John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
I read an interesting article this week by Sroul Jr. on the first sin in the Garden of Eden, which was the fall of all mankind, believing the Devil in Genesis 3. Not once does the author mention the fruit eaten, but instead focuses on the conversation and choice of who to believe. When the Serpent asked the deadly question; “Did God actually say …? (Genesis 3:1), the wise thing would have been to end the conversation. To even begin to consider that perhaps the Word we have been given isn’t really God’s Word is just how we come to believe the lie that God lies. The “Father of Lies” offered up a different truth claim in saying God lied in: “You will not surely die”(Genesis 3:4) and Eve, who was living in paradise that God created, enjoying every imaginable blessing, showered by God’s grace from her beginning, doubted her Maker & Sustainer and believed the lie. And why would God lie to them? Satan explains: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and will be like God.” He knew what to offer. He knew how to cast a shadow on the character of God. She lusted for power and he knew how to get her to turn on her Creator. He knew this, of course, because he had been through it himself.
Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!
You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.”
He knew the thinking that had led to his own fall, and led Eve right along the same path: our soul for the delusion of a lifetime of power. If we will believe the lie, all we get in return is our own pride.
Luke 8:5 &12 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”
We sell our souls with the foolish notion that we can help to save our souls. We sell our souls with raw silliness for the fleeting pleasures and position. We sell our souls and believe the simple lie that we do not already stand guilty of sin before the throne of the sovereign, just & holy Creator of heaven & earth, our Father God.
Ephesians 6:12-14 “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.”
This world belongs to the Lord. Its wisdom is foolishness. God’s truth manifests His glory. His glory exposes our sin, our souls, if we profess our need for Jesus, belongs to Him. We must fight against the sinful flesh desire for power and utter the most potent words ever uttered on our planet: “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
James 4:6-8 “’ But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”’
In Christ, Brian
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