SATAN: THE FATHER OF LIES

JOHN 8:42–47

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies

(John 8:44).

The Bible and the Christian religion do not teach that Satan is a mere force. Rather, Satan is a personal being. Although he is far more powerful than we are, Satan is still a creature of God. He cannot be but one place at a time, and thus it is primarily through his subordinate demons that he seeks to seduce humanity.

The Tempter

At the beginning of the Bible Satan is presented as the tempter, the one who entices us to sin. Initially, Satan did not make a direct assault on Adam and Eve, but instead he came with the subtle question, “Has God said?” He manipulated them to question God’s Word and by extension His goodness. Only when he had their attention did he come right out and lie to them.

The Importance of Truth

Truth is the most important weapon the Christian has against the satanic assaults of the enemy, because the whole strategy of Satan is based on distorting truth. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b–32).

It is the lie that enslaves, and the truth that liberates. Satan had enslaved the people of Jesus’ day so that they were unable to hear His message. Jesus asked them, “Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say” (John 8:43). He went on to say that this was because Satan had blinded them (v. 44).

Friends, be careful when you play with truth. Playing loosely with it is the beginning of involvement with Satan’s trap, and can lead to destruction.

CORAM DEO

Do you find yourself telling little lies to get by, day by day? Do you negotiate the truth? This is a very dangerous habit, and one that can lead to severe consequences. Ask God today to help you search your heart, and to give you the desire to know the truth, and the strength to live the truth.

For further study: Luke 4:1–3; John 1:1–18; Colossians 3:8–11

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