# Affected by the Devil's Schemes ## TL;DR - Based on what I see in scripture, I would say yes, we can be affected by Satan's schemes ## Background - In reply to my post on 2025.06.20 where I asked the question, "Describe "this world's darkness." the owner of the Christian Apologetics asked the following question: - As a believer, do you think we can still be subject to Satan's schemes? - A link to my original post - Opi's reply / question: - "As a believer, do you think we can still be subject to Satan's schemes?" ## Notes - First, what is meant by "subject to?" - For the purposes of my answer, I will assume "subject to" means: - tempted by - affected by - If my assumption is wrong, then most of what is written below addresses the wrong question What is meant by "scheme?" - According to Grok: - A scheme is a plan, design, or program of action to achieve a particular goal, often with careful organization. For example, a "retirement savings scheme" or a "marketing scheme." - On one level, we are pawns in the devil's schemes to usurp Jesus' place and God's authority - It could be argued that the devil has his fingers in all the evil in the world. Assuming this is true, all humans are tempted by / affected by the devil's schemes. Based on what I see in scripture, I would say yes, we can be affected by Satan's schemes. - Paul addressed the letter to the Ephesians to the "saints in Ephesus" {Eph 1.1} - It seems like a reasonable assumption that at a minimum, the principles in the letter applies to all "saints." - Based on other references, it seems like a reasonable assumption that any true Christian is a "saint" - Paul told the Ephesians: - Put on the full armor of God so they could make their stand against the devil's schemes {Eph 6.11} - take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes we will be able to stand {Eph 6.13} - I assume the devil is intimately involved in orchestrating the "day of evil" - So, we need God's armor in order to - stand against the devil's schemes - stand when the day of evil comes Finally and more importantly - Jesus was "tempted by the devil" three different ways {Matt 4.1-11} - Jesus was "affected" by the devil - The devil took Jesus to the top of the temple {Matt 4.5} - The devil took Jesus to a very high mountain {Matt 4.8} So, if Jesus can be "tempted" and "affected" by the devil, it would seem possible for any Christian / saint to be tempted / affected by the devil and his schemes. What are your thoughts?