Genesis 3:1-11

“He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’” (Genesis 3:1, ESV)

Questions are essential. They can lead us into the truth and into a deeper knowledge of the world, others or ourselves. They can help us change and grow. Questions can also lead us away from the truth and into darkness, deception, and even depression.

The serpent began with a question, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” The truth was that God had told Adam that he could eat of every tree of the garden except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

The serpent wanted Eve to doubt the truth. This is where the devil always begins. If he can cause us to question the truth of God’s Word, then he will lead us down a dark hole of confusion, unbelief, and disobedience.

“The serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” (Genesis 3:4–5, ESV)

Second, the serpent denied God’s Word. God had said that when they ate of the forbidden fruit they would surely die (Genesis 2:17). But the serpent said, “You will not surely die.” This was his first lie.

Third, the serpent assaulted God’s character, implying that He was withholding something good from them. If they ate, their eyes would be opened, and they would be like God! They would have a deeper experience, knowing both good and evil. Everything the serpent said was a lie, except that their eyes would be opened, and they would see that they were naked. The serpent did not tell them that they would now experience shame, guilt, sorrow, disease, pain and bring death to the entire human family.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). He is still working the same old tricks that he used on Eve. He still shoots his fiery darts to assault God and His Word. He still tempts us by appealing to the lust of our flesh (satisfying our bodily appetites), the lust of our eyes (craving what we see but don’t have), and the pride of life (boasting in what we own or have accomplished). Buyer beware!

If you have fallen into temptation and chosen companionship, comfort, or convenience over obedience to God then confess it now. Jesus did not come to condemn us but to save us when we call upon His name in truth.