[1]NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the YOU curriculum.
Bible Passage: Genesis 3:1-7
Discussion Questions: How does Satan twist the truth in our culture? When has someone else’s sin convinced you that sin wasn’t a big deal? When has your sin negatively influenced someone else?
Food for Thought:
Satan is a bold-faced liar. Yes, that’s right –– a bold-faced liar. In fact, Jesus called him ‘the father of lies” (John 8:44). Yet, even though we know he lies, we still fall for his deceptions, and that leads to sin. Think through your own experiences with Satan’s lies as you study Genesis 3:1-7 and identify ways you can discern Satan’s lies and resist his temptations to sin.
[2]First, know that Satan twists the truth. He “redefined” it as he began his temptation of Eve by twisting God’s words and creating doubt about His commands. Taking on the form of a serpent, Satan subtly began a conversation with Eve about what God said about the trees in the garden (vs. 1-4). Described as a “cunning” creature, he was probing for a soft spot to inject some doubt and raise some questions. He was looking for an opportunity to twist the truth into a pretzel of his own making. It’s a tactic he still uses today. As believers, we need to recognize this tactic and stand against it by knowing –– and acting on –– the truth God has given us in His Word.
Secondly, know that Satan also casts doubt on God’s character. Have you heard the saying that “the mind is the devil’s playground?” This is the perfect example. Before Eve took that first bite, we get a peek into her thoughts and motives before disobeying God. Once Satan caught Eve’s attention by twisting God’s words, he continued raising doubts in her mind (v. 5). He moved from questioning God’s words to questioning God’s character. Creating doubt and confusion about God’s motives in our minds is still one of Satan’s most alluring and powerful weapons. He wants us to question God’s character, but we can trust God’s Word because Satan is a liar.
And lastly, know that Satan will use your sin to encourage others to sin. While Adam was responsible for his own sin, seeing Eve eat the fruit probably made it easier for him to disobey God’s commands (vv. 6-7). But that’s another one of Satan’s tricks. He will point out someone else’s actions as a way to convince us that it’s OK. He has only one purpose in mind –– he wants to deceive us and convince us that it is OK. That’s why we must focus on God’s Word. That’s the only way to really know and live the truth.
In Genesis 3, Eve’s surrender to sin affected her husband. Adam and Eve did not die on the spot. But they did introduce death into the human equation for the very first time. In addition, other consequences for their rebellion took effect immediately. But here’s the good news. As believers today, we don’t have to fear Satan. We have victory over the enemy through Jesus Christ. Our job is to resist the devil, and he will flee!
YOU
Intentionally focused on urban and multicultural believers, YOU’s short, topical studies are culturally relevant with clear life-application components that challenge learners to live missionally as they connect, grow, serve, and ultimately be engaged in impacting the world for Christ. This flexible, non-dated 3-in-1 quarterly resource offers weekly Bible study for leaders and learners, devotionals and teaching plans, as well as articles on hot topics and missions. For additional online teaching resources, visit LifeWay.com/YOU [3].
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool [4].