Monday, January 25, 2021

The Devil's Schemes

By Ron Adams

FACTS
Stop signs don’t stop cars–people still fail to stop.
Laws don’t stop crime–people still commit crimes.
God’s commandments don’t stop sin–people still sin.

When something is prohibited by law or command it doesn’t prevent someone from doing it. Road signs only regulate traffic. Laws against an activity only state that it is against the law to do it. God’s prohibitions only state what is forbidden. The “teeth” in a law or a command is in the punishment (consequence).

The tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden was easily accessible. There was no fence or wall around it. No locked gate. Adam and Eve had the ability and opportunity to eat it’s fruit at any time. God’s command did not keep them from eating the fruit of that tree.
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GOD SAID
The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17

SERPENT SAID The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die. For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

SATAN’S STRATEGY
Deny the consequence. Won’t die.
(Plant the seed of doubt.)

Promote the benefits. Will gain knowledge, be like God.(Plant the seed of desire.) Question God’s motive. Why?
(Plant the seed of distrust.)

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
First – Doubt the consequences. (Doubt either the possibility or the severity.)
DEFENSE: Don’t doubt or question the awesome power of God.

Second – Consider the benefits. (Savor the thought of having or doing.)
DEFENSE: Look past it and focus on the consequences that will surely follow.

Third – Question the reason for the prohibition. (Why is it prohibited?)
DEFENSE: Realize your wisdom is limited; trust God’s infinite wisdom.
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STAND FIRM

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.1 John 5:3

God’s commands are given for our benefit: 
(1) to lead us in the right direction and, 
(2) to keep us from harm.
- Ron Adams publishes F.Y.C., a monthly publication. Bible references are from the NASB except where another translation is referenced. Back issues are archived at http://ra10ar.com Be thoughtful and kind. All rights reserved. © 2021


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