The story of the fall of man is a most familiar one. Everyone knows how Satan came to Eve and tempted her with the fruit in the garden.
He first approached her with a question:
“Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?†(Genesis 3:1, NLT)
But he did not stop there. He continued with his words to create doubt and confusion as to what God had actually said.
As I recently read the account in Genesis 3, it was verse 6 which grabbed my attention:
“The woman was convinced.” (NLT)
Those words are piercing. May we not lend an ear, or enter any conversation the enemy would seek to have with us, or he will have us convinced.
Those four words were a sober reminder that Satan is real, he is an enemy of God’s people, and he is dangerous to us. We must be careful to not give him a foothold into our lives.
From Genesis, we see that Satan will deceive us. Let’s look at a few Scriptures which reveal to us more of who he is.
- He is a master liar, and lying is consistent with his character and strategy. “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.“ (John 8:44b, NLT)
- He is a thief, and will steal the seeds sown our lives if we are don’t protect our hearts. “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.“ (Matthew 13:19, NLT)
- He is our enemy and will devour us if we are not alert. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.“ (1 Peter 5:8,NLT)
Satan stands at God’s throne day and night throwing accusations about God’s people. May we remember we do not fight these battles alone. We have been given an Advocate in Jesus Christ who is our defender.
“And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11, NLT)
Those are the two things the enemy cannot dispute. Jesus’ death on Calvary secures our salvation. It is a finished and complete work. Our testimonies stand firm and established. Jesus will strengthen our faith as we stay in His Word and cling to His promises.
The woman was convinced that day of all the lies the enemy was saying to her.
May we learn instead stand convinced of what God says to us,
for His Word is Truth.
“My Defender, You are invincibleMy Strong Tower, You are unshakableMighty Saviour, Your love’s unbreakableYou’re the strength of my heart.”
(from Rend Collective)
J.D. Wininger brings wisdom and encouragement to so many. Last week he brought the reminder of the precious gift we have been given. May we not take for granted the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide, to give understanding, to give strength. Be sure to read his post All Things HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Fumiaki Hayashi on Unsplash
Such good truth here, Joanne. It seems as if the enemy is working hard and gaining ground these days, doesn’t it? But we have hope, as you point out at the end of your post. What a comfort to remember that “greater is He who is in [us] than he who is in the world.” Hugs, friend.
Joanne, I was watching an animation of Pilgrim’s Progress. When the mountain of legalistic decrees topples almost burying Christian, Evangelists points out how easily the deceiver (Worldly Wise) got Christian to leave the way and to believe the king was leading him on the wrong path. And made him believe the difficulty of his journey was something he wanted to avoid. Your post today echos that lesson. We need to always trust our King!
Such a powerful message, Joanne. “She was convinced†is so sobering. But I’m thankful that although the enemy stands accusing us before God, he cannot stand against the finished work of the cross and empty tomb! Hallelujah!
Also, the first link I uploaded in the linkup was incorrect but it won’t let me delete. Sorry.
You have a way of bringing out truth from details I’ve overlooked. It’s sad we’re so easily convinced of what the enemy says, rather than our God. How we need to fill our mind’s with God’s Word so His truth can guide us.
Joanne, we must hold tight to scripture for our truth, for it’s the only sure way to battle the enemy’s lies!
I’m dismayed by the two-tiered error believers tend to fall into–either the camp of ignoring the enemy as if he were a superstition OR of looking for him under every bed and behind every bush as if we need someone upon whom to blame our sin!
The counsel to listen first to the LORD is wisdom and light!
Humm.. I’m glad you caught that in your reading and went on to clarify that defining moment in time for us. As I went to read the account again having had that pointed out to me really was a cone atcha word and moment.
Amen Ms. Joanne. The more we stare at the temptation, the more we want it. Lust of the eyes! We can be so easily deceived when we look at the world and all it has to offer. When we look with spiritual eyes though, steeled by God’s Word written upon our hearts, we see the dying, decaying, expiring truth of this world. Like you, I’m so blessed to know that while I may have to wade through this a little longer, I no longer have to dive in and partake, I only need to endure. God’s blessings ma’am.
A great reminder Joanne to stay alert to the wiles of the enemy while keeping our eyes upon the Lord.
I like your following statement;
‘…two things the enemy cannot dispute. Jesus’ death on Calvary secures our salvation. It is a finished and complete work. Our testimonies stand firm and established. Jesus will strengthen our faith as we stay in His Word and cling to His promises.’ Amen!
Blessings, Jennifer
While the enemy accuses, Jesus intercedes. Joanne, I’m glad we have the strongest one on our side!