Deceived

Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Genesis 3:13, NIV

It may be tempting to think that Satan's war against God began in Eden with the temptation of Eve. It is more accurate to say his war against mankind began there. When we first see Satan he has already fallen and his rebellion is underway.

Of the many weapons which he could employ in this war, which did he choose to employ? A classic Chinese text, taught in every War College gives us the answer: "All warfare is based on deception." (The Art of War, by Sun Tzu).

Now what is the defense against this great deceiver? How can man possibly fight against the mighty angel called Satan?

Actually, the confrontation in Eden was a pushover for Satan. No contest.

In case I suddenly keel over I will quickly make my point. Let us look at a very different battle, one in which Satan, great as he is,. was defeated, at least in this instance. What could be a greater match than Satan and Lord Jesus?

We learn so much when we see the weapon chosen by Our Lord to stop Satan. This is given to us in Luke chapter 4:1-13. It is the Word of God, the Bible. Now the One who walked on water, calmed the storm, and raised the dead chose as his weapon one available to us also.

Now I will pretend I am a teacher giving a test:

Which primary weapon do you choose in your battle against the Devil?

1. Living a good life, as in the Sermon on the Mount
2. Doing the best you can
3. The golden Rule
4. An ecstatic experience, such as tongues
5. Sound doctrine from the Bible

You may object that I have left out prayer. I believe it is the preparation for our battle with Satan. But not even prayer, which we are warned not to mis-apply, can be the greatest weapon in combat. Proof: the example of Jesus.

The above is subject to disagreement by thinking people. Disagreement can be a wonderful thing.