked out plan of action). The word stratagem entered English in the 15th century and was originally used in reference to some artifice, such as a military plan or maneuver, which was designed to deceive or outwit the enemy.”
www.merriam-webster.com
J. Dwight Pentecost “Your Adversary the Devil”
“No individual can be victorious against the adversary of our souls unless he understands that adversary; unless he understands his philosophy, his methods or operation, his methods of temptation.”
Chuck Swindoll “New Testament Commentary”
“Like wanderers in the wild savannahs of Africa, we must always be aware that we’re being hunted. The lion lurks quietly in tall grass, stalking our every step, waiting for a moment to catch us off guard. If we stray from the group, put down our weapons, or doze in the sun, he’ll strike. Satan knowns are weaknesses and our strengths. He’s had thousands of years to observe humankind and become an expert on human nature. In fact, Satan knows the depths of your depravity far better than you do. We must never forget that we are his prey and that this roaring lion is ravenous with hunger.
Satan’s style is to prowl and to pounce when we least expect it, which explains our need to be alert and sober. His one purpose is to destroy us – our testimonies, our hope, our holiness, and if possible, our lives. Therefore, we must be aware of his tactics and have a respect for his power. In the same way that a Pacific Islander might respect power of the volcano or a sailor would respect the devastating might of a hurricane at sea, we must never allow ourselves to underestimate the adversary’s ability to outwit, deceive, and attack us.”
Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible
“In the Hebrew Bible, one finds the concept of the ‘adversary’ (Heb. SATAN) in two senses; that of any (usually human) opponents, and that of Satan, the Devil, the opponent of the righteous.
In each case, the Satan is an opponent in such public activities as politics, war, etc.
Satan becomes the archenemy of God at war over the loyalty of humanity; the Devil attacks the bond between humanity and God, leading them to sin and blasphemy in an attempt to destroy their allegiance to God.”