Three Big Lies

We have all been disillusioned. We think we have the answer to a problem and then, bingo, we don’t. We were bamboozled. We put our faith in the wrong person, we bought the wrong product, we believed what someone told us except what they told us wasn’t true—we have all been there. 

The same is true in the spiritual world. We think we know what is best for us. Friends and family tell us, “Don’t do this. You’re making a big mistake.” Instead of listening to them, we listen to someone else, or we follow our emotions and do it anyway. We may even make the statement so many have made in the past, “Well, I know what the Bible says but I just feel this is the right way to go.” 

Satan is the king of false information. Jesus said Satan is a liar and the father of lies. When we are seeking a solution to a problem the evil one is always quick with an answer. But it is always the wrong answer. Always. 

In my fifty-eight years of ministry, I have found there are three lies he tells all of us. The problem is many times we follow his advice, even though we are supposed to be mature Christians. 

Sin Brings Fulfillment 

Satan will lead you to believe sin brings fulfillment to your life. That is exactly what he did to many individuals in the Scriptures. Read the third chapter of Genesis, and you can see how this played out. 

Satan told Eve if she did what he said, she would have knowledge and fellowship with God. Later, he would tell Ahab if he did what Satan led him to do, he would have power and prestige. He led King Saul to believe if he spared King Agag, he would have fame and the respect of those he led. He even got Peter to believe if he would deny Jesus, he could escape the danger that may lay ahead. However, all these people, and many more besides, were “hoodwinked.” Satan offered them one thing and gave them something totally different. 

Eve did not get the knowledge or fellowship she was promised. Instead, she got separation and isolation. Ahab lost his power and his life. Saul did not receive acclaim. He lost the respect of his people and had his kingdom taken away from him and given to David. Peter escaped nothing. Instead, he was humiliated and, in the end, wept bitterly. 

Satan is still deceiving people today. Sin is still destroying lives and leading people to an eternal death. Sin still offers everything yet gives nothing. Sin tears apart homes, breaks hearts, ruins marriages, destroys the lives of the unborn, and is bringing our nation to its knees in shame. 

Don’t believe the lie of Satan—sin never, never gives you the answer you need. 

Security is in Riches 

Satan tells many their happiness and security is in riches, yet the truth is money gives a false sense of security. The rich fool in Luke 12 found out no amount of money can buy real security. When we make money our goal, we are bowing at the feet of a false god. 

Moses warned the Israelites that having material blessings can cause you to forget the Lord. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 19:23 it is hard for the rich to enter heaven. Money cannot give you the most important things in life. 

I heard Wayne Smith say in a sermon, “Money can buy a house but not a home. It can pay for a psychiatrist but not for peace of mind.” It will make it possible for you to enjoy the pleasures of this life, but it will not buy you real joy. It can buy you a bed, but not a restful night’s sleep. 

Satan would have us believe money is the answer to our problems, but money can cause more problems than it can solve. 

Time is on Our Side 

Maybe the biggest lie the devil tells is when it comes to giving our life to Christ, we have plenty of time. When sinners are confronted with their need for a savior, Satan will try and convince them they have plenty of time left to decide. They can always do this later at a more convenient time. 

Truth is we don’t know how much time we have left. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us, “You do not know what a day may bring” (NIV). 

The Scripture compares life to a shadow, a weaver’s shuttle, a handbreadth, and a vapor. Time has a way of slipping by, and before we know it, we have far more days behind us than we do ahead of us, so, my brothers and sisters, we need to be doing what needs to be done for God’s kingdom … right now. 

If you are reading this and you do believe Jesus is God’s Son and you are sorry for the sins you have committed, let me give you this challenge, right now put this magazine down and call a Christian and have them hear your confession and be baptized today (Acts 2:38). 

Friends, do not believe the lies of the evil one. Don’t fall into his trap. Give yourself totally to Christ and follow Him with all your heart. 

Gods bless you. 

Tony Sullivan is the Evangelist with the Lester Road Christian Church in Fairburn, GA. He is also an associate evangelist with the CRA.