In Scripture, the devil is called “the wicked one” (Matt. 13:19, 38; Eph. 6:16), “the evil one” (Matt. 6:13; John 17:15; 2 Thess. 3:3), “a murderer” (John 8:44), “a liar and the father of” lies (John 8:44), “the tempter” (Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5), “your adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8), “a roaring lion” (1 Pet. 5:8), “the accuser” (Rev. 12:10), “the enemy” (Matt. 13:39).
Scripture tells us that the devil “deceives” (2 Cor. 11:3), “corrupts” minds “from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3), “takes away the word that is sown” in hearts (Mark 4:15), twists Scripture (Matt. 4:6), “fills hearts” to “lie to God” (Acts 5:3), “hinders” us from some of our efforts for Christ (1 Thess. 2:18; Zech. 3:1), has “cunning” “devices” (Gen. 3:1; 2 Cor. 2:11), “sows tares” among God’s people (Matt. 13:38-39), “transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:13-14), “tempts” us against God (Matt. 4:1-11), and is “seeking” to devour” us (1 Pet. 5:8).
Tell me again, why do we want to play with this guy? “RESIST him…steadfast in the faith” (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9)! “Do not give the devil an opportunity” (Eph. 4:27)!