INTRODUCTION: How much light this short and simple narrative casts on Satan's methods. As these methods never change, we as Christians can be forewarned and forearmed [II Corinthians 2:11].I. THE SERPENT.
There can be no doubt that the serpent was only an instrument used by Satan [Revelation 20:1-2]. We know that the serpent did not have its present repulsive form before the curse [Genesis 3:1-5]. What Eve thought of the tempter under this form we can only guess. Perhaps she recognized the presence of a spiritual being speaking through the serpent and thought it a messenger from God. Many interesting but unprovable theories have been advanced. For instance, as the cherubims are presented with various forms [Revelation 4:6-9; Ezekiel 1:4-14*], it has been suggested that as Satan was the "anointed cherub" [Ezekiel 28:11-15]; he appeared to Eve in a way that caused her to receive him as an angel. However it happened we do know that Satan's character has not changed [II Corinthians 11:3].A. He hated the human race. Some have questioned why Satan wished to destroy mankind. We may as well question why men wage war, murder, tempt, and enslave each other. Sin creates in men and angels a malicious nature [John 8:44; I Peter 5:8].
B. He carried out his work by craft. So today Satan works by stealth. Religion is his chosen instrument [II Corinthians 2:11, 11:3-4, 11:13-15; I Timothy 4:11].
II. SATAN'S DEVICES - II CORINTHIANS 2:11.
In noticing how Satan tempted Eve, we see his present method of attack:
A. He cast doubt on the word of God [vs.1]. "Did God really say that?" Isn't this Satan's first assault in his war on souls? Don't all preachers and teachers who cast doubt on the inspiration, accuracy, and preservation of the Bible show that they are ministers of Satan?B. He denied that there was any real danger in sin [vs.4]. How often today we hear the reality of hell or judgment questioned. The pleasures of sin are extolled while the bondage and penalty of sin are denied.
C. He cast doubt upon the goodness of God's motives [vs.5]. God had richly and freely provided for all of man's needs and wants. God's law, when obeyed, was for man's well-being. Satan, however, represented God as a selfish being who did not have man's best interest in mind. It was insinuated that God was holding good back from man. These same temptations are hurled at men today and can only be conquered by faith [Ephesians 6:16; Romans 8:28].
D. He said that there were great advantages in sin [vs.5]. If Eve would eat she would be like God. She already knew good, but she could gain a practical knowledge of evil. In Eve's deception she probably did not view the eating as an act of sin, but rather a means of obtaining a knowledge of sin. Perhaps she reasoned that because God knew all about sin without being defiled that she could also. How often people desire to pry into forbidden things. They know that others have been enslaved or destroyed by sin, but they feel that they can be an exception.
People say they will only taste or experiment with sin. It won't get a hold of them. They will be like God Who knows evil without being harmed. How often sin ensnares men through this guise. Others believe Satan's lie that sin brings wealth, pleasure, or glory without danger. Too late they learn the truth.
Strange as it may seem, people never stop believing Satan's lies. Mormonism, for instance, teaches that there is no hell and that man will one day be what God is. The Eastern religions join in teaching that men may evolve to where they are one with God. No one seems to see that these were Satan's original lies.
III. EVE'S DOWNFALL.
In reading of Eve's behavior we cannot but see that she made some grave errors in her response to Satan. If the Devil could successfully tempt a sinless human let us who are sinners be even more careful to avoid these pitfalls.A. Eve came near the forbidden tree. If you do not wish to eat the forbidden fruit stay clear of the tree [II Timothy 2:22; Proverbs 4:14-15].
B. She parleyed with the tempter. Talk to Satan at the door and he will soon be in the house [Example: II John 10].
C. She did not cry out to God for help or even seek the counsel of her husband.
D. She did not rightly use the Word of God as a defense against sin [Psalm 119:11].
1. She subtracted from the word of God. (Compare verse 1 to Genesis 2:16 - Does not the omission of the word "freely" tell us something?)
2. She added to the word of God (Compare verse 3 with Genesis 2:17 - Again God is placed in a harsh light.)
3. She changed the word of God (Compare verse 3 with Genesis 2:17 - Here God's threat is weakened.)How this differs from Christ Jesus who used God's Word as a protection from Satan's assaults [Matthew 4:4, 7, 10].
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* Most Bible students recognize a double sense in prophecy. While Ezekiel 28, addresses the prince of Tyre, yet Satan is obviously the power behind this man and the main one being spoken to.=============
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