Whose Report Will You Believe?
Recognizing Satan’s Lies and Standing Firm in God’s Truth
Whose Report Will You Believe
Bearing False Witness
Satan, also known as the father of lies, often uses the tactic of bearing false witness against God, Jesus, and mankind, which he uses to sow discord, deceive, and lead people away from the truth.
Bearing False Witness Against God
Satan's false witness against God began in the Garden of Eden. In the Book of Genesis, Satan, in the form of a serpent, deceives Eve by twisting God's words. God had commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, warning that doing so would result in death. However, Satan falsely assures Eve that eating the fruit will not lead to death but will instead make them like God, knowing good and evil. This lie not only distorts God’s command but also questions His motives, suggesting that God is withholding something good from them. This act of deception leads to the fall of mankind, demonstrating how Satan's false witness can have horrible consequences.
Bearing False Witness Against Jesus
Satan’s deceit continued with Jesus. In the New Testament, Satan's efforts to bear false witness against Jesus are evident during the temptation in the wilderness. After Jesus fasts for forty days, Satan approaches Him with a series of temptations. He quotes Scripture, but he twists its meaning in an attempt to manipulate Jesus into disobeying God. For example, Satan challenges Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, misapplying Psalm 91:11-12 to suggest that angels would protect Him. Jesus rebukes Satan, correctly interpreting Scripture and refusing to test God.
Moreover, throughout Jesus’ ministry, Satan works through various means to discredit Him. Religious leaders, often influenced by Satan, accuse Jesus of blasphemy and consorting with demons. These false accusations culminate in Jesus' trial, where He is falsely accused and ultimately crucified. Despite these efforts, Jesus' resurrection triumphs over Satan's lies, reaffirming His divine authority and the truth of His mission.
Bearing False Witness Against Mankind
Satan's false witness extends to mankind, continually striving to lead people astray through deceit and temptation. In the Book of Job, Satan accuses Job of being faithful only because of God's protection and blessings. He challenges God, claiming that if Job were to suffer, he would curse God. This accusation is an example of Satan's attempt to undermine the integrity and faithfulness of God’s people. God permits Satan to test Job, who, despite immense suffering, remains faithful, thereby disproving Satan's false claim.
In contemporary contexts, Satan's false witness manifests in various ways. He sows seeds of doubt, fear, and confusion, leading people to question their worth, purpose, and relationship with God. He exploits human weaknesses, such as pride, greed, and envy, to foster sin and division. By bearing false witness about God's nature and intentions, Satan aims to separate people from God’s love and truth.
In conclusion, Satan’s bearing of false witness against God, Jesus, and mankind is revealed when God refers to him as the accuser who comes before God day and night, pointing out our flaws. By distorting the truth, he seeks to undermine faith, create doubt, and lead people away from the path of righteousness. Understanding these tactics is crucial for recognizing and resisting the lies that can distort one's relationship with God. As believers, we should refuse to agree with Satan about God, others, or ourselves.
