Satan's Wiles

Genesis 3:1–7 NASB95

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.

INTRO: Have you ever heard the expression, “Never trust a snake”? I’ve read stories of people who have snakes as pets, and inevitably, these snakes cause problems. They bite, they squeeze…they get into cribs with babies... can I just say it? I do not like snakes. They are unpredictable- I mean, sometimes they climb and so you have to watch out for that. They hide really well, blending in with leaves, grass, etc. They are quiet- you don’t hear them coming. And, let’s just be honest- they are confounding- how anything moves that fast without arms or legs is enough to creep you out.

Well today, we are looking at a snake- actually a serpent. There is a good argument that the serpent in Genesis 3 looked a bit different than the snakes we know and hate today. In fact, I think a case could be made that the serpent here may actually be more like a dragon. But that’s not really the point of this passage nor is it a discussion that we need to get into this morning.

But, the serpent plays a big role here. Indeed we see that in Genesis 3, this serpent is either God’s created creature whom Satan postures as or one whom he has deceived or possessed in his rebellion against God. The purpose and mission is easy to determine- Satan has set out to lead God’s image-bearers in a rebellion against their King.

It’s a war . And in a war, it’s helpful to know and understand your enemy.

Even as we look at Satan’s wiles and ways this morning, I want you to notice how the serpent illustrates the deception and craftiness of Satan. Verse 1a says that the serpent was more crafty than any beast God created. This gives us a general characterization of Satan’s playbook. In other words, Satan is subtle and slick. You don’t always recognize where he is or what he is doing. That is why we, as Christians, need to be alert.

In order for us to be prepared, we look back to Satan’s first act of deception toward mankind in the Garden of Eden. We are going to learn 3 Ways Satan Attacks and look to equip one another to withstand these. So, if you picked up a bulletin on your way in, I invite you to follow along with me this morning using the provided Sermon Guide. The discussion questions are for your quiet time this week as you continue to grow in Christ. Let’s learn together: Satan’s Wiles- 3 Ways Satan Attacks

The first subtle attack comes in v. 1-3. Here we see that

Satan Distorts God’s Word (1-3)

Let me read this again. (READ)

Now, I’m going to give you the Marc Reynolds’ version: The conversation goes like this:

Satan said to Eve, “What a beautiful garden! This is really an amazing place. Now, tell me, did God really put you and Adam here and then tell you that you could not eat any of this tasty, beautiful fruit?! That seems cruel.”

Eve replied, “Oh we can eat the fruit- just not of this one tree...”

Notice that Satan took God’s Word and twisted it in order to sow doubt in Eve’s mind about what God really said. You see, by twisting the command, Satan accomplished 2 things.

First- Satan implied a false dichotomy.

He made it seem as if it was all or nothing. Either God allows you to eat the fruit or he does not allow it at all. Either fruit is good or it is not. But this is not what God said.

This tactic has been used in all sorts of sinful ways:

Satan tells us that sex is either good in every way or in no way

Satan tells us that God is either loving or vengeful

He tells us that mankind is either good or good for nothing…

Second, Satan diverted Eve’s attention to that which God forbade

The tree that was forbidden was not a big deal… there were hundreds of other trees with perfect fruit and it was theirs to enjoy.

But notice how, by twisting God’s Word, Satan was able to get Eve to focus not on what she had to enjoy, but the one thing that was off limits. Thus, he stirred up a lust in her heart to have what was off limits.

ILL: This is the focus of a lot of advertising… you were ok driving your Camry, but, as the car manufacturer would say, you deserve to be in a BMW… or, the ones I like- salads are good and fine, but milkshakes make you happy…

This is still happening. Satan wants you to take your eyes off of all the good that God has provided and blesses us with and look longingly at a fruit which will ultimately ruin our lives.

That lady who is not your wife… that money that doesn’t belong to you…

Because Satan distorts God’s Word, it is vital that we hide His word in our heart, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Satan tried this very ploy with Jesus, but it is God’s truth that is victorious over Satan’s wiles.

Matthew 6:33 NASB95

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Discuss: What are some ways that Satan has distorted God’s Word as it relates to your life? Talk through some of the false dichotomies and what the Bible really has to say about them.

Satan will subtly distort God’s Word in an attempt to stir up confusion and lust in our hearts. Next, we see that:

Satan Denies Sin’s Consequence (4)

Look here at Satan’s response to Eve: “You surely will not die!”

This is nothing less than a lie, but it’s more than that. You see, by denying sin’s consequence, Satan is seeking to sow doubt about God’s law. Let me put it this way: Satan is trying to get Eve to buy the lie that a loving God would never really carry out that kind of punishment. But we see in Gen 2:17, that death is the penalty for eating this particular fruit.

