Scripture to Read: Genesis 3:1
Today we begin our walk through Genesis 3. Genesis 3:1 opens with this “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.” In Revelation 12:9 and again in Revelation 20:2, God led John to describe Satan as “that ancient serpent.” No doubt, God is referring to Satan as described here in Genesis 3. Though appearing in the form of a serpent, God clarifies that Satan’s presence and voice appeared in cunning shrewdness in order to deceive humanity into sin. Satan always lays out the bait to see if we, as God’s children, are willing to take the bait. What Satan never shows us is the hidden “hook” that results in death. That’s why God tells us in James 1:14-15 that each one of us is tempted when we are attracted/persuaded by our own desires. God does not say that we’re persuaded by Satan, but it’s by our own fleshly desire. When our desire takes over, we choose to sin and when we sin, then sin always results in death. Satan will even take God’s Truth and twist it to seek to try and bait us. The serpent twisted God’s Word in Genesis 3:1 when he asked the woman this question, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” What God had said, in Genesis 2:16 was this, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden.” When we know God’s Truth, we can overcome the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about Satan’s tactics to seek to tempt us into sin?
2. How are you preparing for Satan’s attacks each day, knowing he’s going to tempt you to sin?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!