From Genesis 3 to Revelation 21, the Bible records the conflict between God and Satan, sin and righteousness, light and darkness; all the while pleading with sinners to repent and trust God. Satan is defined as “crafty” in this passage as he seeks to deceive both Adam and Eve and distort the command that God had given them. Where God puts a period, Satan places a question mark: “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” The conflict of pleasing God or pleasing one’s desires is put into play. By taking their cues from the serpent, they are deceived and ultimately betray the trust of God.

Satan’s deception is the same today as it was in the garden. He deceives and makes sure to distort any instruction or commandment from God. Just look around in our culture today and see how biblical truth and values are at war with the ways of the world. Purity is looked down upon, lying to cover your mistakes is acceptable, cheating is almost applauded, and believing in a God you cannot see is laughable. This is Satan at work deceiving the mind and hearts of man. One way in which we fight the schemes of the Devil is to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–17).

Pray that God would open your eyes to the schemes of Satan, and that you would be guarded by putting on His armor.