Countering Satan's Lies With the Truth of God

Do you remember when Jesus was tempted by Satan during His time of fasting in the wilderness before He began His public ministry? Satan would distort the truth in order to try to trap Jesus, but Jesus would counter the lie with the truth.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” ~Mathew 4:1-4

Next, Satan tries to use Scripture to get Jesus to act outside of God’s will and plan.

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” ~Matthew 4:5-7

Finally, Satan tries to use bribery to tempt Jesus.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. ~Matthew 4:8-11

Distortion, half truth, and outright lies must be countered every time with the truth. Satan uses the same tactic today to weaken your resolve and hamper your ability to be about your work in this world for God.

Satan didn’t want Jesus to succeed; he doesn’t want you to either. Scripture calls Satan “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and the negative messages you hear in your head have his fingerprints all over them. You must reject them and turn instead to God’s truth to counter their destructive influences.

Through all of the chatter and static this life puts up, one truth should always ring aloud and clear: God created you; He loves and values you. Don’t let anyone else take that truth away from you!