We learn something about Satan in 2 Corinthians 2:11: "We are not ignorant of his devices". It all began in Genesis with the temptation of Adam and Eve. Let's take a look at chapter three.
First, Satan challenged God's Love. By asking, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree'?" (v. 1), Satan made an implication about God's character: If God loved you, why would He keep you from enjoying yourself? Why would He keep you from something that would bring you happiness? Sound familiar?
Then, he challenged God's Word. By saying, "you will not surely die" (v. 4), he was calling God a liar. This was a direct attack on God's Word. Satan wants you to question God's blueprint...His Word, the Bible. Maybe you've heard it yourself: This Book is outdated. It won't work in today's situation.
Then he challenged the Truth. "God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (v. 5). Satan was suggesting: You're going to be like God. God knows that, and He doesn't like competition.
Now, let's just cut to the chase here. Satan is a liar. That's what Yeshua said in John 8:44: "he is a liar and the father of [lies]." And his strategy is to get you to think that what God said isn't the Truth, but that he will tell you the whole truth: God can't be trusted. His Word can't be trusted. So, you might as well replace the Bible with whatever you feel is right for you at that time. Make it up as you go along.
Know that going in. Be prepared for how you're going to meet that kind of challenge. "By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail." (Benjamin Franklin) So when you're challenged, how are you going to deal with it? The Bible says in Proverbs 22:3, "The prudent see danger and take cover" (BSB).
So, first, put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17) and cling to the Truth. Yeshua said, "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free" (John 8:32). Satan will say, No, God wants to put you in bondage. I'll make you free. Just know, that's one of Satan's deceptive devices.
You may want to cover up, but what you need is a covering. Adam and Eve received a temporary covering from God that signified His permanent covering for sin...the Messiah Yeshua.
You always have two choices when dealing with sin. You can run from God and try to cover up, or you can run to God. Running from God is instinctive. It's guilt. Running to God is redemption. It's God covering your sin.
The King of Kings is in the business of putting broken lives back together. And He does so by a covering, through His death on the cross.
It never pays for us to try to make our own covering, because our own works are inadequate. They only bring relief that is temporary at best.
Only God offers a permanent covering for sin, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). By one man's sin, death entered the world, but through another Man, the Messiah Yeshua, we can know life, forgiveness, and covering.
In His strong Love
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