Jesus called Satan “a murderer from the beginning” and the father of liars (John 8:44). He referred to the incident recorded in Genesis 3 when Satan deceived the woman. There are some important lessons for us in this tragic story.
Satan focused on the prohibition instead of the provision (Genesis 3:1). He subtlety got her to focus on the only fruit in the garden she could not eat. Today, there are those who whine because of what they do not have. We need to focus on giving thanks instead (1 Thessalonians 5:18). After all, God has given us the greatest possible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 8:32).
Satan denied the reality of the curse of death (Genesis 3:4). The father of lies called God the Father a liar (Genesis 2:17). Some live today as if there were no death, much like the rich man in Jesus’ parable (Luke 12:16-21). Everyone needs to realize that even with the great advances in medicine, each has an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27).
Satan denied God’s loving kindness by saying God denied man access to something good (Genesis 3:5). We need to recognize God is good and the source of every good gift (Psalm 136:1; James 1:17). God and His Word have been charged with being anti-woman when He actually made her the crowning act of creation (Genesis 2:22-23). The virtuous wife is praised, and husbands are commanded to love their wives in the strongest of terms (Proverbs 31:10; Ephesians 5:25-28).
Satan said man could set his own law by telling him “you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5b). Some would have us believe we can set our own path to salvation. Jesus said we must do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). Paul said God no longer will overlook ignorance, He but insists that all repent (Acts 17:30). The way to the new life is through being buried with Christ in baptism and raised to live a new life (Romans 6:3-4).
Ignore Satan’s lies. Live each day according to God’s will, knowing that is the path to entering Heaven.
