On the Grandiloquence of Satan - 2 Timothy 2:26

 . . . and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. - 2 Timothy 2:26

    Ever been tempted to do something you might regret? Ever taken a dare that wasn’t in your best interests? Most of us have at one point in our lives or another. Hopefully, as Christians our choices and actions are now guided by the Holy Spirit. So how is it that we ever allowed ourselves to be “conned” by Satan into regrettable decisions? Well, the idea that we were conned speaks volumes about the machinations of Satan.
    The devil is a liar. In fact, he is the father of lies. (John 8:44) The entire reason for the existence of a lie is to convince others that it is . . . the truth! A lie stands on no other foundation.           
  In reexamining 2 Timothy 2:26, we note two words - snare and captive - both are translated in the Greek to “zōgrěō”. To snare something we cleverly disguise what is familiar to our prey so that we can “fool it” and draw it into captivity. To disguise the environment we use manipulation, deceit, and lies. These are the classic methods used by trappers (and psychopaths) since the dawn of time.
    In developing his classic “Psychopathy Checklist,” Dr. Robert Hare included in his checklist designated  “Factor 1 - Facet 1:Interpersonal”, a definitive description of psychopathic behavior, interestingly enough they can also be used to describe Satan. They are: glibness and superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, cunning and manipulative behavior. I can’t think of a better description of Satan.
    For Satan to pull off his trickery he must convince the unwary that all he says and puts forward to us is true and desirable. Satan will never set his snares with bait that reveals the pain and suffering to us and that of others injured by our sin. He paints the allure of an illicit affair between a married man and a married woman as not only conceivable but desirable. Satan never showcases beforehand the hellish hurt and pain felt by the spouses and children made victims by such sinful liaisons. The temptation always shimmers and shines like a hook laden lure. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. - 2 Corinthians 11:14.
    The devil is beyond doubt a charming performer, an eloquent orator, a pathological liar, and he is a necromancer, for he deals not with the living but those who are dead through sin.. Despite the false light he cloaks himself in let us not be deceived by him or his minions. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. - 1Thessalonians 5:16-22. Being justified through Jesus Christ we already hold the keys to exposing both Satan and his cleverly devised snares. If we do as Paul says we need not fear being snared and captured by Satan.