How does John 8:44 reveal Satan's nature and influence on human behavior? Context of John 8:44 - Jesus is addressing religious leaders who refuse to accept Him. - Their hostility exposes an underlying allegiance: “You belong to your father, the devil…” (John 8:44). What Jesus Discloses About Satan - “Murderer from the beginning” • Genesis 3; 4:8—his deception led to death entering the human story and to Cain’s murder of Abel. - “Refusing to uphold the truth” • Revelation 12:9—“the one who leads the whole world astray.” - “There is no truth in him” • 1 John 3:8—“The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” - “He is a liar and the father of lies” • Genesis 3:4–5—first recorded lie; 2 Corinthians 11:14—“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” How Satan Shapes Human Behavior - Lies become controlling narratives. • People adopt falsehoods about God, self, morality, and purpose. - Sinful desires gain legitimacy. • “You want to carry out his desires” (John 8:44). - Violence and hatred surface. • “Murderer” mentality fuels anger, slander, and even physical harm (James 4:1–2). - Truth is resisted. • Suppression of Scripture’s authority (Romans 1:25) mirrors Satan’s disdain for truth. Recognizable Patterns Today - Redefining right and wrong (Isaiah 5:20). - Embracing half-truths that erode biblical conviction. - Divisive speech and character assassination (Ephesians 4:31). - Rationalizing destructive choices as personal freedom (Judges 21:25). Standing Firm Against His Influence - Anchor everything to Scripture’s clear truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). - Submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). - Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11–17), especially the belt of truth. - Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16–23). - Test every spirit and teaching (1 John 4:1) to expose lies with the light of Christ. |
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