Introduction

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, Satan is the father of lies. Everything he says and does contributes to his ultimate goal of deceiving and distracting people from the pure truth regarding God and His Word. In order to do this most effectively he primarily comes across as appealing and/or attractive. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us, “...for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (ESV).

Satan's most effective way of deceiving others is by subtlety, by “whispering” in one's ear. He creates doubt and deceives individuals by being sneaky, not by being blatant and obvious. If he were honest and open about his goal his methods would be easily recognizable and called out for what they are. So he attempts to get us to believe different lies about God, the Bible and faith. We need to be alert and aware of his method of operation. Following are six common lies the enemy uses in attempt to distract as from the truth, to cause us to stray from God and live a life that is displeasing to our King.

Happiness Comes Through Health and Wealth

Health, wealth, power, material things and status are the prevalent goals in our culture because people think they will bring them happiness. People believe these things are what will fill that emptiness they have inside making them feel satisfied and whole. This is an absolute lie.

Sadly, many leaders in the church have taken hold of this false belief and preach it as though it were the gospel. The itching ears of their listeners want to hear these things because our hearts are wicked to the core and we have been convinced that of course God wants this for all people, especially for those who follow him. They are taught if they live right, do right, and give enough money to their church and leadership surely God will bless them in this way. This is a sickening perversion of the gospel.

Happiness cannot be obtained without putting God first. What the Lord desires is repentance and commitment to him. Besides, happiness is temporary, it's an emotion. Joy is what we really need and that can only come through a life devoted to Christ. Acts 3:19 tells us, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that you sins may be blotted out” (ESV). And in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (ESV, emphasis mine). Putting our faith in Christ guarantees God will never forsake us. Don't fall for the lies of the enemy.

There is no Hell

Satan and his demonic cohorts rejoice if they can get someone to believe that hell does not exist. It astonishes me how so many believers, and even some well known leaders in the “Evangelical” church, have embraced this lie especially given how frequently Jesus himself spoke about hell.

Of those who claim to be believers, the most popular position that denies hell is what is known as annihilationism. Annihilationism can be defined as the belief that “unbelievers will not experience an eternity of suffering in hell, but will instead be 'extinguished' after death.”(2) It's an attractive thought from a strictly human viewpoint, people don't want to believe others will be suffering for eternity, however, it's a lie. It is an anti-biblical lie.

Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.”

2 Peter 2:4, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment...”.

Battle For Control

I have a confession to make amid this discussion on demonic deception. I enjoy supernatural, horror and thriller type movies. I always have, however, there is one aspect regarding them that frustrates me. They almost always present the story/plot as a battle between good and evil, between Satan and God, as if they are equal powers fighting to win. Sometimes the picture is even painted in such a way that Satan is more powerful than God. If one is not stable in their faith, is a new believer, or is just naive, it's possible they might get the impression that Satan is as powerful or more powerful than God. And this is a blatant lie which Satan would love for people to believe.

Satan wants people to follow him, to lean on his schemes and understanding. His ego is so big he will whisper this lie into people's ears over and over again. Satan is already a defeated foe. God is sovereign and Satan is absolutely no match for him. God is the almighty, omnipotent King.

However, that doesn't stop Satan from trying. Satan knows the end result, but he wants to take as many people with him as he can. And the problem is we are most vulnerable when experiencing depression, anxiety, confusion, addictions, etc, and that's when he speaks the loudest. He thrives on chaos and disorder.

So a couple things we need to remember at all times: 1) Satan has already been defeated. It's no secret to him and Scripture makes it clear to us; and 2) put your trust in God regardless of your circumstances. Don't let Satan influence you, especially when you are at your weakest.

God CREATED Satan. Never entertain the idea Satan is equal to, or more powerful than, God. Acts, 4:24, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and EVERYTHING in them [emphasis mine]” (ESV).

Daniel 4:35, “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He [God] does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his [God's] hand or say to him, 'What have you done?' (NIV).

God Doesn't Care

Satan and his demonic cohorts love to try and use this tactic particularly when we are going through trials, difficulties and tribulations. When we are at are lowest physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally that's when the devil and his minions love to pounce. They'll whisper things like, “God doesn't care. He wouldn't let you suffer like this,” “Where's God now? He doesn't care,” and “If he really cared he'd do something.” Of course, this is another lie.

The truth is God is with us during these times, in fact he's our refuge during our times of struggle.

Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (ESV).

Matthew 28:20, “...And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age” (ESV).

Romans 8:38-39, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ESV).

No Afterlife

If Satan can get you to believe that the only life we have is the temporary one we live on this earth, then we don't have to worry about anything because we just exist in the here and now and then die. According to Satan there is no reason to concern yourself with sin if this lie were to be true. He wants to convince you that there is no afterlife so no worries, no consequences. Believing this lie will completely destroy your life. One of the clearest teachings in Scripture is that “God promises salvation and eternal life for those who believe in Him.”(3)

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (ESV).

John 11:25, “...I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (ESV).

John 5:28-29, “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (ESV).

Loss of Salvation

This is another one of Satan and his minions favorite tactics. The thief comes to us trying to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal your assurance of being a child of God, he wants to kill your joy, and he wants to destroy your faith.

Satan has convinced many of the lie that one can lose their salvation. Entire denominations have fallen for this deception. They actually believe once a person puts their faith in Christ, and the Spirit has given them the new birth (regeneration), that this can be undone by God or by something they do or don't do. Salvation is not by works and salvation is not kept by works.

Don't listen to demonic deception, trust in God's Word.

John 10:27-29, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will NEVER perish, and NO ONE will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and NO ONE is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” (ESV, emphasis mine).

John 6:37, “ALL that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will NEVER cast out” (ESV, emphasis mine).

Romans 8:38-39, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor ANYTING else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ESV, emphasis mine).

2 Corinthians 1:22, “And who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a GUARANTEE” (emphasis mine).

Brief Conclusion

“The devil is a con artist, with full intentions of destroying your life. Don’t allow him to tell you these lies and derail your faith walk. You [having the Holy Spirit] are stronger than his false promises. Allow God to lead you on the path of righteousness and salvation.”(4)

1. Adapted from: White, Lesli, “6 Lies The Devil Whispers In Your Ear” as found on beliefnet.com.

2. Gotquestions.org, “Is annihilationism biblical?”

3. White, “6 Lies...”

4. Ibid.

Jeff Hagan is the President of True Grace Ministries and Theological Institute. Interested? www.preacherjeff45.wlxsite.com/truegracetheolgical