The term "devilish" is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or characteristics that are akin to or influenced by the devil, also known as Satan. In the Bible, the devil is depicted as the adversary of God and humanity, embodying evil and opposition to divine will. The concept of being "devilish" is therefore associated with actions that are contrary to God's nature and commands.

Biblical References:

1. Nature of the Devil:
The devil is portrayed as a deceiver and tempter. In the Garden of Eden, he appears as a serpent to tempt Eve, leading to the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:1-5). Jesus refers to the devil as "a murderer from the beginning" and "the father of lies" (John 8:44), highlighting his role in promoting falsehood and destruction.

2. Devilish Behavior:
Actions that are considered devilish often involve deceit, malice, and rebellion against God. James warns believers about the dangers of envy and selfish ambition, stating, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice" (James 3:16). Such behaviors are seen as devilish because they disrupt peace and align with the devil's divisive nature.

3. Spiritual Warfare:
The Apostle Paul speaks of the spiritual battle against devilish forces, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance against devilish influences.

4. Resisting the Devil:
Believers are called to resist devilish temptations and influences. James advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). This resistance involves a conscious effort to align with God's will and reject the devil's enticements.

5. Transformation through Christ:
The New Testament emphasizes the transformative power of Christ in overcoming devilish tendencies. Paul writes, "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:1-2). Through faith in Christ, believers are delivered from the dominion of the devil and empowered to live righteously.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, being devilish is not merely about individual acts of sin but reflects a deeper alignment with the forces of evil that oppose God's kingdom. The Bible presents a clear dichotomy between the kingdom of God and the realm of the devil, urging believers to choose the path of righteousness and reject all that is devilish. This involves a commitment to spiritual growth, moral integrity, and active participation in the spiritual battle against evil.1. (a.) Resembling, characteristic of, or pertaining to, the devil; diabolical; wicked in the extreme.

2. (a.) Extreme; excessive.

1141. daimoniodes -- demon-like
... Cognate: 1141 (an adjective derived from 1140 ) -- properly, ("demonic"), ie resembling
a demon or influenced by one; demoniacal, devilish, "such as even ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1141.htm - 7k

How we Can Decide what is Useful and the Sorrow According to God ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XI. How we can decide what is useful and the sorrow
according to God, and what is devilish and deadly. But ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xi how we can.htm

Profanations of Good and Truth
... The domain opposite to the celestial kingdom is called devilish, and the
domain opposite to the spiritual kingdom is called infernal. ...
/.../spiritual life and the word of god/part thirdprofanations of good and.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... mourned for Naboth's vineyard: He laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his
face, and would eat no bread' (1 Kings 21:4). This was a devilish mourning. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ...
... Work. The Devilish Nature Superadded by Wilfulness. In Man's Recovery the
Devil is Vanquished in a Conflict on His Own Ground. If ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x another cavil met i e.htm

The Other Valentinian Emanations in Conformity with the ...
... souls) the children of Abraham. From the material and devilish essence the
Demiurge fashioned bodies for the souls. This is what has ...
/.../chapter xxix the other valentinian emanations.htm

Whether Wisdom Should be Reckoned among the Gifts of the Holy ...
... But wisdom is directed to evil also, for it is written (James 3:15) that a certain
wisdom is "earthly, sensual, devilish." Therefore wisdom should not be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether wisdom should be reckoned.htm

The First Wall.
... and words, and to drive him away as well as may be; how then should we look on in
silence, when the Pope and his followers are guilty of devilish works and ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/the first wall.htm

Philippians ii. 8-May
... ground; how much greater will the pleasure be here, when by the grace of God we
overthrow at once and in a body the combinations and devilish machinations of ...
/.../homily vi philippians ii 8-may.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... If ye have bitter envying and strife, this wisdom descends not from above,
but is devilish' (James 3:14, 15). The lustful man is ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

The Observation of the Birth of Christ, the Duty of all Christians ...
... this your practice in times past, let me beseech you, in the bowels of mercy, not
to do so any more; for, indeed, it is earthly, it is sensual, it is devilish. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the observation of the birth.htm

Devilish (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Devilish (1 Occurrence). James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth
not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. (KJV ASV DBY RSV). ...
/d/devilish.htm - 6k

Devil (58 Occurrences)
... James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
(Root in KJV ASV DBY RSV NIV). James 4:7 Be subject therefore to God. ...
/d/devil.htm - 25k

Descendeth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Descendeth (3 Occurrences). James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth
not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. (KJV WBS). ...
/d/descendeth.htm - 7k

Demoniacal (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining to, or characteristic of, a demon or
evil spirit; devilish; as, a demoniac being; demoniacal practices. ...
/d/demoniacal.htm - 7k

Michael (16 Occurrences)
... these passages Michael appears as the heavenly patron and champion of Israel; as
the watchful guardian of the people of God against all foes earthly or devilish...
/m/michael.htm - 16k

Devils (48 Occurrences)

/d/devils.htm - 31k

Natural (49 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT NAS RSV). James 3:15 This is not the wisdom which comes down from
above, but earthly, natural, devilish. (DBY NAS). 2 Peter 2 ...
/n/natural.htm - 42k

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