2nd.Corinthians 11:3 "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST."
Genesis 3:1-6 "Now the serpent was more subtle 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 ? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, GOD hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for GOD doeth know that in the day ye eat thereof; then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
The Apostle Paul was fearful for GOD's people -- he was afraid that they would fall prey to Satan's devices and thus their minds would become corrupted from "the simplicity that is in CHRIST." He told the Corinthian believers of his apprehension that they would be ruined through the very same methods and means Satan had used to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden. We will look at the tactics Satan used when deceiving Eve; as well as the Apostle's concern over the fact that Christians can become corrupt in their thinking.
Paul's warning to the Corinthians reveals to us that it is likewise possible for our own mind to become corrupted "from the simplicity that is in CHRIST." Even believers are not immune to the dangers of embracing a faulty worldview. If we fill our head with the ideas and philosophies of the world and accept everything we hear without comparing it against the truth of GOD's WORD, then we will begin to think like the unsaved. We will become confused and start to wonder whether or not we can even know the truth or whether we can truly determine right from wrong. The fact of the matter is that most moral and ethical questions of life can be answered quite simply. Truth is not difficult to grasp. Yet, when we embrace the erroneous and convoluted views of the unbelieving world, we will lose the "simplicity" that is in CHRIST JESUS. Satan wants to confuse and corrupt the believer's mind. He wants us to call evil "good" and good "evil." He wants us to become so utterly perplexed as to the nature and content of truth that we throw up our hands and give up. Do not let this happen to you !
Looking in the Genesis text, we discover the method Satan employed to deceive Eve -- the same strategy he uses to tempt us as well (2nd.Corinthians 11:3). Certainly, "we are not ignorant of his devices" (2nd.Corinthians 2:11 pictured above). First, we learn that he utilized an ordinary serpent. Even today, Satan often uses common, everyday things of life to draw us away from the truth: books, television programs, websites, or even simple conversations with other people. Second, he used doubt (v.1). He planted a seed of distrust in Eve's mind by making a simple inquiry. Of course, asking a question is not wrong in itself, but we must be aware that Satan can often use this as a way to introduce doubt. The trend in many churches and schools today is to "rethink" our theology, beliefs, or behavior. Again, to "rethink" is not a sin in itself, but Satan often will use this to plant misgivings concerning the truth. Third, Satan distorted the truth (v.1). The majority of the truth was still present in his statement -- Adam and Eve were allowed to eat from most trees. Yet by distorting the truth even slightly, GOD's clear commands were compromised. Finally, Satan actually denied the truth (v.4). Outright contradiction of GOD's commands is the ultimate end of Satan's method. We live in a day in which many Christians are embracing the Devil's lies; they think, "GOD won't really chastise me for living in sin" or "GOD doesn't really care about how I live and what I believe." These doubts and denials soon translate into an acceptance of false doctrine that eventually leads to a lifestyle indistinguishable from that of unbelievers. Do not allow Satan's methods to entice you away from the simplicity that is in CHRIST.
Satan used several means to deceive Eve and corrupt her mind from the simplicity of GOD's clear command (Genesis 2:16-17 pictured above). First, he incited the lust of the flesh -- Eve noticed that the tree was "good for food." It appealed to her physical appetite. Second, Satan aroused the lust of the eyes -- Eve saw that it was "pleasant to the eyes." The tree was aesthetically pleasing. Finally, Satan tempted Eve with the pride of life -- Eve perceived that it was "a tree to be desired to make one wise." It appealed to her sense of ambition and self-importance. Notice 1st.John 2:16, pictured below. We, likewise, can fall prey to the same enticements, yet these things are not of the FATHER but are of the world.
Eve had no excuse for heeding Satan's lie. She understood the clear, uncomplicated command from GOD, and she had abundant evidence of GOD's love and goodness. Today, we have even more advantages ! First, we possess the complete canon of Scriptures -- with specific commands and precepts from GOD HIMSELF. We can see the "whole picture." Second, we have the ability to achieve victory over sin in our life (Romans 6:11-13 pictured below). Third, we possess the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to strengthen and empower us. Fourth, we can clearly witness GOD's love and goodness all around us. Finally, the harmful, ravenous effects of sin are plain to see. With all these benefits that assist in deterring us from succumbing to Satan's deception, why are we yet deluded so often ?
Yes, we can become ensnared by the same method and means Satan used in the garden. Paul was afraid that this would happen to the Corinthian believers, and we must be fearful -- in a healthy way -- and aware that this can happen to us. Be careful ! MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
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