Did God Really Say…?

Back in Genesis before the very first sin every came to be, satan attempted to destroy humanity. We know today because of the Gospel and because of what Jesus has done for us, that satan has failed. We know that satan has lost. However, he still makes attempts to destroy us every day.

He doesn’t do this in an obvious way most of the time (that would be too easy for us to notice and we’d run the other way), but rather, attempts in a subtle way.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1

This is the moment. This is what got Eve. 4 words. “Did God Really Say?”

It’s subtle. It’s precise. It’s just enough to maybe make you think it’s no big deal, but satan knows what he’s doing and once you go down that road, chances are…it’s too late.

Now this post might have a more serious tone and that’s intentional because we shouldn’t take our enemy lightly, but at the same time, if we are followers of Jesus, we should be encouraged that Jesus is King! God is on His throne right now, never makes a mistake, and has already defeated death and sin! And on top of everything, we have Him (the Holy Spirit) within us as believers every single day.

There’s nothing in this world including satan that can take away our relationship with Jesus.

However, it’s important to take following Jesus seriously, which would include knowing our enemy and the battle within us.

• Did God really say all Scripture is perfect? Even if written by man?
• Did God really say you can’t have sex and live with someone before marriage?
• Did God really say there’s really only one way to be saved?
• Did God really say there’s a hell?
• Did God really say that you can’t be happy and do what feels right?
• Did God really say it’s a big deal for you to look at that screen again?

As you can imagine, all over the place, in a subtle and precise way, satan is attempting to destroy.

We need to keep this in mind daily as we remind ourselves of the Gospel. Not only for us, but for nonbelievers as well as he continues to sway them in his direction and not in the direction of the One True God.

Be encouraged today that you have the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome anything and everything that comes your way. Be alert and attentive to hear “did God really say” so you know to be prepared to answer with Scripture and know when you’re being tempted.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Questions: Has satan ever told you “Did God really say?” and what was it about? Where do you find yourself most tempted? What would you say to encourage other believers? You can join the discussion by commenting below.

Mike Mobley

Follower of Christ, Husband to Joelle, Father to Peyton & Matthew, Finance & Operations Pastor at 121 Community Church, SAG-AFTRA Actor, Founder of Before The Cross, Owner of MMWCS, and Podcast Host for the Not Quite There Show.

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