Bible Study

Title: Satan's Lies
Date: Jul 5, 2010
Topic(s): Sin/Temptation
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-5, John 8:42-47, John 8:44

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One afternoon the members of a health club assembled for a meeting on nutrition and exercise. The dietitian leading the discussion asked each member to describe his or her daily routine. The first participant admitted to a number of excesses, including overeating. Others joined in agreement. But one seriously overweight member reported, "I eat healthfully and moderately; I drink moderately and I exercise frequently."

"I see," said the dietitian. "Are you sure you have nothing else to tell us?"

"Well, yes," said the man. "I also lie extensively."

So, does Satan! Jesus called him a "liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Unless we know God's Word, we can fall victim to those lies. Look what happened to Eve.

What Does God Say?

Look at Satan's first words to Eve in Genesis 3: "He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say, "You shall not eat of any tree in the garden"?'" (v. 1, ESV). Satan surely knew what God had said. But he was testing Eve to see what she knew.

Eve's response, unfortunately, indicated her knowledge was faulty. Genesis 3:2-3 (ESV) tells us. "And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, "You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die."'"

That was not what God had said. But it gave Satan a green light to tell the biggest lie ever told. "'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil'" (vv. 4-5, ESV). In other words, "Eve, God doesn't have your best interests at heart; He's just trying to protect His own turf." Eve believed his lie, and you and I are living with the consequences to this very day.

My Thoughts

1. How could Eve have responded differently to the serpent's challenge?

2. Read through chapter 2 of Genesis. How does Eve's memory of God's words compare to what God actually said?

3. How can you respond to the lies that Satan slips in every now and then? What can you do to prepare yourself ahead of time?

My Part

Satan is still lying about God. And many people believe those lies. What lies might Satan be telling you today?

Our one sure defense against Satan's lies is the truth of God's Word. If you aren't regularly reading the Bible, you're leaving yourself open to believe Satan's lies. Begin today to spend a daily time in the Scriptures. If you would like a daily Bible reading guide, please visit backtothebible.org.

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