Red suit, horns, pointed beard, a long tail and pitchfork. This is how many see the devil. And the devil is probably pleased with this depiction, because he knows that this portrayal is deceptive. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
The word "Satan" means "adversary." Satan truly is our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). He attacks the weak with the cunning of a lion.
Three Lies of the Devil
"It will make you happy."
Satan wants us to think that sin will give us a full and happy life (Genesis 3:1-6). Let us remember, though, that any happiness that sin brings is only temporary. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Ephesians 4:28)
- Drugs and alcohol (Proverbs 20:1). They never provide long-term happiness - only mounting troubles and endless woes.
- Premarital sex (Hebrews 13:4). Fornication is a major lie of the devil.
"It's nobody's business but my own."
Satan wants us to think that our concerns are ours only and never anyone else's (1 Corinthians 5:6). So called "private sins" always affect others sooner or later (1 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 12:36; Numbers 22:33)."Everybody's doing it."
Actually everybody is not doing it (Hebrews 11:24-26). If we can justify doing it because others are, then we can just as easily justify not doing it because we can see others who aren't. We certainly would not jump off the cliff though others are. Why would we consider living life down the "broad path" that leads to spiritual destruction just because we see others doing so? Seeing others committing sin does not make it right for us (Matthew 7:13; Exodus 23:2).
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Genesis 3:1-6
1 Now the serpent was more subtil 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?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 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.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 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.1 Corinthians 6:9,10
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Numbers 22:33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
Hebrews 11:24-26
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
