The Nature Of Satan’s First Attack On Eve
Satan gets way too much credit. I’ve heard people credit Satan with destroying churches and marriages. Some give him credit for health problems and disagreements with the neighbors. He’s credited with ruining our country and causing pipes to burst. All without one shred of actual evidence that he’s to blame.
We know Satan is a powerful creature. However, just because he can cause lightning and wind to kill people Job 1:16-19 doesn’t mean he always does those things. If you look up all the verses in the Bible describing his attacks you see something interesting. Most of Satan’s attacks are like his attack on Eve not like his attack on Job.
[Tweet “Most of Satan’s attacks are like his attack on Eve not his attack on Job!”]
Let’s take a look at his attack on Eve in Genesis 3:1-6 and observe the nature of Satan’s first attack on humanity.
The Nature Of Satan’s First Attack on Eve
- In Satan’s first attack he hid his identity. Eve didn’t know she was dealing with one of the most powerful spirit beings ever created Ezekiel 28:12.
Satan normally hides his role in his attacks. David didn’t know Satan attacked him 1 Chronicles 21:1. Job didn’t know Satan attacked him. The prophets didn’t know an evil spirit deceived them 1 Kings 22:19-24. There’s no biblical reason to assume Satan is behind every bad thing that happens. If that’s what you think you’re probably missing his actual attacks.
- Satan’s first attack was on Eve’s mind. There are many things he could have done. He could have afflicted her with sores like he did Job. He could have destroyed the garden with a wind. Instead he successfully got her to think differently about God and the tree.
Even his attack on Job was to get Job to think differently. His goal wasn’t to kill people or make Job sick. If that were his goal then he accomplished it! His goal was to get Job to think differently about God and curse Him Job 1:11, 2:5. His attack on Jesus was to get Him to think differently about things Matthew 4:1-11.
[Tweet “Satan’s goal was to destroy Job’s character not his life. Satan hasn’t changed his tactics.”]
- Satan’s first attack was a lie, a deception. This is the key. Jesus said Satan is a liar and the father of lies John 8:44. He deceived Ananias and Sapphira into thinking they should lie about how much money they gave to the church Acts 5:3. Peter said that Satan filled their hearts to lie.
Satan is called the deceiver of the whole earth Revelation 12:9. This is why the first piece of the armor of God we’re given to defend ourselves is truth.
Our Response
Satan showed his hand in his first attack on humanity. The satanic attacks we need to be watching for are on our minds. They will be lies or wrong, misleading, or even half-true thoughts. Be vigilant and continually evaluate your thoughts 2 Corinthians 10:5!
Are you struggling now? What are you thinking about
- your boss? your co-workers?
- your spouse? your family?
- God?
- your health?
- your finances?
Are you trusting God or doubting Him? Name the lie then insert the truth!
[Tweet “Take every thought captive. Name the lie. Insert the truth!”]
How do you handle deceitful thoughts? Leave a comment or question below.
