KBM How Satan Works

Today, we are going to be focusing on a common passage that I’m sure many if not most of you are familiar with. We are going to read Genesis 3:1-6 and take a moment to discuss what we see about “How Satan Works.”

Genesis 3:1–6 NKJV

1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

One of the first things we notice is that Satan disguises himself as one that is innocent. He looked innocent to Eve, which is why she was not immediately running from him. To us today Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

2 Corinthians 11:14 NKJV

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

He can and does strive to deceive us as he did with Eve and because of this we must always be on guard with a clear head watching for him (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Satan not only disguises himself, but he will also do the same with his purpose. Satan made himself look to Eve like he had “her best interest” at heart. That he was only “looking out for her.” However, his real purpose was to get her to sin of course. He wants everyone to be like him, living in “sin” (John 8:44).

John 8:44 NKJV

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

He wasn’t us to then spend an eternity with him in hell after the judgment (Romans 6:23; Matthew 7:21-23).

Lastly, Satan strives to get us to doubt God’s word. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say something to the effect, “I know the bible says that, but that isn’t what I was taught.” Satan would always prefer we accept man’s word and doubt God’s word.

Jeremiah 28:15 NKJV

15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie.

This is how Satan works, he disguises himself as an angle of light, he disguises his purpose to look like he cares for you, and he gets us to doubt God’s holy word. Don’t be deceived by Satan, keep a watch for him and stand firm when he comes against him.