This is still true today. People are deceived about the consequence of sin. They fall usually into 1 of 2 categories:

First there is the “There is no punishment/ or there is no hell” category.

Some people think that their sins have no real consequence. But, sins have all sorts of horrible consequences in this life. Relationships are broken, lives are ruined, etc. If you steal from your job, you will get fired… and maybe go to jail. If you have an affair, your marriage will suffer. Sin has consequences in this life.

These folks may also think that after we die, we all end up in heaven because God is love and he was really just giving an empty threat. He didn’t mean what he said.

This judgment / carrying out of sin’s consequence is where a lot of folks have a problem with God. They say, “No matter what my kid does, I’d never punish him to this degree.” Yet here is where we must ask ourselves what love really is and WHO God really is. Do we stand in judgment of God?

We like verses like “Love is patient, love is kind....” but what about “Love does not rejoice in iniquity?” God is more than love, He is holy and just. If sin were to go unpunished, that would mean that God was somehow corrupt.

The second category is the belief that Hell is some sort of eternal godless frat party.

On TV and in person, I’ve heard the jokes, the depictions of hell. Folks, I want to remind you that Jesus depicts hell as the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. That’s not the kind of party I’d like to go to...

It is here that we need to be sure of God’s Law. Sin will not go unpunished. Sin will have consequences both here on earth, as represented through death, and eternally as God’s wrath is poured out upon those who have sinned.

But, here’s what we know that is good news: Jesus came and lived a sinless life and took upon himself the wrath that you and I deserve so that we could live in eternity alongside God- restored and redeemed! He can restore and renew that which is broken. Through His sacrifice, we can experience grace and forgiveness; mercy and healing. All this, not because sin’s consequences were denied, but because Jesus confronted and atoned for them.

Discuss the difference between temporal and eternal consequences for sin. Why do many people deny sin’s consequence?

Satan distorts God’s Word and denies sin’s consequences. Finally, we see that

Satan Defames God’s Character (5-6)

Let me read again verse 5 (READ)

As if it isn’t enough to cast doubt upon God’s Word and God’s Law, now Satan outright slanders God, trying to cast doubt on His person.

Notice that he does not blatantly deny God’s existence or His power. The whole earth testifies to the contrary. No, instead he attempts to sow uncertainty about God.

Listen to what Satan does here: He is calling into question God’s motives for His law and accuses God of being untrustworthy.

Let me give you my modern-day translation: “You know, Eve, God just doesn’t want you to become like Him. When you eat this fruit- the world will be your oyster. You will be like God, and everything will be yours to enjoy and control. And, well, God is insecure and wants to keep you and Adam in the dark so you don’t threaten his position. Do you really think you can trust Him?”

Satan sells the idea that God is holding out on mankind. He wants us to believe that God just wants to oppress and victimize us so He can control us. Ironically, this is actually Satan’s ploy.

This is a tactic still in use today:

Satan tells you that sex, pornography, pride, and all other desires of man’s sinful heart should be pursued because the only reason there is a law against them is because God is holding out on us. Satan wants us to think that God doesn’t want you to have fun. Oh friends, how often is this lie repeated and believed!?!

He wants you to believe that somehow you deserve that which only belongs to God by casting doubt upon God’s goodness and integrity.

I’ve been in several conversations where people portray God as an insecure, ego-maniac. The idea of worshiping God is off-putting because they want to be the object of worship.

But let’s not forget WHO God is. He is deserving of all worship and praise. He alone is the creator King. He alone is holy and just. He alone rules and reigns. Friends, we don’t worship God because he’s demanding it, we worship God because He is worthy of it!!!

Discuss: How does Satan attempt to defame God’s character in 2021? What can a Christian do to guard his/ her heart against this deception?

Satan is the crafty tempter of mankind. He subtly distorts God’s Word, Denies Sin’s Consequence, and Defames God’s Character.

But knowing this is only a start. We see in v. 6-7 that Eve and Adam succumbed to Satan’s deception.

You see, Satan was successful in appealing to the lusts of mankind. Eve saw that “the fruit was good…”

But it wasn’t. She was convinced that she would receive all that wonders of her pride- power, majesty, etc. Yet, as we know- and as Adam and Eve discovered, these were lies meant to entrap them.

As Christians, we need to be on guard against Satan’s wiles. Thankfully God’s Word has not left us without instruction.

Ephesians 6:10–18 NASB95

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

We are in a war. We know our enemy, but more importantly we know our God.

If you are struggling with sin- with the wiles of Satan, there is hope and freedom for you in Jesus Christ. If you have never given your life to Him, let today be the day you do.