Understanding the Devil’s Tactics in Art and Life

Before the advent of the internet, memes, and even the printing press, artists employed the medium of painting to convey narratives that often evolved into significant works of art; their mastery in transforming a two-dimensional canvas was remarkable. The application of shading, facial expressions, body language, and tonal variation evoked emotions that resonated with the viewer. A notable example of such artistry is “Die Schachspieler,” also known as “Checkmate,” created by the artist Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch (1779-1857). Watch the following video on this masterpiece.

“Checkmate” has become a symbol of the epic battle between the devil who is always lurking around seeking another poor soul. It is the symbol of the eternal struggle between good and evil and a struggle to the death.

The Tactics of the Devil

Like formable chess champions, the devil knows how to play the game and how to devour his opponent. Volumes of books could be written about him, and his schemes are clever and deadly. Here are some of the devil’s tactics.

1. Exploits Weaknesses: turning habits into addictions and instigating men to sin (John 13:2)
2. Thinks Ahead: The devil is patient and backs us into a corner using our senses and small temptations
3. Make Choices Based On Feelings: Truth is blurred, and what feels good is right.
4. Blurs Morality: Changes black and white into grey.
5. Create Doubt in the Bible: It’s the devil’s old tactic that works. “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1) A little doubt
6. Perverts God’s Word: Takes verses out of context to say what he wants it to say (Matthew 4:1-11)
7. Blames God: The devil blames God for pain and suffering when it is actually sin that entered the world through man giving into the temptation from him
8. Discouragement: Discourages and beats us down (2 Corinthians 12:7; 2 Timothy 4:14)
9. Hides God’s Beauty: God’s book is a love letter from Him to us. The devil doesn’t want us to read it or understand it so that we run to God, submit to Him, and resist the devil

Even though the devil, like chess players, pulls no punches and shows no mercy, he does not play fair. He doesn’t play by any rules and seems to make them up as he goes. Whatever it takes for us to get our worship off of God, he will make it happen. We are to take great care in resisting him at all cost.

How we Are to Win the Game

But like this young chess player in the painting, God has given us tools to win the game and be able to beat the devil in his game. Here are some of those things.

Take evil seriously

We are not to believe his lies and be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). The devil is not a guy in red tights carrying a pitchfork; He is a real being with real power and he could do a number on us if it were not for the Lord keeping him at bay. If Satan could sway a third of the angels out of heaven who was with God from their creation—what do you suppose he could do to you?

Believe the truth

We are called to exert every effort to remain steadfast, and when we can no longer stand, we must continue to stand. In this endeavor, we are to embrace the veracity of God’s Word—the Bible—diligently studying its teachings and adhering to its commandments. God has already triumphed over him on the cross. The only weapon the devil possesses is to undermine our confidence in God’s Word. Therefore, it is imperative to believe in the truth and wear the armor of God (Ephesians 6).

Walk in holiness

Personal holiness and godliness is something that’s not preached from the pulpit much these days. But the Bible has much to say about them both.

The book of 1 Timothy has much to say about godliness and how a budding pastor should live his life. Even though we know that growth in holiness is a gift from God to be cherrished (John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 2:11), we are to also told in 1 Timothy 4:7 to “discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness.” Even though we receive the gifts of the spirit and fruits of the Spirit, we are also told to live and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). It’s not automatic, but something that must be practiced.

Focus on Jesus

The truth that the painting reveals is that even though we may think that the devil’s got us beat, that we realize it is him that is beaten. If we submit to God and resist the devil we will win as it says in James:

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 4:7-10 NKJV

The fight is not in us, but in Christ Jesus, who fights for us and has disarmed the devil and his demons already on the cross (Colossians 2:15).

When you dance with the devil, he always leads

Dancing with the devil and willfully sinning thinking you have it under control is foolish. Thinking you’ll never get caught, you’ll never receive punishment, or no one will ever find out. When you dance with the devil, the devil always leads.