Understand Your Soul’s Enemy

Ignorance Creates Confusion

John 8:39 ESV

They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,

John 8:41 ESV

You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.”

Ignorance Creates Confusion

The Devil Keeps Us Numb

John 8:42–43 ESV

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.

The Devil Keeps Us Numb

The Devil’s Eternal Nature

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

The Devil’s Eternal Nature

Trouble Testing Truth

John 8:45–47 ESV

But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Trouble Testing Truth

Lies are Limp When Truth is Told

John 8:48–51 ESV

The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

Lies are Limp When Truth is Told

The Devil Brings Lies, but Jesus Brings Life