THE SERPENT’S STRATEGY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 3:1-7
Key Verse: “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)
Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 11:3, John 8:44, Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:11
Description: This message exposes the consistent strategies Satan uses to deceive, distract, and derail destinies.
INTRODUCTION
From the very beginning of human history, Satan revealed that he does not operate by raw power but by subtle strategy. The fall of man was not the result of physical oppression but spiritual deception. The serpent succeeded because he understood how to twist truth, exploit curiosity, and weaken obedience.
Many believers today underestimate the enemy, assuming that temptation always comes loudly or aggressively. However, Satan often comes quietly, reasonably, and persuasively. He studies God’s instructions and looks for opportunities to distort them in the minds of men.
Understanding the serpent’s strategy is crucial for spiritual survival. In a generation filled with compromise, misinformation, and diluted truth, believers must discern the enemy’s methods in order to stand firm, walk in obedience, and fulfil divine purpose.
1. SATAN OPERATES THROUGH SUBTLETY AND DECEPTION
The serpent does not announce himself as an enemy; he appears harmless, intelligent, and reasonable. His strength lies in deception rather than confrontation.
a) Subtlety is his primary weapon (Genesis 3:1)
Satan works quietly and intelligently, seeking to bypass spiritual alertness rather than provoke resistance.
b) Deception precedes destruction (John 8:44)
Lies are designed to gradually pull believers away from truth until destruction becomes inevitable.
c) He mixes truth with falsehood (Genesis 3:4-5)
Partial truth is more dangerous than outright lies because it appears believable.
d) He disguises evil as wisdom (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Satan often presents rebellion as enlightenment and disobedience as progress.
Biblical Example:
Eve was deceived because the serpent presented disobedience as a path to wisdom and divine elevation.
2. THE SERPENT QUESTIONS THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD
Satan’s first recorded words were designed to weaken confidence in what God had spoken. Once God’s Word is questioned, obedience becomes negotiable.
a) He introduces doubt subtly (Genesis 3:1)
“Has God said?” plants uncertainty where there should be conviction.
b) He attacks faith at its foundation (Romans 10:17)
Faith collapses when the authority of God’s Word is undermined.
c) He shifts focus from obedience to reasoning (Proverbs 3:5)
Human logic is elevated above divine instruction.
d) He promotes selective obedience (James 1:22)
Partial obedience opens doors to full disobedience.
Biblical Example:
Eve added to and removed from God’s instruction, revealing how doubt had already taken root.
3. THE SERPENT TARGETS MOMENTS OF VULNERABILITY
Satan attacks when spiritual alertness is low and isolation is high. Timing is central to his strategy.
a) He watches for spiritual carelessness (1 Peter 5:8)
The enemy studies behaviour patterns to locate weak moments.
b) He isolates his target (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Isolation weakens resistance and accountability.
c) He exploits desire and curiosity (James 1:14-15)
Temptation begins internally before it manifests outwardly.
d) He is patient and persistent (Luke 4:13)
Satan may withdraw temporarily but always looks for another opportunity.
Biblical Example:
Jesus was tempted after prolonged fasting, when physical weakness could have compromised spiritual focus.
4. THE SERPENT PROMISES WHAT HE CANNOT DELIVER
Every satanic promise is a lie designed to trade eternal destiny for temporary gratification.
a) He promises elevation without God (Isaiah 14:13-15)
Satan promotes self-exaltation that ends in downfall.
b) He offers shortcuts to destiny (Matthew 4:8-9)
Divine processes are replaced with dangerous alternatives.
c) He appeals to pride and ambition (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride blinds discernment and accelerates collapse.
d) He hides consequences from his offers (Romans 6:23)
Sin never advertises its cost.
Biblical Example:
Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world, hiding the price of worship and rebellion.
5. OVERCOMING THE SERPENT’S STRATEGY
Victory over deception requires intentional spiritual discipline and unwavering commitment to God’s truth.
a) Total reliance on God’s Word (Matthew 4:4)
Scripture is the ultimate defence against deception.
b) Complete obedience to God (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Obedience shuts every legal door to the enemy.
c) Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Discernment reveals hidden traps.
d) Putting on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11)
Spiritual battles require spiritual protection.
Biblical Example:
Jesus defeated Satan consistently by declaring, “It is written.”
CONCLUSION
The serpent’s strategy has remained consistent from Eden until now, but believers are not helpless. God has provided truth, authority, and spiritual armour to overcome every scheme of the enemy. Ignorance of the enemy’s tactics leads to repeated defeat.
Every believer must choose obedience over curiosity, truth over convenience, and discipline over compromise. Those who stand firmly on God’s Word will not fall victim to deception and will fulfil their God-ordained destiny.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, open my eyes to every hidden strategy of the enemy in my life in Jesus name.
2. Lord, deliver me from every form of deception in Jesus name.
3. I receive grace to stand firmly on Your Word in Jesus name.
4. Every voice questioning God’s truth in my life be silenced in Jesus name.
5. Holy Spirit, sharpen my spiritual discernment in Jesus name.
6. I reject every satanic shortcut to destiny in Jesus name.
7. Father, strengthen me against temptation and compromise in Jesus name.
8. Let the armour of God preserve my mind and spirit in Jesus name.
9. Every trap set against my destiny be exposed and destroyed in Jesus name.
10. I walk in victory over satanic manipulation in Jesus name.
