One of the primary means used by Satan is deception. Paul tells us
that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and that his servants
disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14-15). His
use of deception is also mentioned in Revelation 12:9 and 20:8, 10. He
has “blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the
light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God”
(2 Cor. 4:4). He opposes and hinders (1 Thess. 2:18) Christians in their
service, even using physical ailments to that end (so, probably, 2 Cor.
12:7).