Scripture Reading: Genesis 3; Colossians 1:19–20
God Is Not the Author of Evil
God created everything good. He is holy, righteous, and perfect. Therefore, God is not the author of evil and does not tempt anyone to sin. Yet in Genesis 3, the serpent appears in the garden. He questions God’s Word, denies God’s warning, and makes disobedience look attractive. Satan is not equal with God. He is a created being who rebelled against God and opposes God’s Word, people, and purpose. (Gen. 3:1–6; James 1:13; Col. 1:16–17)
Satan’s Strategy
Satan’s works reveal his strategy. He deceived Eve, accused Job, tempted Jesus, oppressed the weak, entered Judas, and tried to turn Peter away from the cross. He deceives the mind, tempts the heart, accuses believers, divides God’s people, frightens the weak, and resists the cross. (Job 1:9–11; Matt. 4:1–11; 16:23; Luke 22:3)
But Jesus did not fall. In the wilderness, He defeated Satan by standing on God’s Word. At the cross, Satan seemed to strike His heel, but through His death and resurrection, Jesus crushed Satan’s power. Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled in Christ. The serpent deceived in Eden, but the Lamb conquered at Calvary. (Gen. 3:15; Col. 2:13–15; Heb. 2:14–15)
Peace Through the Blood
Colossians shows the bigger picture. All things were created through Christ and for Christ. Yet God reconciles all things to Himself through Christ, making peace by the blood of His cross. For believers, this means forgiveness and peace with God. For the powers of darkness, the cross means defeat, judgment, and final removal. (Col. 1:16, 19–20; Rev. 20:10)
Disciple Application
As disciples of Jesus, we must not be ignorant of Satan’s schemes. We do not fight in our own strength. We cling to Christ, stand on God’s Word, resist deception, walk in humility, love one another, and proclaim Christ.
Satan disrupts, but Christ reigns. The enemy accuses, but the blood of Jesus speaks for us. Stay close to Christ and make disciples who stand firm in His victory.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for defeating Satan through Your death and resurrection. Help me recognise his schemes and stand firm in Your truth. Keep me from deception, pride, temptation, and fear. Strengthen me to live as Your disciple and lead others to Your kingdom. Amen.