What strategies can we use to resist deception like Eve faced in Genesis 3:1? The Setting: Genesis 3:1 “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’” (Berean Standard Bible) The Serpent’s Strategy Unveiled • Begins with subtle questioning, not open denial • Twists God’s words just enough to plant doubt • Casts God as restrictive rather than generous • Targets the mind first, then the desires Strategies to Resist Deception Today • Stay Saturated in Scripture – Read it daily, in context – Memorize key passages that speak to your current battles – Compare every new idea against the full counsel of God’s Word • Quote the Word Accurately – Eve paraphrased; the serpent exploited her imprecision – Train yourself to answer temptation with precise Scripture, as Jesus did in Matthew 4 • Guard Your Thoughts Early – Interrogate suspicious ideas the moment they surface – Ask, “Does this align with God’s revealed character and commands?” • Assume God’s Goodness – Refuse to entertain thoughts that portray Him as withholding what is best – Remember every restriction in Scripture ultimately protects and blesses • Cultivate Humble Dependence through Prayer – Invite the Spirit to expose lies and highlight truth – Pray aloud with Scripture to reinforce reality in your heart • Maintain Transparent Fellowship – Share struggles with mature believers before temptation escalates – Receive correction gladly; isolation magnifies deception • Evaluate Desires, Not Just Arguments – Ask, “Why does this appeal to me?” – Submit every craving to the lordship of Christ • Practice Immediate Obedience – Delay gives deception space to grow – Small acts of prompt obedience build strength for larger tests • Remember the Consequences – Visualize the fallout of sin, as described in Genesis 3 – Let God’s recorded history sober and motivate you Living It Out Keep Genesis 3:1 close as a reminder that every deceptive whisper begins with “Did God really say?” When you meet that question—whether in media, culture, or your own mind—answer it with God’s exact words, trust His heart, and walk in immediate, joyful obedience. |
    |