Has God Really Said?

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)

When Peter says "steadfast in the faith," he's talking about remaining true to your doctrinal convictions - the faith, the doctrines you know to be true. Satan is described over and over as the liar and the father of lies. He comes into our life with deception, just like he did in Genesis 3.

Remember how the serpent came to Eve? "Has God really said that you would surely die if you eat this fruit? Has God really said this?" He comes into our life today with the same question: "Has God really said to remain faithful to your wife, to your husband in marriage? Has God really said He cares more about your holiness than your happiness? Has God really said you need to look different than the world around you? Has God really said you need to avoid materialism?"

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, God's Word describes Satan as the god of this world, and it says he's blinded the minds of those who don't believe lest the light of the glorious gospel should shine unto them. You're trying to have a logical conversation about the gospel with someone, and they say, "I just don't see it." The truth is they don't see it because the blinders have been placed in front of their eyes by the adversary of our souls.

In the same way he used deception on Eve, he uses deception to convince you. How do you answer deception? The only way you can is through the truth of God's Word. That's why you need to be in Bible study, in Sunday school, in worship services where you're under the sound of God's Word.

Romans 12:2 says, "Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We learn the truth, then we can replace and stand against the deceptions of this world.

Satan comes and says, "Has God really said that Christians are the only ones going to heaven?" Your response should be: "Well, Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him." You're replacing the lie of the devil with the truth of God's Word.

But what if you don't know the truth? Then you don't know you're being lied to. Our vigilance is to understand the truth, to be steadfast in the faith. That's the only answer we have.

Reflection Question: What lies from culture or Satan have you been tempted to believe, and how can God's Truth counter those deceptions?

Heavenly Father, help me to know Your Word so well that I can immediately recognize Satan's lies. When he comes with his old question "Has God really said?" let me be ready with Scripture. Transform my mind by Your truth so I won't be deceived by the lies of this world. Make me steadfast in the faith, grounded in Your unchanging Word. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "Victory Over Satan": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/95gmbjy/23-victory-over-satan-1-peter-5-8-14