Satan The Adversary: “did God Really Say?” Series

SATAN THE ADVERSARY: “DID GOD REALLY SAY?”

GENESIS 3:1-13

INTRODUCTION… Making Skillful First Impressions

Any good business teacher or etiquette instructor will tell you that first impressions are supremely important. It may be the first impression that gets you hired rather than not. It may be that first impression that get you that important sale or not. It may be that first impression that gets you the all important first date, or not. First impressions are important and there is a lot of great advice out there.

(http://www.taibros.net/archives/2005/04/06/making-skillful-first-impressions)

1) Looking sharp! - In most cases, before a person ever hears a word you say, they’ll see what you look like. So help yourself out and look good. Depending on the situation you’re in, you’ll want to dress accordingly. If you’re going to a job interview, then wear a suit or at least a shirt and tie. If you’re meeting new people, dress casually but sharp. You want to stand out and blend in all at the same time.

2) Cheese! - I’m talking about smiling! The first facial feature that most people see, even before what you’re wearing is your smile. After they see your face, they’ll usually take a look at the rest of you, which is what makes the smile so important. By smiling when you go into the situation, you’re not only easing any tensions that may be present, but you’re presenting yourself in a positive manner.

3) Walk the walk! - Now that you’re dressed for the occasion and looking good, as well as having a good smile, the next important thing is showing confidence. By the way you stand, sit, or move, a person can tell a lot about you based on your body movement. Eye contact is also critical. Make sure you look at the person you’re meeting, and that you’re looking at them right in the eyes. By using your body movements to show confidence, you’ll be well on your way to making a good first impression.

4) Firm, not wimpy! - A good handshake is very very important. Many things can be determined just from shaking a person’s hand. Now you may be asking what does a handshake have to do with anything? If you give a person a weak handshake, they’ll think that you won’t know how to handle yourself. If you go and give too strong of a handshake, they’ll think you’re too dominant and overbearing. A good handshake can only help you out when trying to make that good first impression.

5) E-nun-ci-ate! - Now that you’re looking good, smiling, and are showing good confidence, you’ll need to begin talking. While you may be doing well so far in making a good first impression, you can’t slow down here. You’ll need to also make a good impression with your words. Speak clearly, and speak in an appropriate voice level.

6) Plan ahead! - This may not always be possible, but in cases where you do have a chance to, make sure you plan ahead. If you know you’re going into a situation where you’ll be making a first impression on someone, figure out what you need to do, what you need to talk about. Become knowledgeable and use it to your advantage. Do what you can to be prepared, as you don’t get another chance at making a good first impression. 7) Just be yourself - In the end though, even if you’re looking good and sounding good, it’s important to still be yourself. If you’re able to give that first impression, but you did it being somebody that you’re not, then when you have to meet that person again in the future, they’ll eventually find out what kind of person you really are. If the person you really are is less than that first impression you made, then it’ll be impossible for you to recover.

The passage that we will look at today gives a great first impression about a central figure in the beginning of Genesis... Satan.

I. WHAT SATAN DID THEN

Genesis chapter 3 gives us a wonderful picture of the beginning of human life as God created it. To get the full picture, we really need to read and study Genesis chapters 1-2 as well. God created all things and He created all things seeing them as “good.” When God created human beings, notice His opinion (Genesis 1:31), God has created human beings in His image and called them “very good.” Other translations may say “excellent in every way” (NLT) or something of that nature, but the truth remains that God created human beings and they were and are the crown of His Creation. Genesis chapter 2 describes for us the place in which God set His glorious creations. He made the Garden of Eden just for them. It was a place full of rivers and had an abundance of food. Genesis chapter 2 also describes God creating man and woman and instituting marriage. The situation for human beings was to be one of plenty and holiness and goodness. The situation was to be one where people walked with God on a daily basis. Genesis 3:8 tells us this and also Revelation 21:4 tells us that one day this will be reality again. The situation was that God would always be the focus of our lives and we would be able to worship Him. The Book of Revelation promises that this will be reality again after the return of Christ. Everything in the Garden was good. People were very good. There was no death, no sorrow, no sickness, and no need for anything for God had provided it all. God tells them in Genesis 2:16-17 (we need to look at this because it is important later): “And the Lord God commanded the man, ’You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”