Text: 2 Corinthians 11:3
In the previous lesson, we talked about some lessons we learn about God through the creation. Immediately after that in our Bibles, there is another well-known story – the serpent tempting Eve. Again, this is not just a children’s story – it is important for us to learn from even today as it teaches us certain things about Satan; yet by his craftiness and deception, we may ignore it. So let us consider some things we can understand about Satan through the Garden of Eden.
Satan Questions God’s Word
- “Indeed, has God said…” (Genesis 3:1) – he uses our lack of knowledge or misunderstanding against us; Eve did not actually quote God’s instruction exactly (Genesis 3:2-3; cf. 2:16-17)
- God’s word is settled or fixed (Psalm 119:89) – Satan wants us to think that it is unsettled and flexible
- In doing this, he portrayed God’s word as negatively as possible – focused on restrictions rather than liberties
Satan Minimizes the Consequences of Sin
- “You surely will not die…” (Genesis 3:4) – if there are no consequences, we can do as we please (1 Corinthians 15:32)
- Yet he ignored other consequences – separation from God (Genesis 3:24); hardship (Genesis 3:16-19)
- Every choice we make has a cost associated with it – we need to count the cost (Luke 14:28)
Satan Highlights the “Benefits” of Sin
- “Your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5)
- We are tempted to sin by what we hope to “gain” from it (1 John 2:16) – but it is temporary (1 John 2:17)
- In doing this, Satan criticizes God for trying to withhold these “benefits” from man – “God knows…” (Genesis 3:5)
Satan Will NEVER Be Victorious Over God
- Satan ruined man’s home in the Garden (Genesis 3:23-24) – but his fate was foretold (Genesis 3:14-15)
- Jesus would destroy Satan’s power over death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
- This great “victory” of Satan is used against him (Genesis 3:15) – Jesus was killed, but destroyed Satan’s power over death in the resurrection (Romans 6:4-5)
What Does This Mean for Us?
- If Satan questions God’s word, then we need to have His word written on our heart (Psalm 119:11)
- If Satan minimizes the consequences of sin, then we need to remember where sin leads (Proverbs 13:15; Romans 6:23)
- If Satan highlights the “benefits” of sin, then we need to remember that they are only temporary (Hebrews 11:25)
- Since Satan will never be victorious over God, then we need to stay on the Lord’s side (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:27; 22:14, 19)
Conclusion
- Jesus said Satan was “a murderer from the beginning” and the “father of lies” (John 8:44)
- He does not want to help us or better our lives – but he tries to deceive us into believing that
- We need to hold only God’s word, recognize the true consequences of sin, and remain faithful to God
