To get a better understanding of what we are up against, let’s look at the word wiles (methodeia) in the Greek

Methodeia is translated as shown in the list below with each word followed by a definition.

Craftiness – adept in the use of subtlety and cunning.  No place in scripture reveals Satan’s schemes better than Genesis 3, which records Satan’s initial contact with man.

Cunning – characterized by wiliness and trickery.  It describes the faculty of executing well what one has devised.

Scheming – given to making plots; shrewdly devious and intriguing. Synonyms include artful, calculating, conniving, cunning, deceitful, designing, foxy, slippery, sly, tricky, underhand, and wily.

Strategies – careful plans of methods.  Strategy can also refer to the art or science of the planning and conduct of a war. The Columbia Encyclopedia notes that strategy and tactics, in warfare are related terms referring, respectively, to large scale and small-scale planning to achieve military success. Strategy may be defined as the general scheme of the conduct of a war, tactics as the planning of means to achieve strategic objectives.  Synonyms for strategy include: blueprint, design, game plan, project, scheme.

Stratagems – an artifice or trick in war for deceiving and outwitting the enemy. A cleverly contrived trick or scheme for gaining an end.  Stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

Tactics – The use of the word tactic is very interesting and gives us some insight into the meaning of the devil’s methods.  The word “tactics” is from the Greek word taktikos which means “of order, of tactics, fit for arranging” and which in turn is derived from “tassein” which means to arrange or place in battle formation.  Tactics is defined then as the science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat.  It refers to the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end.  In short, the tactics of the devil are calculated plans specifically designed to bring the downfall of God’s people and His kingdom.

Trickery – the practice of crafty underhanded ingenuity to deceive or cheat. It implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

Wiles – tricks or strategy carried out with the intent to entice, ensnare or deceive.  Wiles suggest an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

Methodeia was used to describe a wild animal who cunningly stalked and unexpectedly pounced on its prey. A vivid depiction of the adversary’s “methods” against believers.

Methodeia is a Greek word that denotes a path or roadway that is traveled over.  This is because the devil continuously attempts to secure a foothold so that he may begin construction of a roadway to your mind.

Remember to keep your spiritual armor on because the devil and his minions are crafty evil foes.

Keep fighting the good fight of faith.

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