How Temptation Works Series

How Temptation Works

Genesis 3:1-5

Rev. Brian Bill

February 11-12, 2023

This past Sunday night, the Grammys celebrated Satan by showcasing decadent sensuality and Devil worship, complete with flames, red lights, dancers dressed in red portraying demons, and Sam Smith wearing a red top hat with horns. The audience embraced this expression of evil by applauding loudly as the song “Unholy” was performed. It was troubling to learn CBS tweeted, “We are ready to worship” before the performance.

Albert Mohler summarized the show this way: “The musical performance of ‘Unholy’ at the Grammys was a celebration of Satan and direct refutation of God’s glory in creation.” Another commentator tweeted: “Satan is no longer lurking in the shadows. The days have become so evil that he is parading his presence in broad daylight.” As an example, the Satanic Temple is holding “SatanCon” in Boston in April, claiming it will be “the largest Satanic gathering in history.”

As I reflected on all this, it seems to me that while obvious examples of Satanism are increasing, including the growth of Satan Clubs in schools, even here in the Quad Cities, most of Satan’s work is more subtle, subversive, and sinister as stated in Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

As we get closer to the return of Christ, we will see more and more covert, and overt, explosions of evil. Since Satan is intensely and intentionally opposed to image bearers of God, he will do anything to attack the purposes of God.

Today we come to Genesis 3:1-5 where we will see how temptation works. Let’s stand and read one of the most important passages in the entire Bible:

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

We could call this passage “30 Seconds That Changed the World.” Here’s the main idea: To be forewarned of Satan’s strategy is to be forearmed. Those who know about a threat are better prepared to face it when it comes.

Because the evil one’s approach has not changed much over the centuries, we’re called to be educated and equipped to handle evil. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says, “So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” Ephesians 6:11 reminds us we’re in a battle: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil.”

Since we’re dealing with the Devil today, I’m going to use six words which begin with the letter “D” to help us do battle against the designs and schemes of Satan. Our enemy’s attacks are multi-layered, asymmetric, and incessant. Our text is a classic case study of how the Tempter tempts us. One pastor suggests we should study the first temptation in the same way a general prepares for battle by analyzing his enemy.

Let me be quick to say this is not a fable or a fairy tale. This is actual history. Satan is real. Adam and Eve are real. Temptation is real. Sin is real and Hell is hot.

1. Disguise. The word “now” indicates these events took place sometime after Adam and Eve were united in the covenant of marriage. There’s no transition statement or introduction to evil. The first thing we see is how the Devil disguises himself by speaking through a serpent. The very mention of a snake makes most of us cringe or want to run away. Snakes have several characteristics which help us understand how Satan works today.

• Snakes slither in quietly. Eve had no idea what was about to happen as the serpent appeared unexpectedly. She wasn’t looking for the serpent, but he was definitely looking for her.

• The skin of a snake is often camouflaged so they are difficult to see.

• Snakes can see, smell, and hear their prey. As a result, it’s hard to get away.

• Snakes are opportunistic predators.

• Snakes can lie in wait for a long time.