Satan's Lies

​Jesus contended with the Jews in John chapter 8. Some believed on Him but many did not. They relied on their ancestral relationship to Abraham, but Jesus argued their true father was Satan since they wanted to kill Him and refused to follow the truth. Jesus described Satan as the "father of lies," meaning the originator of all that is false (John 8:44). Satan lied in the beginning and still tells lies today. What are some of the lies that the devil tells us?

There are so many lies Satan tells that they are hard to organize. From looking at the account of the serpent in Genesis 3, we can see that Satan tells lies about God. He brought doubt into Eve's mind about what God said. Satan wants us to not believe what God says as well. He wants us to doubt the authority and relevancy of the Bible. He wants us to doubt God's promises. Scripture was given by God, and will stand the test of time (Isa 40:8; 2 Tim 3:16).

Satan wants us to doubt God's goodness. He implied that if God were really good, He would have let Eve eat of the fruit in the garden. He tells us today that if God were good, He wouldn't allow us to experience suffering and trials. No one had more reason to doubt God's goodness than Job who suffered greatly. But Job resolved to trust God even if God brought an end to his life (Job 13:15). We too need to be on guard for this lie of the devil, particularly when we face difficulties.

Satan tells lies about sin. He told Eve that she wouldn't die if she ate of the fruit of the tree. David was not thinking about the results of sin when he was tempted with Bathsheba. But the consequences were far reaching. He tells us that we can sin without consequences. Do not be deceived. When we are tempted to sin, remind yourself of what the results will be (Num 32:23; Gal 6:7).

Satan wants us to believe lies about ourselves. He wants us to think that it doesn't matter if I really live a life that pleases God. He tells us it doesn't matter if we participate in and support a Bible-believing church. He tells others that life is of no value, that God really doesn't love you, or hear your prayers. He tells us that pursuing materialism brings satisfaction in an attempt to distract us from what is truly important. He lies to us about others in an attempt to sow seeds of contention and strife.

Perhaps the worst lie Satan tells people is that they will not experience eternal death. He told Eve if she ate of the fruit she would not die. Today, many do not believe in the reality of Hell which is clearly taught in Scripture. Believing this falsehood will lead a person to an eternity without Christ. 

How do we overcome the lies of Satan? First, recognize the tactics of our adversary, and also have a strong foundation based on the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He answered him with Scripture (Matt 4:4). The Sword of the Spirit is part of the armor of God, which is needed to defend ourselves against the fiery darts of the devil (Eph 6:11-17). Scripture is the strength of the Christian. James tells us to resist the devil and he will flee. Be connected to a healthy body of believers. Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8). Christians who become isolated, injured, or sick are easier targets for Satan. There is strength in numbers. You and I need the body of Christ.

We are called to follow the truth. Don't lie to yourself, to God, or to others. Reject the devil's lies and embrace truth in your life. Remember, the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).