Understanding What the Devil Can Do — So We Are Not Ignorant of His Devices

2 Corinthians 2:11

“Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

This teaching is not to create fear or fretfulness. It is to create awareness and understanding that prevents fear and confusion. A believer who understands the enemy correctly will not be focused on the enemy. We do not study the enemy to magnify him. We study Scripture so we are not led astray or deceived.

The next teaching will explain more about how believers are protected and how our authority in Christ aids us.

I. The Enemy Is Real — But Not Sovereign

Before discussing what he can do, we must anchor this truth:

  • Satan is not equal to God.

  • He operates within limits.

  • He requires permission (Job 1–2; Luke 22:31).

  • God sets boundaries (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Understanding his limits prevents fear and superstition.

II. What the Enemy Can Do in the Flesh

These examples primarily involve unbelievers.

1. Physically Abuse or Convulse Bodies (Possession Cases)

  • Mark 9:18, 22 – Demon throws the boy down, convulses him, casts him into fire and water.

This is about demonic possession in unbelievers.

2. Cause Self-Harm

  • Mark 5:5

    “He was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.”

Demons can drive a possessed person toward destructive behavior.

3. Cause Infirmity

  • Luke 13:16 – Woman bound by Satan for 18 years.

  • Matthew 12:22 – Blind and mute demon-possessed man.

  • Job 2:7 – Satan strikes Job with painful boils.

Demons can afflict bodies with sickness under divine allowance.

4. Grant Supernatural Physical Strength

  • Mark 5:4 – Breaking chains.

  • Acts 19:16 – Demon-possessed man overpowers seven men.

5. Hinder Ministry Efforts

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:18

    “Satan hindered us.”

The enemy can obstruct plans — but not override God’s will.

6. Incite Destruction Through Natural Means

  • Job 1–2

    • Wind destroys house.

    • Fire falls.

    • Raiders attack.

The enemy can incite events — but only within limits.

7. Destruction of Flesh Through Church Discipline

  • 1 Corinthians 5:5

    “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh…”

This is corrective, not malicious from God’s side.

8. Satan Can Engage the Senses in Temptation, Cause Visions, Take People Places

  • Matthew 4; Luke 4

    • Satan speaks.

    • Shows kingdoms.

    • Takes Jesus to high places.

These extreme manifestations and influences over people are very rare in Scripture — but Scripture shows they are possible.

III. What the Enemy Can Do in the Spirit (Mental / Spiritual Realm)

1. Speak Thoughts to Deceive

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    “...giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”

  • Acts 5:3

    “Why has Satan filled your heart…?”

He can inject deception, and through lying spirits that pretend godliness as well (1 Kings 22:21-22).

2. Provoke to Sin

  • 1 Chronicles 21:1 – Satan provokes David.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:5 – “The tempter.”

  • Mark 1:13 – Jesus tempted by Satan.

Temptation is one of his primary works.

3. Accuse Before God

  • Job 1–2

  • Zechariah 3:1

  • Revelation 12:10

He accuses and requests permission.

Again:
God limits him (1 Corinthians 10:13; Job 1:12; 2:6).

4. Appear as an Angel of Light

  • 2 Corinthians 11:12-14

Deception may look spiritual and beautiful.

5. Perform Signs and Miracles to Deceive

  • Matthew 24:24

    “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive...”

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    “With all power, signs, and lying wonders.”

Miracles alone are not proof of God. Don't assume a miracle of any kind is God just because it happens.

6. Bring Mental Torment

  • 1 Samuel 16:14–15

A distressing spirit troubled Saul.

7. Stir Conflict Between People

  • Judges 9:23–24

    “God sent a spirit of ill will…”

Division can have spiritual roots.

8. Resist Angelic Messages

  • Daniel 10:12–13

Spiritual warfare can delay answers.

9. Counterfeit Necromancy

  • Leviticus 20:27

  • Deuteronomy 18:10–11

Dead humans:

  • Job 14:21

  • Ecclesiastes 9:4–6,10

The dead do not roam giving information.
Mediumistic encounters are demonic deception.

10. Dwell in the Physical and Haunt Regions

  • Isaiah 34:11–14

  • Mark 1:13

Scripture often describes demonic beings that exist in the physical with animalistic, monstrous imagery.

IV. Final Perspective

The devil:

  • Tempts, deceives, accuses, afflicts, hinders

But:

  • He must have permission.

  • He is limited.

  • He is not sovereign.

  • He is already defeated (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14).

Closing Encouragement

We are not called to fear the enemy.
We are called to:

  • Be sober (1 Peter 5:8)

  • Resist him (James 4:7)

  • Stand firm (Ephesians 6:11)

Understanding what he can do helps us avoid deception and confusion, and knowing that He is defeated and under God's sovereignty prevents fear.