Condemning the devil for slander?

[Joseph G]

Would appreciate some insight on a question I have.

In Scripture it says this:

Jude 1:8-10 NIV
"In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them."

Ok, but here's what Scriptures also say about believers:

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV

"Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices."

So...

When we are witnessing or edifying each other, can we divulge what we've learned about the identity and schemes and the devises of the enemy (example: his favorite pass time - tempt and accuse)?

How do we do this without "condemning the devil for slander". What does that mean exactly?

 

[Rescued One]

Well, you sure solved my boredom! But I have no explanation! I wonder if anyone does.

 

[AlexB23]

Well, you sure solved my boredom! But I have no explanation! I wonder if anyone does.

Agreed. This study makes no sense. We should always stay away from the demonic stuff in this world.

 

[Joseph G]

Agreed. This study makes no sense. We should always stay away from the demonic stuff in this world.

Alex, I understand where you're coming from. But are you suggesting that I shouldn't ask my brothers and sisters for help in clarifying how I present the Gospel and encourage the Brethren? I've asked an honest question and I need help in discerning God's will on this concern.

 

[Joseph G]

Well, you sure solved my boredom! But I have no explanation! I wonder if anyone does.

I'm still wondering the same thing! (Ok, I admit this is a shameless bump hoping someone has some insight).

 

[Rescued One]

Maybe we aren't supposed to waste our time arguing wih Satan : just say "The Lord rebuke thee,"
and move on.

 

[Joseph G]

Maybe we aren't supposed to waste our time arguing wih Satan : just say "The Lord rebuke thee,"
and move on.

I hear ya, and I'm sure we all do in the midst of spiritual warfare - especially when it's the same tired routine from him.

But here's my big question, though, how can we discern (and help others discern) who to rebuke if we don't expose him and his tactics? Shouldn't we share what we know of his standard modus operandi with each other to help identify godly conviction from fiery darts?

If not, I gotta say, there's gonna be a large number of folks here who have said, "ah, that's the devil talking to you" who, like me, are going to have to go back and do some heavy editing or deleting!

Surely there must be some difference between "not being ignorant of the devil's devices" and sharing them - and "slandering the devil", no?

Just wanna be well equipped. God bless!

 

[Rescued One]

Well, not all situations are the same, but I'm positive Mormonism is wrong. I have no problem exposing it and warning others, but I don't know if I'd actually say "The Lord rebuke you" to an online Mormon. Maybe I would. Most Mormons don't know they are wrong.

Which English version uses word "slander?"

 

[timewerx]

I hear ya, and I'm sure we all do in the midst of spiritual warfare - especially when it's the same tired routine from him.

But here's my big question, though, how can we discern (and help others discern) who to rebuke if we don't expose him and his tactics? Shouldn't we share what we know of his standard modus operandi with each other to help identify godly conviction from fiery darts?

If not, I gotta say, there's gonna be a large number of folks here who have said, "ah, that's the devil talking to you" who, like me, are going to have to go back and do some heavy editing or deleting!

Surely there must be some difference between "not being ignorant of the devil's devices" and sharing them - and "slandering the devil", no?

Just wanna be well equipped. God bless!

I think "Satan" in 1 Corinthians 11 doesn't always have to be demons (spiritual entities or "celestial beings").

It can be people too.

The devices of the enemy can easily be seen when you argue/debate with people who is against the light. False accusation, slander, lying is common tactic. Other tactics including insults, consistently taking your arguments out of context, "lawyering" where the opposing view is only after winning arguments (do not really care about the truth), gas lighting, emotional manipulation, etc.

 

[Joseph G]

Well, not all situations are the same, but I'm positive Mormonism is wrong. I have no problem exposing it and warning others, but I don't know if I'd actually say "The Lord rebuke you" to an online Mormon. Maybe I would. Most Mormons don't know they are wrong.

Which English version uses word "slander?"

NIV, BSB, LSV, ISV, MSB, NET, NRSV.

Other translations:

Jude 1:9 - God's Judgment on the Ungodly

But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, The Lord rebuke you!

biblehub.com

 

[Joseph G]

I think "Satan" in 1 Corinthians 11 doesn't always have to be demons (spiritual entities or "celestial beings").

It can be people too.

The devices of the enemy can easily be seen when you argue/debate with people who is against the light. False accusation, slander, lying is common tactic. Other tactics including insults, consistently taking your arguments out of context, "lawyering" where the opposing view is only after winning arguments (do not really care about the truth), gas lighting, emotional manipulation, etc.

Hey timewerx, I totally agree those are certainly standard debating tactics inspired by the evil one, but I'm asking about the reverse - slander by us towards him as in Jude 1:9. What constitutes "slander"?

Also couldn't find a reference to "Satan" in 1 Corinthians 11. Sorry if I'm misunderstanding!

 

[timewerx]

Hey timewerx, I totally agree those are certainly standard debating tactics inspired by the evil one, but I'm asking about the reverse - slander by us towards him as in Jude 1:9. What constitutes "slander"?

The slander here is telling things about the devil that isn't true.

Wannabe-exorcists say many things about the devil that most likely isn't true. The Angel in Jude 1 simply said "I rebuke you". For me, that's more than good enough to drive away evil spirits.

Jude 1:8 - heaping abuse on celestial beings - driving away spirits who may not be evil. Treating these spirits as if they were evil spirits.

Jude 1:10 - slander of spirits (good or evil) and supernatural phenomenon. Just because something moved on its own that can't be explained physically, people default to evil causes which isn't always the case. Ofc, if you say something is evil when it's not then you're committing slander.

Many Christians today behave in the same manner as described in Jude 1. Quick to accuse /slander supernatural /paranormal phenomenon. They're too afraid of spiritual reality because of their worldliness.

Also couldn't find a reference to "Satan" in 1 Corinthians 11. Sorry if I'm misunderstanding!

Jesus used exactly the same word to call Peter when Peter was acting against Jesus.

"Satanas" in Greek can also mean "adversary" and adversaries/enemies can also be people.